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.