A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed between Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan and the Department of Gender Studies, University of the Punjab, on 22nd April 2026 at the office of the Chairperson, Department of Gender Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore.

The agreement was signed by Professor Dr. Rubina Zakar, Chairperson, Department of Gender Studies, and Dr Ahmed Jibran Baloch, National Director Education Program, Alkhidmat Foundation, Pakistan.

The Memorandum of Understanding outlines a framework for sustained academic and community-oriented collaboration between the Department and Alkhidmat Foundation. Key areas of partnership include joint research initiatives on social development issues, internship and field placement opportunities for students within Alkhidmat’s ongoing programmes, and capacity-building workshops, seminars, and training sessions. The collaboration also envisions knowledge exchange through guest lectures and expert engagements, as well as the development of community outreach projects aimed at addressing education, gender, and social welfare concerns. This partnership is expected to bridge academic insight with practical intervention, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship that contributes to both institutional growth and societal impact.

The occasion was also attended by External Linkages team of DGS; Dr Ambreen Salahuddin (Convenor) and team members Ms. Nazia Abdul Ghaffar and Ms. Nudrat Kamal. All faculty members of Department of Gender Studies were also present at the time of signing.