Abstract

This article examines the transformative impact of Forman Christian College, a chartered university, on Pakistani society, highlighting its unique Christian identity, resilience, and historical significance over 160 years. It details Forman’s contributions through academic programs, diverse community engagement, and holistic student development among both Christian and Muslim communities. Insights into Forman’s future direction under Rector Jonathan Addleton emphasize quality assurance and international linkages. The article underscores Forman’s role as a beacon of hope and transformation in Pakistan’s Muslim-majority context. The article concludes by discussing future implications and lessons from Forman’s legacy, emphasizing its model of Christian witness in restricted contexts.

Introduction 

This article examines the significant impact of Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) on Pakistan, emphasizing its role as a catalyst for change, hope, and transformation. The first section delves into Forman’s distinctive Christian identity, resilience, and historical evolution over the past 160 years, encompassing both the pre-independence era and the nearly eight decades since Pakistan’s independence in 1947. The second section outlines Forman’s unique contributions to Pakistan through its academic programs, diverse community, financial aid services, employment opportunities, holistic student development, and broader societal engagement. The final section of the article provides insights into Forman’s future trajectory under the leadership of Rector Jonathan Addleton, with a particular focus on quality assurance and international linkages. The article concludes by exploring the future implications and lessons derived from Forman’s historical legacy and unique experiences. Additionally, it emphasizes Forman as a model of Christian witness in contexts where religious expression is restricted. 

History and Context 

Forman has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education in Pakistan throughout its history. The campus is situated on 104 beautiful acres in Lahore, a city whose history can be traced back to the first century. Today, Lahore’s population exceeds 13 million, and Forman is situated right in the center of the city. Founded by Presbyterian educational missionary Charles Forman in 1864, it is the second oldest university in Pakistan.

Dr. Charles Forman,  a Presbyterian Church of the USA missionary, launched the school by starting to teach street boys under a banyan tree in Lahore around 1849. Initially known as Lahore Mission College, the name was officially changed to Forman Christian College in 1894 to honor the founder after his death. During the early years, degrees were awarded through Calcutta University in what was then British India. In 1907, FCC became affiliated with the University of Punjab, ensuring recognition of its degrees and facilitating academic collaboration. In 2004, the Punjab provincial assembly awarded Forman chartered university status, enabling it to offer its own degrees. 

In 1902 Forman became the first college in what was then India to admit women into its programs; thus, it became the first co-educational college of India. Over the decades, outstanding faculty have served at the institution. Indeed, one faculty member – Dr. Arthur Compton, later president of Washington University in St. Louis – received the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1927.

Throughout its history, Forman has faced many challenges, including the violence that accompanied the partition of British India into the independent nations of India and Pakistan in 1947. An estimated 14 million people were displaced during the summer and fall of 1947 and about 2 million were killed as Hindus and Sikhs fled Pakistan to India and Muslims in modern-day India fled to Pakistan (Doshi and Medhi, 2017). The unprecedented number of refugees accompanied by communal violence shook the fabric of South Asian society. As a result of these traumatic events, the number of faculty and students at Forman also declined. As a partial response to the crisis, two Forman dormitories were temporarily used as refugee hospitals to serve the injured, forming the nucleus of what later became United Christian Hospital.

1971 marked the start of another crisis in Pakistan. In this case, political turmoil and armed conflict led to a third war between India and Pakistan as well as the secession of East Pakistan to form the independent country of Bangladesh. Following this catastrophe, Pakistan’s new Prime Minister, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, took office with what he described as an Islamic socialist agenda that included the nationalization of banks, industries, and educational institutions. As Bhutto framed it in his first address as Pakistan’s new leader, he promised to build a “democratic, progressive and proud” country (Paracha, 2016). Against this backdrop, the government took over Forman Christian College and renamed it Government F.C. College. All faculty and staff became government employees.

Bhutto, a civilian leader, dominated Pakistani politics throughout much of the 1970s. However, the 1980s saw a reversion to military rule, in this case under General Zia ul-Haq, who further strengthened Pakistan’s ties to the Middle East while advancing an Islamic agenda. These developments affected Forman, turning it into a center of student agitation and religious extremism. As a result, the Christian missionary spirit that had marked Forman’s early years was lost. At the same time, the number of faculty and staff ballooned as unmotivated government employees were appointed to easy posts – even as the student body became highly politicized and on occasion resorted to violence and strikes, making teaching and learning difficult. At one point, Forman students from the fundamentalist political party Jamiat-i-Islami (Jamiat-i-Tulaba) turned the college into a “headquarters” for “indoctrination”: they kidnapped students from other universities and brought them to Forman to be subjected to propaganda. 

Although the Pakistani government had assumed control of Forman’s administration upon nationalization, technically, the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) still owned Forman’s property. At the same time, members of Pakistan’s Christian community responded to the uncertain situation by having squatters move into vacant buildings and rooms, including some hostel space; temporary housing was also built on vacant land. This action was taken to protect the property from being stolen or misused by other entities and to maintain a Christian presence on campus during a time of uncertainty. While this initiative protected the college’s property, it also created management challenges and strained the college’s resources. When the college was eventually returned to the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA), these challenges had to be addressed during the process of denationalization and restoration of the institution’s educational mission.

Throughout this period, individuals from both Pakistan and the United States engaged in mostly fruitless discussions aimed at returning the entire institution to the PCUSA. It was not until the early 2000s that these efforts finally elicited a sympathetic response from the Pakistani government. This success was helped in part by support from Forman’s extensive alumni network, which by this time included General Musharraf, the then-president of Pakistan. On March 19, 2003, Forman was returned to PCUSA oversight. On the same day, the PCUSA handed management of Forman to a private Board of Directors, giving it authority to act in all matters related to the management of the college and the property. This historic event marked the beginning of Forman’s “denationalization,” as it returned to its previous status as a non-profit private institution. 

The institution that the PCUSA inherited was largely in shambles. Dr. Peter Armacost, president emeritus of Eckerd College in Florida, was appointed as the first principal of a denationalized Forman, a step that was not welcomed by certain extremist students who protested with slogans such as “Go Back, Peter, Go Back.” According to accounts of that period, some students even marched around the administration block carrying a coffin and shouting “Death to Peter Armacost!” Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments supported the institution. They provided police protection and even removed disruptive students, including Islamic extremists, from campus life.

Forman’s administration confronted other challenges during the early years of denationalization. For example, while Forman was under the Pakistani government’s control, the number of Christians students enrolled at Forman had declined to less than 20. At the same time, as many as 600 illegal residents, mostly from the Christian community, had occupied institutionally owned houses and hostel rooms. Once again, local authorities were supportive of Forman’s new administration as they sought to address these issues. By July 2010, the illegal occupation of the campus ended peacefully. 

Other early challenges included accommodating faculty and staff who expressed a preference for remaining government employees. Forman’s new leaders assigned them to jobs elsewhere. Finally, as mentioned above, the new administration faced serious enrollment challenges that created accompanying financial difficulties. Yet here again the government offered support, in this case through time-limited financial assistance for infrastructure and the establishment of a small endowment.

On October 12, 2004, Forman finally received its University Charter from the Punjab Provincial Assembly. Since then, it has been authorized to set its own curriculum and exams and to grant degrees. This freedom has opened a path for Forman to pursue an American-style liberal arts curriculum. The first Forman class studying under the new four-year curriculum launched in 2005. In December 2016, the Punjab Assembly approved a further change in Forman’s charter that has given the institution a foundation for academic freedom and political non-interference.

These and other changes in Forman’s situation provided the institution with the confidence needed to pursue international accreditation. Forman chose to seek accreditation with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which has accredited some of the most prestigious institutions in the United States, including Harvard, Yale, and MIT.In addition, Forman established the Friends of Forman in the United States as a 501(c)(3) non-profit “support organization” (https://friendsofforman.org/). Friends is dedicated to supporting Forman’s mission by raising funds in the U.S. and elsewhere, with special emphasis on funding for scholarships and physical infrastructure.

Forman’s 160-year history demonstrates its resilience. It has weathered the storms of international and civil conflict, nationalization, and denationalization. Today, as one of Pakistan’s most historic, stable, and prestigious educational institutions, Forman takes pride in its list of notable alumni across various fields, including politics, academia, business, international affairs, and the arts. Distinguished alumni include two Presidents of Pakistan; a Prime Minister of India; a Chief Justice and Attorney General of Pakistan; several Governors and Chief Ministers; two of Pakistan’s Foreign Ministers; countless Ambassadors; a President of the UN Security Council; a Chairman of Pakistan’s Atomic Energy Commission; a Chairman of the Senate; and several Speakers of the National Assembly. Remarkably, the founders of both Pakistan’s and India’s Councils of Scientific and Industrial Research were “Old Formanites.” (for more information see https://edurank.org/uni/forman-christian-college/alumni/). Forman’s list of distinguished alumni across various fields highlights its significant impact on Pakistani and global society. This is rooted in Forman’s institutional goals to prepare students who are empowered, informed and responsible learners. These goals refer to equipping students with strong academic knowledge and ethical sensitivities. 

Christian Identity and Mission 

Forman is dedicated to its mission to “impart, create and disseminate knowledge and to develop informed, ethical and responsible citizens who are prepared and committed to learn, lead and serve; graduates who exemplify the FCCU motto, ‘By love serve one another’.” 

The University motto, “By love serve one another,” is derived from Galatians 5:13. The Forman community has shared commitment to the core values of integrity, commitment to excellence, discipline, justice, respect, and service to the community. Through these values, Forman fosters an environment of mutual respect. This approach promotes Christian witness and interfaith dialogue and understanding, bridging cultural and religious divides. The emphasis on moral development aligns with Christian values and also resonates with Muslim students and faculty. In this way, Forman not only nurtures professional growth but also contributes to social cohesion in a diverse society. This commitment to holistic education and community service exemplifies how a Christian institution can positively impact a predominantly Muslim context by fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and shared values.

As reported by Pakistan’s Bureau of Statistics, the population of Pakistan now stands at more than 240 million, making it the fifth most populous country in the world (https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2023/Press%20Release.pdf). Christians and Hindus constitute the largest two minorities, each accounting for about 1.6% of Pakistan’s total population, with Christians representing the largest religious minority in Punjab and Hindus representing the largest religious minority in Sind (https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/tables/population/POPULATION%20BY%20RELIGION.pdf).

A Christian presence in South Asia stretches back to the first century. (England, 1998, 1-3; Young, 1999, 26-27; Rooney, 1988, 16-31; Nazir-Ali, 2009, 27). According to tradition, Christianity was introduced to India by the Apostle Thomas who was reportedly martyred in South India in 58 AD. Other indications suggest that he visited the Indo-Parthian kingdom of King Gondophoros whose capital was at Taxila in present-day Pakistan (Moffett, 1992, 24-32; Rooney, 1984, 29-51; Neill, 1984, 26-30). As for the contemporary church in Pakistan, it is largely viewed as a product of the modern missionary movement “which began from the west in the sixteenth century, gained momentum in the eighteenth and reached its zenith in the nineteenth century” (Nazir-Ali, 1983, 143). Historically, Pakistan’s Christian community has made significant contributions to the country, in part through philanthropic work related to health and education. At the same time, much of the Christian community lives on the margins of society, facing deep-seated challenges involving poverty, discrimination, and low employment. 

Christians as a minority in Pakistan face numerous challenges rooted in social, economic, and political contexts. The economic disparity is evident in the job market, where Christians are often confined to low-paying, hazardous jobs without proper protective equipment, menial jobs such as sanitation work. Christian sanitation workers often face bullying, physical violence, and even death threats for minor offenses. The social hierarchy often dehumanizes poor Christians, viewing them as “unclean” and “inferior,” leading to mistreatment and violence. Economic hardships further exacerbate their plight, as many Christians are trapped in poverty with limited access to quality education and employment opportunities (https://www.nation.com.pk/09-May-2017/challenges-and-opportunities-for-christians-in-pakistan).  

Blasphemy laws also pose a severe threat to Christians, with false accusations often leading to mob violence, legal battles, and even extrajudicial killings. A recent example is the attack on the Christian community in Jaranwala in August 2023, when an angry mob attacked a Christian community and destroyed over 20 churches and 80 houses following false accusations of blasphemy. Forced conversions and abductions are another significant challenge, particularly for Christian women and girls. These incidents are often accompanied by threats of violence against the victims and their families, with little intervention from the authorities. The lack of legal protection and societal support makes it challenging for Christian families to seek justice and protection (https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/christians-in-pakistan-a-struggle-for-survival-and-success/). 

Despite these adversities, institutions like Forman continue to provide hope and opportunities for Christians, fostering an environment of inclusivity and support. As the only Christian university in Pakistan, Forman contributes to society in multiple ways, providing an excellent education to members of Pakistan’s majority population while also emerging as a source of pride and opportunity for its Christian community. Out of a total FCCU student population numbering 9324 students, 87% are Muslim, 12% are Christian, and 1% are from other religious faiths. Given that Christians represent a small minority of Pakistan’s total population, these numbers provide Forman’s Christian students with a unique opportunity to bear witness to their faith in a nurturing environment that honors and respects their commitment to extending the Kingdom of God to those around them. 

Furthermore, FCCU has provided various opportunities to Christians for higher education and employment that might otherwise have been difficult if not impossible to obtain. Forman opens its doors to first-generation Christian students to earn a Forman degree. This has in turn helped change lives within the Christian community. Indeed, dozens of children of Christian gardeners, cooks, drivers, security guards, and cleaning staff working on the Forman campus have completed their undergraduate degree and either opted for a graduate degree or found employment in a wide range of respected occupations. Against this backdrop, Forman is committed to strengthening Pakistan as well as the Christian community in Pakistan, engaging with students, faculty, and staff to impart ethical values, strengthen character, and positively contribute to society. 

Academic Offerings & Student Body 

Forman is a private, nonprofit co-educational institution in Pakistan, offering a diverse range of academic programs across six faculties: Business, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Education, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities. The institution provides a four-year, American-style liberal arts Bachelor’s degree program with 27 undergraduate majors, including a five-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy program. At the postgraduate level, FCCU offers 22 Master’s and 6 PhD programs. Notably, it is the only university in Pakistan offering a Higher Education Commission-recognized Master’s program in Biblical Studies, emphasizing its commitment to theological education and leadership development within the Christian community.

FCCU also offers five intermediate programs (equivalent to 11th and 12th grades in the U.S. system) for male students. In 2015, the institution established the Light of Hope School, which provides quality education at minimal cost to the children of service staff, many of whom are first-generation students from underprivileged backgrounds (https://www.fccollege.edu.pk/light-of-hope-school/).

These academic offerings reflect FCCU’s mission to “impart, create and disseminate knowledge and to develop informed, ethical and responsible citizens who are prepared and committed to learn, lead and serve; graduates who exemplify the FCCU motto, ‘By love serve one another’.”

Through systematic academic program review, Forman continuously seeks to align all academic programs with the institutional mission. Each program has a mission statement and learning outcomes that are interconnected with the institutional mission.  

Liberal Arts Education for Undergraduates

Forman is known as a pioneer of liberal arts education in Pakistan, as it offers an American-style liberal arts curriculum and approach. In particular, FCCU’s Bachelor’s degree is similar to programs offered at liberal arts colleges in the United States. This characteristic developed under the leadership of Forman’s first Rector, Peter Armacost, who helped FCCU analyze the models of Eckerd College, Ottawa University, Denison University, Wooster College, and other members of the Great Lakes Colleges Association to develop FCCU’s own four-year degree program (https://www.glca.org/). Successful completion of an undergraduate degree requires 124 credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better as well as a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in the major. As a liberal arts university, FCCU considers general education to be an essential element of the degree, ensuring that graduating students have obtained a breadth of knowledge beyond their immediate discipline. This requirement also helps students to integrate various fields of knowledge and build critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. FCCU patterns each undergraduate major, Master’s, and PhD program after peer institutions in the New England region of the U.S.  

Thanks to this unique, U.S.-style liberal arts approach, FCCU has played a key role in transforming higher education in Pakistan. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, an autonomous body established to fund, oversee, regulate, and accredit institutions of higher education in Pakistan, recognizes FCCU with approbation (https://www.hec.gov.pk). (HEC also provides various services such as degree attestation, degree equivalence, curriculum revision guidelines, grants, research collaborations, and academic policies and guidelines.) Adhering to HEC guidelines at times poses challenges for both public and private universities in Pakistan. Yet Forman has been successful in establishing a constructive relationship with the HEC, demonstrating strong leadership in advancing international standards of higher education in Pakistan while adhering to HEC guidelines. For example, FCCU’s practices contributed to discussions of the new HEC Undergraduate Policy in 2023. Similarly, Forman received praise from the HEC for hosting a major conference on quality assurance in 2024. Dozens of universities across Pakistan participated, either in-person or online.

Furthermore, thanks to the mindset generated by the liberal arts focus, Forman has emerged as a center for innovation and research. Its atmosphere fosters a culture of discovery among students and faculty. FCCU’s departments, centers, laboratories, and collaborations provide opportunities for interdisciplinary research and creative problem-solving. Through research, international conferences, and workshops, the institution has contributed to advancements in science, technology, and the humanities, addressing pressing challenges that are relevant to socioeconomic development in Pakistan and beyond. For example, the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization at FCCU fosters entrepreneurship and advances discovery through collaborative research initiatives. Additionally, the Population Research Center at FCCU has undertaken extensive studies on demographic trends and public health issues, providing critical insights that inform policymaking and contribute to socioeconomic development in Pakistan (https://www.fccollege.edu.pk/research-at-fccu/). 

Enrollment

One of FCC’s most significant contributions to social transformation lies in its promotion of cultural diversity and religious tolerance. As a Christian institution located in a predominantly Muslim country, Forman serves as a symbol of harmony, bringing together students from various religious, geographic, ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. Through informal and formal interfaith dialogue, cultural exchanges, and inclusive policies, the college has fostered a spirit of social cohesion and challenged prejudices.

To nurture diversity, the student statement declares that Forman is:

committed to preserving the diversity of our campus population while maintaining high academic standards . . . Throughout our history, we have served the poor and minority students alongside the wealthy and powerful. In recent times, we have renewed our commitment to helping to educate minorities, marginalized communities, and those from poor rural backgrounds. In addition, we focus on ways to attract more women to our campus, particularly those from areas with little or no access to education for women above the intermediate level. (https://www.fccollege.edu.pk/wp-content/uploads/Student-Statement_FCCU.pdf) 

With its unique historical legacy, Forman might have chosen to serve Pakistan’s elite class only. However, it has made an intentional commitment to serve women, religious minorities, and students from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds.  

Rapid growth in enrollment characterized the college’s early years. Enrollment expanded from 18 students in 1886 to 130 in 1890, 311 in 1900, 426 in 1910, and 600 in 1915. By the time the college was nationalized in 1972, enrollment had reach 1,500 (Postgraduate catalog 2016-2017, 8; “Introduction to FCCU,” 3). Today Forman’s student enrollment is 9,324, including 5,764 university students and 3,560 college/intermediate students (boys only) . Women comprise 48% of the university student body. 

The following table, from the Fall 2024 campus profile, provides a picture of enrollment by gender and religion. 

(All current data is from Forman’s Institutional Research Office, which is currently headed by Sarah Suleman.) It includes enrollment figures for the following programs: Intermediate, Intensive English Academic Preparation, Undergraduate, Doctor of Pharmacy, and Postgraduate and Professional Studies. 

One particular area of emphasis for FCCU is service to women. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 49% of the country’s total population are women (https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/labour_force/publications/lfs2020_21/tables/Table_1.pdf). Among this female population, the literacy rate is only 46.5%, which indicates a dire need to expand opportunities for female education (https://www.statista.com/statistics/572781/literacy-rate-in-pakistan/). Therefore, Forman has intentionally recruited more female students, resulting in a noticeable increase in female enrollment. In fact, at the postgraduate level, women now account for 481 out of 651 (74%) students. Over the past five years, undergraduate admission rates for female students have also grown, from 34% (287 out of 836 new students) in 2018 to 45% (549 out of 1,219 new students) in 2023 (NECHE Self-Study 2024, Chapter 5: Students, 48).

Forman’s Strategic Plan (2018-2024) target of 50% female enrollment by 2024 is on the verge of being met. At the same time, it continues its efforts to make higher education more accessible to women. One example here is Forman’s Women Empowerment Scholarship Program, launched in 2022 to serve underserved and under-represented areas. This initiative includes three fully funded scholarships for exceptionally talented female students from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province and adjacent tribal areas. Also, beginning in Fall 2023, Forman’s Financial Aid and Scholarships Office made full support (including meals, accommodation, and tutoring) available to four women from Sindh province. In addition, under-served local women from Lahore were invited to participate in these preparatory sessions. Out of twenty participants, nine women passed the entrance test, and three were invited to enroll in Forman’s pre-university intensive English program. These newly admitted women are mainly first-generation students. 

Student Success 

The Forman framework for student success is grounded in its mission, vision, core values, and ten commitments. Forman defines student success as a journey towards holistic development – one that integrates academic excellence, personal growth, interpersonal relationships, and social responsibility. Our students embark on a transformative journey of self-directed and lifelong learning, empowering them to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. Our aim is to prepare discerning individuals who lead with purpose and responsibly serve their family, country, and global community for a sustainable future (https://www.fccollege.edu.pk/students-success/).

FCCU places a strong emphasis on developing graduates who excel academically and possess strong character, aiming to shape responsible citizens of Pakistan.

Academically, efforts to achieve student success involve particular attention to students from the margins of society and to first-generation students. For example, the Academic Advising Center contacts students who are struggling academically to help them reach a better academic standing by providing a tailored roadmap to assist them in meeting their academic goals. 

Forman makes a variety of opportunities for holistic development available to each student. The Student Affairs Division makes services and co-curricular activities available in two categories: academic and personal. For example, the Campus Life and Wellness branch offers comprehensive services to address the physical, psychological, recreational, and residential needs of the student body. Forman also offers programs to nurture the spiritual life of Christian students through the Christian Life Program (CLP). CLP offers daily or weekly counselling, Bible studies, and prayer opportunities. Forman also provides Muslim students with access to two on-campus mosques, and these students have freedom to practice their faith. 

Forman supports 36 student societies covering a wide range of interests (http://www.fccsocieties.org/directory/). These societies play a crucial role in enhancing the student experience by providing students with opportunities outside the classroom to develop leadership and foster a culture of entrepreneurship. Many FCC alumni have gone on to occupy influential positions in government, business, academia, and civil society, and leadership experiences within the context of various student societies have helped equip these alumni to assume leadership positions with confidence. 

Many of our students pursue graduate programs abroad; some have received prestigious international scholarships, including Fulbright fellowships (U.S.), Global Undergraduate Exchange Program Awards (U.S.), Erasmus Fellowships (E.U.), McBain Fellowships (Canada), Monbukagakusho Fellowships (Japan), and Chevening Fellowships (U.K.). 

Financial Aid

Pakistan’s economic landscape reveals a number of financial challenges. The total population now exceeds 240 million, and the unemployment rate is estimated at approximately 8%. GDP growth is placed at 2.5%, and the inflation rate is estimated at 23.6% (https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/profile/PAK). During the last two years, Pakistan has witnessed a significant devaluation of the Pakistani Rupee against the US Dollar (USD), so that 1 USD is now equal to 278.13 Pakistani Rupees. Nearly 40% of Pakistan’s population live below the poverty line, and the poverty rate for Christians, generally viewed as ranking among “the poorest of the poor”, is even higher (Kozul-Wright, 2024).   

In light of this tough economic setting, Forman faces the challenge of maintaining financial stability while fulfilling its mission – which, in this context, includes ministry to those who are economically disadvantage. Practically, this purpose requires Forman to seek to provide resources to members of marginalized communities who need help to complete their education. Despite continued political uncertainty and economic turbulence, Forman has maintained a stable financial position.

Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for both undergraduate and post-graduate students. These include need-based financial aid, merit-based scholarships, student work-study program, special-needs scholarships, emergency relief funds, zakat funds, Christian student support funds, and financial aid for Pakistan’s marginalized communities. This network of support gives financial assistance to over 1,200 students. Since the launch of its financial aid programs in 2008, Forman has distributed over two billion rupees in scholarships to 30,000 beneficiaries. During the 2022-2023 academic year alone, some 325 million rupees ($1.28 million USD) was distributed among 2,100 students (https://www.fccollege.edu.pk/financial-aid/).

In addition to financial support offered through the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, FCCU has another mechanism through which students can receive one-time financial assistance when faced with a major unexpected shift in financial status. Multiple student-centered departments form the Financial Appeals Committee, which reviews special appeals from students who are facing unforeseen economic hardships. Students struggling to pay their fees may apply to the Financial Appeals Committee to seek financial assistance. After reviewing these requests, the committee may recommend additional financial aid or a relaxation in payment deadlines. 

Faculty and Staff Diversity

Forman celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The 459 full-time and visiting faculty teaching at Forman have advanced degrees from 21 countries; in addition, a small number of expatriate faculty and staff from the U.S., Australia, Portugal, and the Netherlands further add to Forman’s diversity. Students will encounter many different cultural perspectives in their classes.

Although Forman is located in a Muslim-majority context, about 20% of its faculty are Christians, a ratio it has maintained over the last decade. 

Furthermore, approximately 1,000 non-teaching staff are employed at Forman, including security, gardeners, and janitors; of this number, some 69% are from the Christian community.

Of course, Forman’s faculty and staff includes members of Pakistan’s majority population, including its Shia and Ahmadi communities. Members of these non-Christian communities have expressed appreciation for Forman’s welcoming environment. They often say that they feel safe and respected on the Forman campus. 

Forman takes great pride in its faculty and staff and in their contributions to society. Most recently, Dr. Kauser Abdullah Malik, Forman’s Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Director of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), served as Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research in the caretaker government. 

Service to the Community 

Community service is a core Forman value. This culture of service, echoed in Forman’s motto (“By Love serve one another”), extends beyond the campus walls, making a tangible impact on the lives of marginalized communities. 

Forman’s Poverty Action Lab provides one example of how FCCU serves the society. A research and action center, the Poverty Action Lab works to alleviate poverty through equality by empowering marginalized individuals, and groups with skill training, capacity building, and grassroots development. Most recently, the Poverty Lab established a sewing center in a rural community to enable young women to develop marketable skills and thereby escape poverty. 

Forman also manages a small special needs school and recently launched an adult literacy program to provide education to adults. Given that Pakistan’s current literacy rate is 66.3%, some 60 million Pakistanis remain unable to read or write. In this context, Forman continues to seek to provide hope to the underprivileged. 

Strategic Direction

On the inauguration of Forman’s third and current Rector Dr. Jonathan Addleton, outgoing Rector Dr. James Tebbe expressed his “wholehearted endorsement” for his successor. For his part, Dr. Addleton affirmed FCCU’s unique status in his own opening remarks: 

We are conscious of our role as the only minority-led University in Pakistan. We are also well aware of the important part we can play demonstrating creative and alternative approaches to higher education. Among other things, we have seen the transforming power of a broad-based Liberal Arts education model and demonstrating its relevance for Pakistan which has a huge demand for education at all levels. (https://friendsofforman.org/News/Inauguration-Ceremony—Dr-Jonathan-S-Addleton-New-Rector-of-FCCU) 

As the new Rector, Dr. Addleton highlighted two areas of focus: first, deepening international connections; and second, strengthening institutional quality. Forman remains fully committed to pursuing U.S. accreditation with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a goal also voiced by Forman’s first two post-denationalization Rectors, Dr. Peter Armacost and Dr. James Tebbe. Indeed, U.S. accreditation as a supplement to various local accreditations has long been viewed as an important step in further strengthening the institution as part of its return to private non-profit university status. Now, having achieved Candidacy status, Forman is well along the path toward NECHE initial accreditation as the next step in a process which should eventually lead to full membership.

The accreditation process provides FCCU with an important opportunity to reflect on its unique history while evaluating the institution’s current state, even as it looks toward the future. As part of its application for candidacy, Forman prepared a 270-page Self Study exploring every aspect of the institution. Among other things, this process resulted in a new framework and definition for student success. In addition, Forman linked the NECHE application process with the preparation of a new strategy to cover 2024-2030, ensuring that both processes proceed concurrently and that progress in one area helps inform progress in the other. The new draft strategy focuses on seven themes: excellence assurance; promotion of student success; community health and well-being; enhancement of teaching, learning and research; sustainable environment; financial and resource resilience; and the promotion of Forman’s unique identity. These themes will help the institution to set goals and tactics to meet its strategic priorities while also enhancing institutional effectiveness.

In particular, as part of an ongoing effort to establish and maintain a robust culture of assessment, Forman introduced Watermark’s Planning and Self Study System, designed to assesses and track the alignment of program goals, student assessment, curriculum planning, learning experience, and student outcomes (https://www.watermarkinsights.com/). 

Lessons

Resilience and Adaptability:Forman’s history demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of numerous challenges, including political turmoil, nationalization, and denationalization. The institution’s ability to navigate these crises and emerge stronger highlights the importance of flexibility and perseverance. This resilience is a testament to the dedication of its leadership, faculty, and community, who have continuously worked to uphold the college’s mission and core values despite external pressures.

Commitment to Inclusive and Holistic Education:Throughout its history, Forman has maintained a steadfast commitment to Christian identity and provided an inclusive and holistic education. By being the first college in India to admit women and by fostering an environment that values diversity and academic excellence, Forman has set a precedent for educational institutions in the region. This commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive education has not only enhanced the institution’s reputation but also contributed to the development of well-rounded, socially responsible leaders who have made significant contributions to various fields. 

Christian Witness in a Restricted Context:Forman stands as a model of Christian witness in contexts where religious expression is sometimes restricted, not just for Pakistan but globally. For example, over the decades the college has been committed to serving students from both elite and deprived backgrounds. Thanks to its diverse faculty and student bodies, FCCU exemplifies how faith-based institutions can foster unity in religiously diverse and restricted societies.Furthermore, Forman’s influence extends beyond its campus through community engagement, outreach programs, and the contributions of its alumni in both private and government sectors. These efforts showcase the transformative power of education rooted in Christian values. This approach benefits the immediate community and serves as a model for other institutions, demonstrating how faith and education can work together to extend God’s kingdom in unique ways. By embodying the principles of love, service, and perseverance, FCCU inspires hope and sets a standard for others to follow, proving that even in the most challenging contexts, a steadfast dedication to Christian values can create a positive impact.

Implications for the Future: Forman faces both significant challenges and growth opportunities. Opportunities for growth include strengthening international partnerships, expanding academic programs in emerging fields such as data science and artificial intelligence, and fostering research. On the other hand, Forman faces several significant challenges. Socially, FCCU contends with the marginalization and economic hardships faced by the Christian minority in Pakistan, including limited access to quality education and employment opportunities. As these facts pressure the lives of individuals in its community, they also often strain the institution’s resources as it attempts to help these individuals. In addition, Forman must balance this mission to support economically disadvantaged students with the need for financial sustainability, so it has to rely heavily on scholarships, financial aid, and government support. On that same topic, the college strives to maintain stability in a challenging economic landscape characterized by high inflation, unemployment, and currency devaluation. These challenges are compounded by the need to maintain high academic standards by pursuing US accreditation with NECHE.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building on a historical legacy that goes back to 1864, FCCU has helped shape individuals, communities, and society in a variety of ways. Maintaining its unique Christian identity within the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, it has weathered the storms of partition, nationalization, and denationalization, emerging after each of these challenges in an even stronger position than before. Now well into its post-nationalization era, Forman is known to be one of the best private universities in Pakistan. 

Over the years, Forman has inspired generations of students in Pakistan. It continues to change lives by providing students with a transformative liberal arts educational experience, fostering holistic development, offering significant financial aid, promoting diversity and inclusion, nurturing social responsibility and service, and cultivating leadership and innovation. As part of its new strategy, Forman remains committed to enhancing its quality and still further as part of its continuing effort to become an even better part of society. 

Author Bio: Dr. Gloria Calib serves as the Associate Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Assistant Professor at Forman Christian College University (FCCU), where she oversees US accreditation, strategic planning, international academic partnerships,, and student academic affairs. With over 20 years of Christian ministry alongside her husband, who is the Senior Pastor of International Christian Fellowship Lahore, she focuses on leadership development, church growth, and mission mobilization. Dr. Calib holds a PhD in Missiology (London School of Theology, Middlesex University) and received the Best PhD Award from SPCK in 2017 for her research on mission engagement in Pakistan.

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