It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Ma’am Khadija Mushtaq, the esteemed Chief Executive Officer of Roots IVY International Schools and Colleges. An era in Pakistan’s educational history comes to an end with her departure on January 14, 2025, leaving behind a monumental and irreplaceable legacy.
Khadija Mushtaq, who was born on August 23, 1974, had a life-changing and inspirational educational path. She graduated with a Master of Economics from Quaid-i-Azam University with a focus on monetary policy and development studies, giving her the skills and insight to completely transform Pakistan’s educational system.
Ma’am Khadija started out as a teacher and soon made a name for herself as an ardent supporter of education. She became the CEO of Roots IVY International as a result of her commitment and creative thinking. Under her direction, Roots IVY grew in influence and scope and established itself as a premier private school that complies with global standards. She had a key role in the establishment and administration of IVY’s University of London International Programme, which gave Pakistani students access to top-notch instruction.
Ma’am Khadija was greatly praised for her good work, and along with that, a few awards were also given to her. In 2010, she was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Distinction) by the President of Pakistan, becoming the youngest educationist to receive the prestigious award.
In 2009, she was also awarded the prestigious Yale Educator Award for her commitment to educational excellence and not to mention, she was awarded the Best Counsellor Award in 2010 from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
In 2017, BPP University in the UK conferred upon her an honorary doctorate degree in business, recognising her as a pioneer innovator of global education and international university linkages.
In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Ma’am Khadija was a strong supporter of youth development and women’s empowerment. She worked relentlessly to advance education and opportunity for young girls through her involvement with a number of non-governmental groups, such as the “Liberating the Girl Child Foundation.”
Her efforts were recognised when she received the ‘Best Woman Entrepreneur Award’ in 2012, presented by Punjab Chief Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.
Ma’am Khadija is remembered as an inspirational leader and mentor to those who had the opportunity to know her. Her investment in each of her students and her devotion to excellence nudged innumerable young minds toward a healthy, prosperous, and wise future. More than just an administrator, she was a beacon of hope and a role model for women across Pakistan.
Under Ma’am Khadija’s inspiring direction, Roots IVY International Schools and Colleges became known for their high-calibre instruction and all-around growth. Her focus on multidisciplinary education and extracurricular activities developed brilliant brains and advanced the next generation of leaders. The achievements of her students and the significant influence she had on Pakistan’s educational system bear witness to her legacy.
We honour Dr. Khadija Mushtaq’s life and the lasting impact she had on Pakistani education even as we grieve her passing. Her innovative spirit, fervor and unwavering dedication to uplifting the women and youth of Pakistan will serve as a beacon of inspiration to future generations. She is a true legend and her contributions to education are priceless, and she will always represent a light for anyone wishing to change the education game.
Her energetic aura and positivity are truly irreplaceable. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless students whose lives she touched. May her soul rest in eternal peace.