Dr. Khadija Mushtaq (1974–2025) was a pioneering force in Pakistan’s education sector, whose visionary leadership transformed the lives of countless students and elevated the standards of learning in the country. As the Founder and CEO of Roots IVY International Schools and Colleges, and Chancellor of Roots Ivy International University, she dedicated her life to bridging the gap between local education and global opportunities. Born in 1974, Dr. Mushtaq earned a Master’s degree in Economics from Quaid-i-Azam University and began her career as an educator, quickly rising to prominence through her innovative approaches and unwavering commitment to excellence. She was the youngest educationist to receive the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2011, among other prestigious accolades. Tragically, she passed away on January 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, but her legacy continues to inspire through the institutions she built and the minds she shaped.
In this blog, we celebrate her extraordinary journey, structured around key milestones and themes from her life, illustrated with sequenced images that capture her essence and impact.
Dr. Khadija’s career was marked by numerous honors that recognized her contributions to education and entrepreneurship. From the Yale Educator Award in 2009 to the MIT Best Counsellor Award in 2010, the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2011, the Best Women Entrepreneur Award in 2012, and an Honorary Doctorate from BPP in 2017, her “trophy cabinet” reflects a lifetime of dedication.
Dr. Khadija was instrumental in introducing contemporary teaching methodologies to Pakistan, drawing inspiration from international models, including those from Malaysia. She pioneered skills-based, holistic education, emphasizing global-mindedness through languages like French, German, and Chinese. Her efforts ensured Pakistani students received world-class training without leaving home.
One of Dr. Khadija’s groundbreaking achievements was launching Transnational Education in Pakistan through Roots IVY. This initiative brought world-class degrees from international universities directly to Pakistani students, making high-quality education accessible and affordable. Under her leadership, Roots IVY became synonymous with excellence, offering programs like the University of London International Programme and BTEC Level 3 qualifications.
Dr. Khadija’s vision resulted in remarkable success for her students, with acceptances to top universities worldwide, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Cambridge, and Oxford. This “worldwide acceptance” list showcases names like Saba Zaidi at Harvard, Anjum Malik at Cornell, and many others, proving the global competitiveness of Roots IVY graduates.
As a woman in leadership, Dr. Khadija shattered barriers in a male-dominated field. Her journey of “breaking glass ceilings” inspired generations of women educators and entrepreneurs, earning her recognition as a trailblazer. She balanced scholarly depth with practical innovation, fostering environments where ambition knew no limits.
Through strategic partnerships with institutions like the University of Portsmouth, University of Bedfordshire, University of London International Programmes, and BPP, Dr. Khadija connected Pakistani talent to global networks. These collaborations expanded opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, embodying her mission to globalize education.
Above all accolades, Dr. Khadija considered her students her greatest achievement. She mentored thousands, watching them grow into leaders, scholars, and changemakers. This sentiment captures the heart of her philosophy: education as a tool for empowerment.
Though Dr. Mushtaq is no longer with us, her spirit endures. “The Legacy Lives On in Us” – Dr. Khadija Mushtaq remains forever in our hearts, guiding the next generation through the foundations she laid at Roots IVY.
Dr. Khadija Mushtaq’s life was a beacon of inspiration, from her humble beginnings to her transformative role in Pakistan’s education system. Through Roots IVY Academic Network, established as an extension of the Roots School System founded by her mother, Mrs. Riffat Mushtaq in 1988, she created a legacy of excellence that continues to thrive. On this anniversary, we remember her not just for her awards or innovations, but for the dreams she ignited in others. Her work reminds us that true leadership lies in uplifting those around you.