IIUI’s IRD held a session in Multan highlighting Allama Iqbal’s message on youth and nation building

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The Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) organized an intellectual session titled “Iqbal and Youth: Role in Nation Building” at the Faculty of Islamic Studies and Languages, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan. The event brought together faculty members, scholars, social figures, and students from the region.

Addressing the inaugural session, Nasir Fareed, Additional Director of IRD, highlighted that Allama Iqbal regarded the youth as the vital strength of the Ummah and that nation-building could only be achieved through knowledge, action, and self-realization. He said that understanding Iqbal’s message enables youth to face contemporary challenges and contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress. He also briefed participants on IRD’s objectives, stating that the institute continues to organize such programs nationwide to promote Iqbal’s thought among the younger generation.

Renowned scholar Prof. Dr. Ali Asghar Saleemi elaborated on Iqbal’s philosophical concepts, especially the role of youth in reviving the Muslim Ummah through selfhood and constructive engagement.

In his keynote address, Dr. Talib Hussain Sial, an expert on Iqbal studies, connected Iqbal’s intellectual message with modern-day realities, emphasizing that Iqbal’s philosophy is a call for youth to recognize their potential and become purposeful contributors to the development of the Muslim world. He said that Iqbal associated the rise of nations with the moral and intellectual development of their youth.

Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies and Languages, Prof. Dr. Abdul Qudoos Suhaib, thanked the organizers and participants and underscored the importance of continuing such academic and intellectual initiatives. He appreciated the revival of IRD’s programs at BZU after a pause, noting that the institute is now advancing its goals with renewed vigor.

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of shields and IRD publications among guest speakers and students who recited Iqbal’s poetry. The participants expressed gratitude to IIUI President Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed for his leadership and support, noting that under his guidance, IRD and other university institutions are making significant academic progress

Two-Day Training Workshop on Scholars’ Role in National Development Begins in Multan

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Multan — A two-day training workshop titled “National Development and Social Harmony: The Role of Religious Scholars” began at the Faculty of Islamic Studies and Languages, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan. The event is organized by the Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).

The workshop aims to highlight the role of scholars in promoting national stability, social harmony, and mutual tolerance. Addressing the opening session, Nasir Fareed, Additional Director, IRD, introduced the institute’s objectives and said that under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President IIUI, the IRD has been organizing workshops across the country to foster peace and a cohesive society.

He added that IRD continues to engage influential segments of society through publications, workshops, conferences, and public lectures, contributing towards a just and harmonious Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Abdul Qudoos Sohaib, speaking on “The Importance of Dialogue in Social Harmony,” underscored that dialogue helps bridge differences and enhances understanding among people. The Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies and Languages at BZU said that collective efforts and open communication are essential for national progress.

Prof. Dr. Saeed-ur-Rehman, Dean at the University of Southern Punjab, Multan, emphasized that religious scholars play a crucial role in guiding society. He urged them to promote peace and stability in their sermons, noting that a peaceful society is the foundation of a prosperous nation.

IRD Showcases Publications at 2nd International Seerat Festival and IBOOX 2025 International Book Exhibition

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The Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) actively participated in two prestigious knowledge-sharing events in Islamabad during September 2025, underscoring its commitment to promoting research-based scholarship and fostering intellectual engagement.

From 16–18 September 2025, IRD took part in the 2nd International Seerat Festival, organized by the National Rahmatul lil Aalameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority (NRKNA) at the Institute of Art & Design Homoiconic, F-11/1, Islamabad. On this occasion, IRD established a dedicated stall featuring its diverse range of scholarly publications. The display drew wide attention from academics, researchers, students, and general visitors.

The stall was honored by the gracious presence of Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Honorable Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives and Inter-Provincial Coordination, Government of Pakistan. The Minister commended the quality, depth, and thematic diversity of IRD’s publications. As a token of appreciation, Mr. Nasir Farid, representing the Institute, presented selected titles to the Honorable Minister, reaffirming IRD’s sustained commitment to the dissemination of knowledge.

Immediately following the Festival, IRD showcased its publications at the IBOOX 2025 International Book Exhibition, held from 19–21 September 2025 at the Pak-China Friendship Centre, Islamabad. The Institute’s participation once again received keen interest from the scholarly community, students, and general readers, further highlighting the relevance and depth of IRD’s research contributions.

Through its active engagement in both the Seerat Festival and IBOOX 2025, the Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue reaffirmed its mission of advancing research-based knowledge, encouraging critical thought, and contributing to contemporary scholarly discourses at national and international forums.

4th International Conference on Teaching and Learning Concludes at IIUI

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The Department of Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), in collaboration with the Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD) and the National Book Foundation, concluded the two-day 4th International Conference on Innovation in Teaching and Learning (ICITL-2025) on September 10–11.

The conference gathered national and international scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to deliberate on emerging trends in education. The sessions covered digital transformation, curriculum innovation, inclusive pedagogies, assessment reforms, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in classrooms.

In the closing ceremony Dr. Azhar Mahmood, Incharge Programs, Faculty of Education, welcomed the participants and appreciated their active contribution over the two days.

Presenting the conference report, Dr. Fouzia Ajmal, Conference Secretary, shared that the event featured seven keynote addresses, more than 80 paper and poster presentations, and a panel discussion. The recommendations included aligning curricula with global job market needs, responsible adoption of technology and AI, standardized teacher licensing, and strengthening inclusive education through training and assistive resources.

Keynote speakers and their addresses included Prof. Dr. Jameel-Un Nabi, Vice Chancellor, University of Wah – Progressive Strategies for Dynamic Times to Improve Education and Learning, Professor James O’Meara, Dean of Global and Community Engagement, Texas A&M International University, USA – Disruptive Internationalization: Transforming Teacher Education to Provide International Experiences for All, Dr. Nur Ehsan Mohd Said, Head, Higher Education English Test (HEET) Centre, National University of Malaysia – Practice of Differentiated Instruction (DI) to Modern Classrooms, Dr. Shamsa Aziz, Secretary, NACTE – Curriculum Innovation and Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs in Pakistan: Pathways to Quality, Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Zia, Head, Center for Learning and Teaching, FC College University, Lahore – Sustainable AI Professional Development Model for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs),Dr. S. M. Mohammad Ismail, Former Vice Chancellor, South Eastern University, Sri Lanka – Higher Education in Sri Lanka: Needs and Challenges, Dr. Ahsan Ejaz, Postdoctoral Fellow, Lanzhou University, China – Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Education and Cognitive Development of Graduates.

A panel discussion on “Developing Digital Pedagogical Mindsets among Prospective Teachers” brought together experts from Hazara University, HEC, IIUI, AIOU, and NUML, moderated by Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal.

Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor of National Skills University, stressed the need to link innovation with employability and practical skills. He highlighted “Agentic AI” as an emerging trend and urged universities to translate teaching innovations into workforce readiness and societal impact.

Guest of Honour, Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khan, Secretary General, Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO (PNCU), noted UNESCO’s ongoing work on AI-related training in schools.

In the closing session, Dr. Muhammad Munir Kayani, Conference Chair and Chairperson, Department of Teacher Education, thanked participants and collaborators. He said the conference underscored the importance of inquiry-driven teaching, digital pedagogies, and international cooperation for improving education quality.

Seminar on “Critical Thinking: A Journey of Self-Discovery” Organized at IRD

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Islamabad: The Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD) of the International Islamic University Islamabad organized a seminar titled “Critical Thinking: A Journey of Self-Discovery” at the IIUI Old Campus.

Mr. Khurshid Nadeem, Chairman, National Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority (NRKNA), in his address, emphasized that self-discovery is central to realizing life’s purpose and building self-confidence. He noted that genuine innovation cannot be achieved without self-realization and urged the audience to adopt critical reflection before accepting any narrative. Referring to Allama Iqbal’s Javed Nama, he underlined the importance of questioning assumptions and seeking deeper meaning in intellectual pursuits.

Earlier, Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director IRD, briefed participants on the institute’s vision, mandate, and objectives, as well as the aims of the seminar.

Delivering the keynote lecture, journalist and scholar Mr. Sabookh Syed discussed the role of critical thinking in society and cautioned students against unverified social media narratives. He stressed that information should be verified before sharing to prevent misinformation.

Both speakers agreed that critical thinking strengthens intellectual engagement and opens new avenues for innovation.

The seminar was held for participants of the Fikr-e-Jadeed Tadabbur Fellowship of Idara-e-Fikr-o-Jadeed, who visited IRD under the leadership of Sahibzada Amanat Rasool, Chairperson. The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session.

IRD Releases New Book: Rahmat-e-Sab Jahān ﷺ (Mercy to All Worlds ﷺ) — A Distinctive Work on the Prophetic Biography with Intellectual and Aesthetic Insight

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The Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) has published its latest book on the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, titled Rahmat-e-Sab Jahān ﷺ (Mercy to All Worlds ﷺ), authored by renowned scholar Habib ur Rahman Asim. This work is not a mere catalogue of historical events and names; rather, it offers a profound intellectual and spiritual journey. The author sincerely endeavors to uncover the beauty of the Prophet’s ﷺ character, the wisdom in his actions, and the aesthetic grace of his personality in each narrative.

At its core, the book emphasizes that the sacred life of the Prophet ﷺ is not a tale of the past but a comprehensive and living guide for people of all times and places. It holds particular value for those striving to improve their worldly lives and succeed in the hereafter, as every word and deed of the Prophet ﷺ is rich with wisdom and worthy of emulation.

The first copy of Rahmat-e-Sab Jahān ﷺ (Mercy to All Worlds ﷺ) was presented today to the President of the university. Commending the scholarly effort, the President remarked that raising awareness about the life of the Prophet ﷺ is one of the most pressing needs of our time, and this book is a commendable step in that direction.

During the presentation, Mr. Nasir Fareed also briefed the President on the author’s academic contributions. He noted that Prof. Habib ur Rahman Asim previously served as a professor in the Department of Arabic at the International Islamic University Islamabad, and is currently serving as Chairman of the Iqbal Chair at Bahria University.

The book draws upon over fifty authoritative works on the Prophetic biography and numerous scholarly articles, lending it considerable academic depth. Its lucid, meaningful, and engaging prose makes it accessible to general readers, while also serving as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers.

A notable aspect of this publication is that it was completed under the thoughtful guidance and intellectual patronage of the university’s President, who recognized its scholarly importance and considered it a vital extension of the university’s vision—appreciating it as a significant contribution to IRD’s broader mission.

This publication marks a sincere effort to reinforce IRD’s research impact and to reimagine the study of the Prophetic biography as an intellectual, aesthetic, and actionable pursuit. Rahmat-e-Sab Jahān ﷺ (Mercy to All Worlds ﷺ) invites readers to reflect upon themselves through the mirror of the Prophet’s ﷺ life, to refine their character, and to improve their moral outlook. It is a valuable gift for all those who wish to illuminate their hearts and minds with the light of the Prophetic example.

Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui, Director of Iqbal Academy Pakistan, Visits Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD)

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Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui, Director of Iqbal Academy Pakistan, Lahore, visited the Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) at the International Islamic University Islamabad. He was warmly received by Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director, IRD.

During the visit, Mr. Farid briefed Dr. Rafiqui on the Institute’s vision, its ongoing academic initiatives, and its significant contributions to Iqbal studies and interfaith dialogue. On the occasion, a recently published volume by IRD was presented to the esteemed guest as a gesture of academic exchange and goodwill.

Dr. Rafiqui toured the IRD’s Reference Library and Media Studio, where he expressed appreciation for the scholarly environment and state-of-the-art facilities. He lauded the Institute’s commitment to promoting the intellectual legacy of Allama Iqbal through meaningful academic and cultural initiatives.

He concluded his visit by commending the tireless efforts of IRD and expressed his support for its continued mission of fostering research, dialogue, and collaboration across diverse intellectual domains.

IRD Hosts National Workshop on Youth Capacity Building in Dialogue and Peacebuilding

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The Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), convened a high-impact one-day national workshop titled “Youth Capacity Building on Dialogue and Peacebuilding” on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. The event served as a dynamic platform for intellectual discourse, bringing together esteemed scholars, legal luminaries, policy experts, and civil society representatives to equip youth with the tools necessary for fostering peace, tolerance, and constructive engagement in a pluralistic society.

The proceedings commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director, IRD, who reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to nurturing youth through academic and civic empowerment initiatives. He highlighted IRD’s sustained efforts to build bridges among diverse societal segments through dialogue and research-based engagement.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Muhammad Kashif Irshad, Additional Director General KP-CVE and Culture Specialist at the National Heritage and Culture Division. In his remarks, he underscored the critical role of youth as catalysts for peace, emphasizing their potential to promote social cohesion and cultural pluralism.

Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwar, Honorable Aalim Judge of the Federal Shariat Court, offered an intellectually enriching discourse on cultivating mutual respect amid ideological and socio-political diversity, encouraging youth to become agents of harmony and ethical leadership.

An engaging session on sustainable development and inclusive communication was led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad, Chief Executive of the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development. He elaborated on the intersection of effective dialogue and sustainable peace, stressing the importance of inter generational and cross-sector collaboration

Post-lunch, Barrister Zafarullah Khan, former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and a distinguished author and legal expert, conducted a capacity-building session on conflict resolution and mediation techniques. His session provided participants with practical frameworks for navigating conflict and fostering reconciliation.

he concluding thematic presentation was delivered by Mr. Saith Usama Chitrali, Managing Director of SEERAHT International. He shared innovative strategies for mobilizing youth-led peace advocacy campaigns, encouraging proactive civic participation and grassroots dialogue initiatives.

Mohtamim Jamia Muhammadi Sharif, Sahabzada Qamar-ul-Haq, also graced the occasion and expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of IRD in promoting interfaith harmony and youth engagement through dialogue. He commended the institute’s vision and the relevance of the workshop’s theme in the present socio-political climate. While addressing the participants, he extended his gratitude to them for their active involvement and encouraged them to carry forward the message of peace and mutual respect in their respective communities.

The workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, recognizing the enthusiastic participation of students and the invaluable contributions of the guest speakers. The event witnessed active engagement from a diverse cohort of university and Madrassa students, young professionals, and members of academia and civil society.

Participants expressed profound appreciation for IRD’s initiative, lauding the institute for providing a much-needed forum that encourages youth involvement in the national peacebuilding discourse through knowledge sharing and collaborative dialogue.

President of International Islamic University Islamabad Visits Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue

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Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) recently conducted an official visit to the Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD) located at the university’s Old Campus. The visit included an extensive tour of the institute’s facilities and a review of its academic resources.

During the visit, the President examined the IRD Reference Library, praising its vast collection of over 3,000 well-maintained books, which serve as a vital academic resource for scholars and researchers. Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director of IRD, alongside Dr. Maryam Siddiqa, provided a detailed briefing on the institute’s ongoing academic initiatives, research projects, and future strategic plans. The President was also introduced to the IRD’s scholarly publications and commended their quality and thematic relevance, highlighting their importance in contributing to intellectual discourse and academic excellence.

The President further toured the IRD Conference Room, assessing the facilities designed for seminars and academic exchanges, and visited the IRD Studio, which supports the production of digital content and multimedia research initiatives. He was informed that all these facilities are accessible to every department within the university, promoting interdepartmental collaboration and academic integration.

Expressing deep appreciation for the IRD team’s dedication, the President reaffirmed his support for enhancing the institute’s role as a leading platform for research, dialogue, and thought leadership at IIUI. “We are committed to providing full institutional backing to strengthen IRD’s impact and broaden its academic reach,” he stated.

RD Publications on Iqbal to Feature at Punjab Assembly Book Corner

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The Honourable Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, has announced the establishment of an Iqbal Book Corner in collaboration with the Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD), International Islamic University Islamabad.

During a meeting at the Punjab Assembly Secretariat, Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director IRD, briefed the Speaker on the Institute’s academic activities, publications, and projects promoting the thought and philosophy of Allama Iqbal, interfaith dialogue, and social research. Mr. Farid also presented IRD’s recently published bibliographic work کتابیاتِ اقبال, which documents significant literature on Iqbal’s life and contributions.

The Speaker lauded the role of IRD in fostering scholarly engagement with Iqbal’s ideas and stressed the importance of introducing such initiatives to the younger generation. He directed that a dedicated corner featuring IRD’s publications and related materials be established in the Assembly premises to provide legislators, researchers, and visitors access to authentic resources on Iqbal’s legacy.