About Professional Education Foundation
The Professional Education Foundation (PEF) is a nonprofit dedicated to a single objective: ensuring that high-achieving Pakistani students are not denied professional education due to financial constraints.
Founded in 2009 by Hafiz ul Haq, PEF began with 88 students in Karachi. Today, Providing financial assistance for the professional education of 27,500 students across 41 universities since inception.
For Pakistani Americans who want to give back, PEF USA is the most direct path from your donation to a student's degree. Every dollar of the donation goes directly to student tuition; the Board of Governors underwrites all administrative and operational costs independently.
Sharia-compliant
A dedicated advisor reviews all Zakat eligibility
Priority for Students Without Family
Orphaned students receive priority for funding.
93% PCP transparency score
Ranked among the top five of more than 450 audited charities in Pakistan.
Audited by A.F. Ferguson & Co.
Every rupee is fully accounted for.
Distinguished Supporters & Team
The Visionary Behind the Scholarship Program
Mr. Asad Jamal is the Chairman of Good Planet Foundation and ePlanet Capital and is amongst the most successful investors in the Silicon Valley and renowned for his philanthropic contributions. On behalf of the Trustees and Board of Governors of PEF-Pakistan, we welcome him to the Board of Governors of PEF and extend our heartiest gratitude to him for his unwavering support to PEF since 2015. He has shown his strong commitment to PEF by consistently increasing his donations every year. This has empowered hundreds of deserving students to pursue their dreams of a professional career and provide a better life for their families. In the FY 2024-25, he became the largest donor of PEF, supporting more than 530 scholarships enabling them to access quality education and transform their lives beyond imagination. In recognition to his continued commitment, PEF is honoured to name this remarkable initiative as
In the FY 2024-25, he became the largest donor of PEF, supporting more than 530 scholarships enabling them to access quality education and transform their lives beyond imagination. In recognition to his continued commitment, PEF is honoured to name this remarkable initiative as
Mr. Asad Jamal
Advisor USA Chapter
Maryam Haq Rahman
Maryam has spent 15+ years supporting, growing, and founding education-focused nonprofits. She served 10 years on the board of Development in Literacy (DIL) San Francisco, expanding access to quality education for children, and 3 years on the board of the Asian University for Women (AUW) Japan, advancing higher education for women across Asia. She founded the Silicon Valley Chapter of the Professional Education Foundation (PEF), enabling underprivileged students to pursue higher-education. Her lifelong commitment reflects the belief that education is the most powerful driver of opportunity, empowerment, and national transformation, shaped by global citizenship and her enduring connection to Pakistan.
Founder Silicon valley chapter
Fahad Ansari
Fahad is passionate about helping his fellow Pakistanis and is involved with multiple nonprofit organizations supporting low-income families in Pakistan. “I believe that education is the surest way for poverty alleviation and found PEF’s mission fully aligned with my thinking”. It gives me profound satisfaction when I hear about the life changing stories of PEF’s alumni.”
President PEF USA
How every investment creates lasting opportunity through PEF
With just $400 per year you can change the life of a whole family in 4 to 5 years
The Economics of a Funded Degree
This isn't charity.
It's the fastest way to end poverty in Pakistan.
A graduate earns back their full degree cost
The fastest return on investment of any charitable program
Lifts an entire family out of poverty permanently
A single PEF graduate increases household income by an average of 340%, affecting four to six dependents.
Voices of Support
Words of encouragement from our distinguished supporters and brand ambassadors
For the last 16 years, all the directors of this organization have been trying to bring a change in Pakistan, and this change can only happen because of education. I have never asked anyone for money, but for this organization, I am saying that, “You do whatever you can because all these children belong to this country.” These are all your children. These are my children. Pakistan Zindabad.
Mr. Anwar Maqsood
A Pakistani playwright, television host, and actor.
He has received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz and the Lifetime Achievement award.
Professional Education Foundation’s appeal for zakat donations has a special significance. PEF’s services prove how zakat can be validly used to go far beyond immediate relief to enable vitally important transformation. How gifted, capable young individuals with proven merit but who do not have funds can be given crucial, timely support in order to achieve life-changing higher education. For the benefit of Pakistan and of humanity, and of their own lives. PEF deserves your invaluable support.
Mr. Javed Jabbar
Former Information Minister.
A Pakistani writer, politician.
Who is not aware of the importance of education? However, due to lack of facilities and many more reasons the education sector didn’t make the required progress, but there are still a few sympathetic people out there who are working towards this cause and striving to bring the people of our nation out of illiteracy and exposing them to the light of knowledge. Professional Education Foundation is one such institution, it is full of compassionate people committed towards bringing the light of education and hope to the people of Pakistan. I am a strong ally of this organization and the work they are doing all around Pakistan. I admire their pledge to bring kids out of the darkness and into the light.
Mr. Amjad Saqib
Akhuwat’s Founder/CEO
World's largest interest free micro finance program.
Selection & Disbursement
Institutional Admission
The candidate secures admission to a partner professional school based solely on academic merit.
Financial Verification
Household income and asset documentation are independently audited to confirm the candidate cannot finance the degree without intervention.
Committee Review
An independent selection committee assesses each candidate based on academic potential and professional aspirations. The process is entirely independent of donor influence.
Direct Allocation
Upon selection, donor funds are disbursed directly to the institution. The student receives a tuition credit, not cash.
Progress Monitoring
Degree completion and academic standing are tracked annually. Funding disbursements are contingent on sustained academic performance.
From Scholarship to Career
PEF scholar at National University of Sciences and Technology. Now serving in a Scale 17 government role.
Rehaab Ali
Empowering the next generation of professionals.
PEF didn't just fund my education they restored my family's hope and dignity.
Zain Ul Abedien
Now co-founder of Vyro, behind a globally ranked AI platform
PEF scholar from University of Engineering and Technology Lahore. Now an international designer joining Al Fahim Group in Dubai.
Ume Aman
Achieving academic excellence through education.