Education, Dedication And Humanity: The Saga Of Malik Salahudddin And The University Of Rasool Mandi Bhauddin

By: Muhammad Adnan Gujjar

“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low… the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” These timeless words of Martin Luther King Jr. resonate far beyond the shores of America. They live today in the heart of a dreamer from Mandi Bahauddin—a remote yet culturally rich region of Pakistan. This land, celebrated for its beauty, bravery, and wisdom, has long been the cradle of warriors, scholars, radicals, and visionaries who have stood against ignorance and darkness. Among these great sons is Malik Salahuddin Advocate, whose very name evokes the spirit of Salahuddin Ayyubi, the legendary liberator. With unparalleled resolve and dedication, Malik Salahuddin has rightfully earned the title of the “Salahuddin Ayyubi of Mandi Bahauddin.

Recalling his student days at Punjab University Lahore, Mr. Malik shared an interesting incident. He said that during his time as a law student when he was the President of Student Union at Punjab University in 1978, students from remote areas like himself could barely speak a single sentence in English. He was amazed to hear students from prestigious institutions in cities like Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Murree, and other major urban centers of Pakistan speak English fluently. It was then that he envisioned the need for such an educational institution in Mandi Bahauddin.

From the early 1980s to 1998, he consistently pursued this dream, but no administrative authority was willing to consider the project of DJPSC. He remains grateful to Rana Shoukat Ali and Dewan Mushtaq, whose support turned his visionary idea into reality with the establishment of DJPSC in 1998. As the Chairman of the Municipal Committee Mandi Bahauddin and under the wise guidance of Dewan Mushtaq, this remarkable institution came into existence — a significant achievement for the DCO Rana Shoukat Ali (Late) of that time and the tireless efforts of Mr. Malik, who worked selflessly for the betterment of the people of Mandi Bahauddin.

Mr. Malik repeatedly expressed his deep gratitude to Dewan Mushtaq. He acknowledged that Dewan Mushtaq consistently owned and championed every positive initiative in the education sector, treating each project as his own. Mr. Malik praised his selfless contributions, particularly in establishing the Municipal Jinnah Library, Nawaz Sharif Girls College, and securing land for the Government Girls High School Mandi Bahauddin. He wholeheartedly admitted that without Dewan Mushtaq commitment, dedication, and motivation, these educational milestones would have remained mere dreams.

Mr. Malik further shared the story behind another vital project — the Nawaz Sharif Degree College for Girls, Mandi Bahauddin — a contribution close to his heart. Once, while visiting the Government College for Women, he noticed the overcrowded classrooms where many students appeared suffocated due to lack of space. Moved by the scene, he proposed the plan for a new college, which later materialized as the Nawaz Sharif Degree College for Girls, now serving as a significant institution for the young women of Mandi Bahauddin.

Mr. Malik also played a key role in reclaiming the land of the Government Girls High School from illegal occupation by the land mafia, situated in front of Government High School Mandi Bahauddin. Sharing another touching incident, he recalled how Miss Hameeda Yousef, former Headmistress of the Government High School, once called him to report the miserable condition of two girls who had fainted due to extreme heat. She requested additional land, which at that time was occupied by the Livestock Hospital. Without delay, and with the assistance of Dewan Mushtaq, Mr. Malik resolved the issue by relocating the animal hospital to the outskirts of Mandi Bahauddin. Today, the expansive area of the Government High School owes much to his vision and efforts — a fact often unknown to many.

Another heartwarming initiative he introduced was in 1988, during the tenure of Mian Waheed as Chairman of the Municipal Committee, Mandi Bahauddin. As Chairman of the Education Committee, Mr. Malik launched a scheme of 10 scholarships, each worth 1,000 rupees. Later, when he himself became Chairman of the Municipal Committee, Mandi Bahauddin in 1998, this initiative was expanded to benefit 20 students with scholarships of 2,000 rupees each. Additionally, he arranged for the installation of electric water coolers in 11 primary schools. These contributions reflect his philanthropic spirit. Despite coming from a humble background, his passion and love for education made him a distinguished and towering figure among the pioneers of education in Mandi Bahauddin.

Malik Salahuddin’s contributions to education are not new. In 1999, he played a crucial role in establishing the Municipal Jinnah Library in Mandi Bahauddin, a lasting symbol of his belief in the transformative power of knowledge. While the name of Dewan Mushtaq is associated with this achievement, the unseen and tireless efforts of Malik Salahuddin were equally significant. At the same time, Mr. Malik introduced three Master’s programs in the Government Postgraduate College Mandi Bahauddin: M.A. English, MSc Economics, and M.A. Islamic Studies. He also inaugurated the BSc program in Government Graduate College for Women.

Recently, an advertisement announcing the establishment of the University of Rasool Mandi Bhauddin caught my attention—a silent proclamation of Malik Salahuddin’s long-nurtured dream turning into reality. It was not a casual wish but a lifetime ambition to gift the people of this region an institution of higher learning. In his gratitude, he fondly acknowledges the efforts of Respected Hameeda Waheeduddin, a dynamic political leader and the “Iron Lady” of Mandi Bahauddin. Following in the footsteps of her father, the late Mian Waheeduddin, she embodies integrity, moral courage, and a relentless drive to serve her people. Her vision and leadership have transformed Mandi Bahauddin’s landscape. But equally undeniable is the vision of Malik Salahuddin—the Iqbal of Mandi Bahauddin—while Hameeda Waheeduddin has played the role of the Quaid who brought this dream to life.

The real momentum for the University of Rasool came in 2014 when Malik Salahuddin published a landmark article in The Daily Jang. In this heartfelt piece, he passionately advocated for converting the historic Rasool College into a full-fledged university. This article was not merely an expression of wishful thinking but a manifesto of his commitment to public welfare and educational reform. The article reached the desk of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif through his secretary, igniting a small but steady light of hope in the dense darkness of bureaucratic delay.

Despite obstacles, Malik Salahuddin remained firm, guarding his dream like a vigilant soldier, convinced that its time would come. He added that in pursuit of his dream, he approached many influential figures of that time; the representatives of Mandi Bahauddin at the provincial level but none of the feudal lords were ready to pay heed to his vision, which seemed as unreachable but Mr. Malik was consistent as Santiago’s dream in the Nobel Prize-winning Novella The Old Man and the Sea. Like Santiago, Malik fought against every obstacle and every “shark” that stood in the way of his dream.

While sharing the journey of his dream, Mr. Malik was visibly excited, as if in seventh heaven, as he continued, “Lastly, I requested Miss Hameeda Waheeduddin, the ex-MPA of Mandi Bahauddin, to change the destiny and fate of the young generation of Mandi Bahauddin.” Malik had great foresight as he expressed that the people of this area are energetic, eager, and fighters by spirit, but in recent years, the country’s economic depression was leading them into new depths of poverty.

Due to the lack of universities and higher educational institutions, many young men were unable to pursue their studies in metropolitan cities like Lahore and Islamabad. A new, dangerous trend was emerging—the blind race to get rich quickly, with young men resorting to illegal immigration, or “Dunky,” in their desperate pursuit of a better life abroad. Mr. Malik was deeply saddened to see countless young boys lose their lives on the treacherous route from Asia to Europe while chasing empty dreams.

Although he had succeeded in initiating a few programs at the sub-campus of the University of Gujrat, his ultimate dream was to see a fully-fledged university rooted in this historic region—one that could stand as a classified institution of higher education in Asia. Like a great warrior, he continued his struggle until the mission was finally successful.

As he narrated the story of his journey, his eyes welled up with tears, especially when he recalled that the last hope for realizing his dream rested with the great lady, Miss Hameeda Waheeduddin, who eventually took the initiative for this educational revolution in Mandi Bahauddin. His tears testified to the hardships of this long journey—a dream first envisioned in 2014 and fulfilled when the charter of the Punjab University of Technology Rasool was granted in 2018 during the tenure of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) government.

Mr. Malik was deeply emotional, knowing that this ten-year journey was not easy to summarize in mere words. He expressed that now, in 2025, the bill has been passed, and the institution has been renamed the University of Rasool Mandi Bahauddin. Reflecting on the tale of suffering, patience, endurance, disappointments, and motivation, Mr. Malik gratefully remembered those who stood by him in thick and thin—names that history will not forget. These warriors were Haji Abdul Hameed Buland and Zaheeruddin Baber.

As a learner and student of English literature, I was amazed to see the metaphor hidden in these names: “Buland,” meaning “high,” reflecting his lofty vision, and “Baber,” recalling the Mughal king and conqueror—a name resonating with strength and ambition. Truly amazing names for men of remarkable vision and mission. History and generations to come will remember them with admiration.

Malik Salahuddin’s journey from vision to reality was long and arduous, akin to the mythical journey of Odysseus—marked by trials, patience, and unwavering belief. The establishment of the University of Rasool Mandi Bahauddin, launching 26 BS programs in Fall 2025, is not a stroke of luck but the result of more than a decade of relentless effort. The university offers diverse programs under various faculties.

As Malik once confided during a meeting on Eid-ul-Fitr, “This was my old dream, but its accomplishment was not easy.” His words reflect the true nature of this endeavor—a tireless march towards an educational summit as challenging and glorious as conquering K2.

Today, the University of Rasool Mandi Bhauddin stands as a monument not only of brick and stone but of human will, collective progress, and enlightened vision. It represents the culmination of Malik Salahuddin’s lifelong dedication, supported by the leadership and resolve of Respected Hameeda Waheeduddin. This institution promises to shape the destinies of countless students from Mandi Bahauddin and beyond, transforming them into responsible, educated citizens.

Like Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” Malik Salahuddin’s vision, too, was not for personal glory but for the betterment of society—a legacy that will endure for generations. His dream was to see the youth of Mandi Bahauddin identified not as looters, killers, or illegal immigrants but as complete human beings, their character shaped by the blessed drops of education. Their character will make them unique and thought-provoking in the world. “Live long, Mr. Malik Advocate.”

Muhammad Adnan Gujjar

Lecturer in English Language and Literature

Department of Languages, University of Chenab, Gujrat, Pakistan

madnan@lang.uchenab.edu.pk