#9 - Pakistan - a bit more about Forman for those who'd like to know.....

Hi Folks!
Some had asked for more information on Forman Christian College... so here's something that John wrote! You can also check out the website.. google "Friends of Forman College"..

Forman Christian College was founded by Charles Forman, a missionary of the United Presbyterian Church in 1864. It was often called the “Harvard of the Sub-Continent” and was known for it’s beautiful campus with unique trees planted. It was the only university with a swimming pool. Many of the major political and business leaders of the region were educated there which gave the College a unique position to flourish.. That was until 1972 when Zolfigar Ali Bhutto the head of Pakistan made the decision to nationalize the two Presbyterian Colleges (Forman and Gordon), the Presbyterian Education Board schools, the United Christian Hospital and many other missions of other denominations. Under nationalization, the institutions experienced a long period of deterioration - from 1972 until 2003. Forman had buildings crumbling, students protesting, classes not being held, and over 150 illegal squatters moving into the crumbling campus buildings. The problem with the squatters was that once a family illegally occupied a building, the room or rooms within the buildings that they occupied were then passed on from grandparent, to parent to child... it was nearly impossible to get them to move so that the college could continue it’s mission of providing education within a safe campus. There was no law and order on the campus.

In 1992, the Presbyterian Church opened negotiations with the Pakistani government in a bold move to return Forman College to it’s former place as a premiere educational institution. Led by Dave Stoner, negotiations continued for 10 years as deterioration of the property continued. Peter Armacost (the retired president of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg) determined that negotiations wouldn’t be successful unless the Presbyterian Church had a physical presence in Pakistan. In 2002, Peter moved to Pakistan. In 2003 the college was denationalized and returned to the Presbyterian Church, and Peter Armacost became its President. The campus was in shambles..... windows missing, brick walls collapsed.

The change since 2003 is remarkable. Most of the original buildings on the campus are a beautiful pinkish local brick, but during the government’s reign they were all painted the same yellow which soon began to mildew (You can see this in some of the photos I’ve sent).... then there was no money to clean or repaint. Since 2003, many of the buildings have been sand blasted to remove the old paint and restore the crumbling brick... although there is still more sand blasting that needs to be done. Two beautiful multi-story buildings for science, business, and social science studies have been constructed. Womens’ dorms (hostels) are being refurbished. The grounds are well maintained. Students are flourishing. The entire 110 acre campus has been surrounded by a ten foot high brick wall for security of the students and faculty. During the government times, there were problems with foot traffic which included drug trafficking. One remarkable story involves rebuilding a break in the 10 foot tall brick wall. There was a court order to rebuild the wall but there was an expected stay of the order soooooo the staff filled that break in the perimeter wall that was 540 feet by 10 feet high .. they completed the entire section in 36 hours before the stay. Thus ensuring the safety of the students and staff.

So much has been accomplished though the cooperation and financial support of the Pakistani and US governments, Forman alumni, and many private and church donors. US AID funded a building with a five million Rupee donation. Because the US government stepped up and many in the Pakistani government were Forman graduates, the Pakistani government and the government of the Punjab also made donations. Now however, Pakistani members of US AID oppose the US money going to Forman even though they account for how the funds are used. Another issue is that during the nationalization, Forman’s standing in the academic community faltered so now there are not as many Forman alumnus in the government which weakens the support. It is becoming increasingly difficult to fund campus improvements.

Looking to the future, the campus hopes to construct two men’s hostels, one women’s hostel, a Humanities building, student union, library and a gym. The campus now offers a full Bachelor’s program, and has added several graduate degrees including an MBA. One of the most significant factors is the ability for this campus to facilitate positive relationships between Muslims and Christians... a chance to teach tolerance and acceptance between those of differing beliefs.

When we talked with students, they said they are studying economics, computer science, english literature and other subjects. When we talked with professors, they said they are teaching core values, and creating an environment of tolerance. Professors hope and see happening that with a lot of hard work, students will form an attitude of religious harmony.

Forman was started by Presbyterians and the land is owned by the Presbyterian Church, but what we witnessed was an interfaith community working together to share God’s love, one life at a time.

If you’d like to know more about Forman Christian College, they have a website entitled “Friends of Forman Christian College”. Take a look!

Best to all,
John and Jean