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Aitchison College honours the memory of John C Godley
Honouring those who shaped the early days at Aitchison College, Dr S M Turab Hussain (Principal, Aitchison College), paid his respects to Mr John C Godley at Richmond Cemetery. Godley succeeded Walter A. Robinson as the Principal, taking over the leadership of Aitchison College in 1895. He served the College for nine years, strengthening its early foundations.
Much like the physical grounds he helped shape, Mr Godley pioneered the preservation of the College’s history. During his tenure, he published a book titled, A Record of the Aitchison College, at Lahore 1887–1901, documenting the history and records from 1887 onwards. The publication remains an important early record of the institution and was followed by subsequent historical publications.
The visit by the Principal was a testament of the College’s dedication in recognising those who came before us. Aitchison College never forgets its roots and remains committed to carrying its legacy for generations to come.
Dr S. M. Turab Hussain, Principal Aitchison College, pays homage to Sir Charles Umpherston Aitchison
Aitchison College owes its strong foundation to the individuals whose vision and service shaped its beginnings. To commemorate the 140 years of the College’s inception, Dr S M Turab Hussain paid his respects to Sir Charles Umpherston Aitchison at his final resting site in Wolvercote Cemetery, Oxfordshire, England.
Originally established as “the Punjab Chief’s College”, the institution was renamed during its foundation laying ceremony on 3rd November, 1886. On the occasion, Sir Charles’s rigorous planning and advocacy were formally recognised:
“..Sir Charles Aitchison has been able to accomplish one of the objects dearest to his heart by proposing that this institution shall perpetuate the memory of his beneficent rule, and that from henceforth the building shall be known as the Aitchison College.”
His leadership brought this institution into existence. 140 years later, the legacy of our College’s namesake lives through the generations of Aitchisonians who carry the name forward.
Bank of Khyber x Aitchison College Scholarship Program
Aitchison College is pleased to welcome the Bank of Khyber on board as the second corporate donor of the Aitchison College Scholarship Program (ACSP). This collaboration reinforces the College’s mission to foster inclusivity by providing world-class educational opportunities to deserving students from diverse backgrounds across the country. In a generous commitment to this mission, the Bank of Khyber is sponsoring the complete academic journey of two students, who will be inducted into the 2026-2027 ACSP cohort.
The formal partnership was established on 11th May 2026 with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony. The proceedings were led by Dr Turab Hussain (Principal) and Khalid Noon (Bursar). The Bank of Khyber, represented by Hassan Raza (CEO and Old Boy) and Fakhar Zaman (Vice President Head, Organizational Development and Training) engaged in constructive dialogue regarding the long-term impact of the ACSP and the essential role of corporate social responsibility in academic excellence. Discussions also followed Aitchison's history of producing national and international sports icons, and how Aitchison should nurture talent both in the classroom and on the field.
Following the ceremony in the Main Boardroom, the delegation toured the College, including the Teacher’s Gallery, the Stars and Daggers Souvenir Shop, and did a walkthrough of the Archives Display Centre. The Bank of Khyber’s participation serves as a call to action for other organizations to invest in a legacy of meritocracy, ensuring that exceptional potential is given the platform it deserves.
ACOBA Joins the ACSP Cause
On 30th April 2026, the Aitchison College Old Boys’ Association (ACOBA) presented a donation of 5 million rupees to the Aitchison College Scholarship Program (ACSP). The cheque was formally handed over to the Principal by Usman Haq, marking a significant contribution toward the College’s mission of providing quality education to talented, underprivileged students across Pakistan.
The ACOBA executive committee was represented by Usman Haq (President), Shahjahan Ayub (Former President), Omer Qureshi (General Secretary), and Qasim Zaman Khan (Joint Secretary), along with other prominent members. The College was represented by Dr Turab Hussain (Principal), Khalid Noon (Bursar), Amina Kamran (Headmistress, Senior School), and Faaria R Salahuddin (Director Advancements).
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the future of the ACSP, with a focus on improving fundraising strategies and expanding the program's reach. This initiative remains central to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent deserving students from accessing a world class education. The College is grateful to the ACOBA for their generous contribution and continued support of this vital mission.
Old Boys of 2011–2025 Return Home
The tour for the most recent graduating batches of 2011-2025 was held on 27th April 2026, postponed from its earlier date of 18th April 2026. While turnout for the tour was lower than usual due to the rescheduling, it was still heart-warming to witness the youngest Old Boys returning to their alma mater.
The visit commenced at the Archives Display Centre with a special exhibition curated specifically for these batches. The group then moved to the Teacher’s Gallery, where they revisited the portraits of faculty members who shaped them. The tour also included stops at Stars and Daggers and the new Faculty Apartments site, areas that many of these alumni saw in development during their time as students.
The walkthrough continued through the Shirazi Boarding House and concluded at the Old Building. Walking these corridors once more allowed the Old Boys to relive memories that were still very fresh, reinforcing that no matter how recently they walked the stage at graduation, they are always welcome back at their alma mater.
A Dialogue on Educational Excellence: Karachi Grammar School Leadership Visits Aitchison College
On 15th April 2026, a senior leadership delegation from Karachi Grammar School (KGS) visited Aitchison College as part of an educational development tour in Lahore. Pakistan’s oldest private institution with roots dating back to 1847, KGS identified Aitchison as a primary benchmark for teaching and world-class campus resources in Pakistan.
The KGS delegation included the Headmistresses of Junior, Middle, and College sections. The group was received by Amina Kamran (Headmistress Senior School), Dr Naila Burney Chughtai (Head of Counselling), Sara Ahmer (Head of Arts), Faaria R Salahuddin (Director Advancements) and other Senior School colleagues. The visit mainly focused on an exchange of pedagogical techniques and the management of elite educational facilities, specifically focusing on infrastructural developments. Parallel to the main discussion, Sara Malik (Head of the USA Guidance and Counselling Department) accompanied the KGS Early Years and Junior Section leadership for a specialized tour of Aitchison’s Junior School to observe primary years operations and campus life.
This meeting of Pakistan's two most historic institutions was a testament to their shared commitment to advancing the standards of national education through collaborative academic insight.
ACOBA Annual Dinner 2026
To continue the festivities marking 140 years of Aitchison’s inception, the Aitchison College Old Boys’ Association (ACOBA) hosted a lively musical night and formal dinner. Old Boys from across generations converged for the occasion, transforming the evening into a vibrant celebration of the College’s enduring legacy.
The event commenced with a formal dinner, providing a space for some students, alumni and their families to reconnect with each other. This was followed by a spectacular live performance by the renowned Pakistani singer Hadiqa Kiani, whose music set a celebratory tone for the night. During the formal proceedings, Dr Turab Hussain (Principal) and Usman Haq (President ACOBA) addressed the audience to express their gratitude for the community's continued engagement and support.
In recognition of dedicated service to the institution, commemorative shields were presented to the Principal, Shahid Mehmood Aslam (Sports Ambassador), Umer Zaman (Head of Sports), and Samina Fakhar (Teacher Junior School). Special honours were also bestowed upon senior ACOBA Executive members, including Abdul Mughni, Shahjahan Ayub, and Syed Hur Riahi Gardezi, by Khawaja Ahmad Hassan (Member Board of Governors). The evening served as a tribute to 140 years of excellence, weaving together the voices of the past with the promise of the College’s future.
Founders’ Day (Academic) 2026 - A Celebration of Academic Excellence
On 4th April 2026, Aitchison College celebrated the Academic Founders’ Day, the much awaited annual Prize Distribution ceremony for the best-performing students. The occasion was distinguished by the presence of Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue of Pakistan and an Old Boy himself, who presided as the Chief Guest. Students, many graduating, received their prizes under the proud gaze of their families and teachers. The moment marked by the most suspense and excitement was the announcement of the recipients of the prestigious Principal’s Medals, the finale of the ceremony.
Many alumni also attended, a few dressed in their old College blazers, some as parents instead of students, to witness their sons uphold the same traditions of excellence they once pursued. For the 140 years anniversary of Aitchison, Old Boys from both sides of the border who passed out pre-Partition shared special messages for the younger boys. Words of wisdom were shared by the seniormost alumni to the youngest cohort to gain the title of an Old Boy, to always adhere to the College’s core values and become a worthy asset for his nation.
The ceremony was followed by a formal dinner held at the iconic Old Building. Special memorabilia were also presented to the Class Champions as a token of appreciation for their efforts in leading the fundraising drive for the Aitchison College Scholarship Program (ACSP) Endowment Fund. This initiative ensures that the College continues to flourish for generations to come.
The Founders’ Day Celebrations served as a testament to the College’s unwavering pursuit of scholastic excellence and its mission to mold our students into leaders of character and purpose.
Brotherhood Beyond Generations: Welcoming Sarvjit Singh Bedi
The camaraderie of Aitchison College transcends borders and generations; this was exemplified by the warm hospitality extended to Mr Sarvjit Singh Bedi upon his visit to Lahore. Mr Singh Bedi comes from a lineage of Aitchisonians, including both of his grandfathers, Kirti Singh and Jagjit Singh Bedi. The latter was awarded the Mackworth Young Bikram Gold Medal in 1922. Hosted by Dr Omar Chughtai (Old Boy), an intimate gathering was held at his residence, with Dr Turab Hussain (Principal), Faaria R Saluddhin (Director Advancements), and several other distinguished Old Boys, including Junaid Ashraf Khawaja, Ali Ahsan, Mahmud Yar Hiraj, and Usman Malik, in attendance.
On a separate occasion, Dr Tarunjit Butalia (Honorary Envoy) accompanied him on a walking tour of the campus and the Archives Display Centre. Dr Butalia, who also traces his own ancestry back to the College, guided Mr Singh Bedi through the buildings where his grandfathers once spent their youth. Seeing the names and photographs of his family in the archives was a touching experience, moving beyond hearing stories to glimpsing a significant chapter of his family history in person.
The Class of 1975 returns to Aitchison 50 years later
The Class of 1975 returned to the College grounds on 27th March 2026, arriving with the same vibrancy and mischief that defined them five decades ago. Hosted by the Advancements Office, the group gathered at the Mandir to reunite and revisit their shared memories together.
The tour, led by Faaria R Salahuddin (Director Advancements), began at the College Archives - many in the group were seeing the Display Centre for the first time. The group then viewed portraits of their former mentors at the Teachers’ Gallery. Later, at the Langlands’ Room, a few of the alumni recalled the immense stature of the man they once affectionately and perhaps too casually referred to as "Langy." While passing by the Houses and Barry Block on their walk to the Old Building, many stories resurfaced, from the infamous hanging of a skeleton in the Old Building to the lively "customization" of the College bus. Sitting in the classroom once again, the Old Boys were reminded of the familiar joy of their boyhood. The group was served refreshments and tea at Dean’s and later returned to the Mandir for a “mandatory” group photo. The visit concluded at Stars and Daggers, which proved to be a hit with the Old Boys, allowing the Class of 1975 to take a piece of Aitchison home with them.
The alumni also expressed great admiration for the College’s recent progress, particularly the impactful initiatives of the Advancements Office, the Aitchison College Scholarship Programme (ACSP), and the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC).
While half a century has passed since their graduation, the bond between these Old Boys and their alma mater remains as strong as ever. We are honoured to strengthen these lifelong connections and look forward to welcoming many more of our alumni back to Aitchison.
Zaman Foundation x Aitchison College Scholarship Program (ACSP)
Aitchison College is proud to announce a momentous achievement for the Aitchison College Scholarship Program (ACSP) through a newly formed partnership with the Zaman Foundation. As a non-profit organization dedicated to the benefit of humanity, the foundation manages diverse initiatives across Pakistan, from providing clean drinking water and quality education to facilitating medical treatments for those in need. Continuing their commitment to a shared vision of empowering talented youth, Aitchison College and Zaman Foundation came together to formalise the agreement to sponsor two students, to be enrolled in the ACSP’s second cohort in the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year.
Held on March 6, 2026, the signing ceremony had Dr Turab Hussain (Principal), Khalid Noon (Bursar), Faaria R Salahuddin (Director Advancements) and Hubba Shahzad (Advancements Associate) on behalf of the College. Representing Zaman Foundation was Omar Zaman (CEO, Old Boy), Tariq Zaman, and Alishba Imran. Beyond the scholarship initiative, the meeting fostered a productive dialogue on institutional development and the modernization of campus facilities in a sustainable manner, with valuable insights shared on implementing advanced sprinkler irrigation systems.
We deeply cherish the contribution by Zaman Foundation and their spirit of partnership that will help us broaden the horizons of opportunity for our future scholars.
Honour Your Teacher: Naming Ceremony of the Nawaz Khan Physics Lab
On 17th February, 2026, Aitchison College gathered to witness a tribute decades in the making through the official naming of the Physics Laboratory, in honour of the legendary Muhammad Nawaz Khan. For forty-five years, Mr Nawaz Khan was the bedrock of the Physics Department, a man whose tenure was defined not just by the laws of motion he taught but by his unmatched service of dedication and integrity.
The classroom naming was a gift by four Old Boys who refused to let his legacy go uncelebrated: Nadeem Babar '81, Arif Saeed '85, Irfan Aziz '85 and Ali Ahsan '94. The most touching moment came via a digital window, as Nawaz Khan, despite navigating severe health challenges, joined the ceremony proceedings over Zoom with his son. Many of his former students were in attendance, fondly sharing stories and memories of their time at Aitchison under his guidance.
140th Anniversary Founders’ Day: Main Sports Day
The 140th Anniversary Founders’ Day celebrations took place on Sunday, 15th February, at the Main Cricket Ground (MCG). Under a clear Lahore sky, the College gathered to witness the Main Sports Day, an event that perfectly encapsulated the endurance and true athleticism of our Aitchisonians. The honourable Chief Guest Khawaja Ahmad Hassan (Member of the Board of Governors) was welcomed by Dr Turab Hussain (Principal). He was received by students on horseback and later escorted to the ceremonial pavilion in the iconic Aitchisonian wagonette. To pay respect to his father, Ajaybir Singh Sodhi, Jasbir Singh Sodhi (Old Boy, Pre-Partition) also joined the Founders’ Day festivities, traveling all the way from India to his late father’s alma mater.
The event commenced with a March Past by the entire College, a spectacular showcase of unwavering discipline and synchrony, which saw hundreds of students moving as one. The rhythmic beat of the band and the sight of House Colours fluttering against the green expanse set a dignified tone for the competitions to follow. The schedule was packed with high-energy events that kept the audience enthralled. The thunderous gallop of horses took center stage during the tent pegging, where riders displayed the remarkable skill and courage that has long epitomised Aitchison College. The speed of the cycling races and a variety of track and field events brought out the competitive spirit and physical prowess of our Boys.
One of the most moving segments of the day was the Old Boys' March Past. Seeing generations of Aitchisonians walking together once more brought a palpable sense of history to the MCG. A lighthearted yet competitive Old Boys' Race allowed them to relive their sporting days again, creating some of the most memorable and cheered moments of the celebration.
The day concluded with the Prize Distribution ceremony, where the Chief Guest and the Principal awarded trophies and medals to the victors. It was a day that perfectly balanced the vigor of youth with the enduring loyalty of the alumni, ensuring that the 140th Founders’ Day will be remembered as a landmark in the College’s sporting history.
Brotherhood Beyond the Walls: Old Boys’ Dinner at Haveli Barood Khana
The spirit of Aitchison's camaraderie extended far beyond the College walls on the evening of 15th February 2026. Following the festivities of Founders’ Day, Yousaf Salahuddin and Iqbal Salahuddin hosted an intimate dinner at the historic Haveli Barood Khana as a special tribute to their fellow boarder Old Boys, who had gathered from all corners of the nation in Lahore to commemorate the 140th year of their alma mater. Some were joined by their partners, creating a warm atmosphere where more than forty alumni from batches spanning the 1970s to the 2010s converged once more in the heart of the beautiful Walled City. The evening was graced by the presence of Dr Turab Hussain (Principal), with Faaria R Salauddin (Director Advancements) also hosting. Against the timeless backdrop of Old Lahore, the night concluded with a magnificent performance by the renowned folk singer Sanam Marvi, leaving everyone with memories of a truly lovely and soulful reunion.
Aitchison College and Sultan Gohar Initiate the Gohar Ejaz Scholarship Fund
Aitchison College is truly honoured to announce the establishment of the Gohar Ejaz Scholarship Fund, exemplifying the generosity of its Old Boys. The Gohar Ejaz Scholarship Fund, set up by Mr Sultan Gohar, shall support and sponsor ten students for the entirety of their eight-year educational journey at Aitchison.
To honour this generous contribution and the spirit of giving back, the College hosted a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, welcoming Mr Sultan Gohar (CEO of Lake City, Old Boy) back to campus. Aitchison College
was represented by Dr Turab Hussain (Principal), Khalid Noon (Bursar), and Faaria R Salahuddin (Director Advancements) as well as Ms Amina Kamran (Headmistress Senior School), Raja Ashfaq Ahmad (Headmaster Prep School), and Ms Fatima Mubeen (Headmistress Junior School). The ceremony celebrated Mr Sultan Gohar's generous commitment to his alma mater and his dedication to expanding access to quality education.
The signing was followed by a souvenir exchange with Mr Sultan Gohar. This collaboration reinforces our collective strides toward equity in education, ensuring that deserving scholars are not held back by financial barriers. We extend our sincere gratitude to Sultan Gohar for his continued support and for championing the future of talented students.
The Return of Sangat: First-ever Keertan at Aitchison College Since 1947
The celebrations of Aitchison's 140th Anniversary commenced with a restoration of spirit, breaking the silence that had endured in 1947. On February 13, 2026, Aitchison's Gurdwara transitioned from a preserved monument into a living sanctuary. This historic Keertan, the first Sikh worship service held within these storied walls in seventy-eight years, allowed a significant chapter of the college's pluralistic history to come full circle with a grace that felt both timely and timeless.
Designed by the renowned architect Bhai Ram Singh and built with the patronage of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, the Gurdwara was once the spiritual home for Sikh boys who attended daily evening prayers. Since partition, while the College meticulously maintained the structure, the black-and-white marble floors of the gurdwara waited for the return of the Sangat. This milestone was finally realized through the dedicated efforts of Honorary Envoy Dr Tarunjit Singh Butalia who led the service, ensuring it was observed with the profound dignity it deserved.
The Keertan was led by Mr Harwinder Singh, Mr Akshaydeep Singh, and Mr Dalip Singh, filling the air with verses from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. The rhythmic interplay of the Harmonium and Tabla felt like a long-lost resident returning home, resonating deeply with a distinguished congregation of Old Boys, including F S Aijazuddin, Ali Sibtain Fazli, Asim Ali Shah Bokhari, Kaivan Mir, Omar Khan, Khurram Saeed, Mehdi Mohsin, and Saroop Ijaz. We were also truly honoured by the presence of Ajaybir Singh Sodhi, son of Jasbir Singh Sodhi, an Old Boy of the College from before partition, who came all the way from India to attend the Founders' Day celebrations.
Joining the Old Boys and students in paying their respects were Mr Ramesh Singh Arora (Minorities Minister) and Dr Muhammad Shoaib Suddle (Former Director Intelligence Bureau). The senior leadership of Aitchison College, including Principal Dr Turab Hussain, Faaria R Salahuddin (Director Advancements), Tina Hameed (Director TLC), and Ms Amina Kamran (Headmistress Senior School) also partook in the ceremony.
The ceremony was a poignant reminder of our shared roots, a predominantly Muslim assembly of Old Boys, students, and staff sitting together in quiet reverence, their presence embodying the “Sanjha” Punjab tradition of unity and mutual respect. The service reached its spiritual crescendo with the Ardaas, a standing supplication that united every heart in the room.
Dr Tarunjit also presented Dr Turab Hussain with a gift from Yadavindra Public School (YPS), Patiala, which also had their 140th anniversary celebrations recently - a shawl with the school crest embroidered. The token was truly a symbol of the shared bonds that had stood the test of time.
Alongside the campus Masjid and Mandir, the reawakening of the Gurdwara reaffirms Aitchison's role as a custodian of a diverse heritage. As the final notes faded, the Gurdwara stood no longer as a relic of the past, but as a living testament to an institution that honours the entire tapestry of its history.