MANSEHRA: President and Acting Rector of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Professor Dr. Ahmed Saad Al-Ahmad, visited Hazara University, where both institutions agreed to enhance academic and research collaboration, promote faculty exchange programs, and accelerate the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing Arabic language education.
Dr. Al-Ahmad was accompanied by IIUI Vice President for Administration and Finance, Professor Dr. Abdul Rasheed. He attended the visit as the chief guest on the invitation of Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf.
During the visit, Dr. Al-Ahmad met Hazara University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan before addressing the university’s faculty members and leadership.
In his address, Dr. Al-Ahmad said Saudi Arabia has always taken pride in its close and brotherly ties with Pakistan, emphasizing that the relationship between the two countries is rooted in mutual trust, shared faith, and longstanding friendship.
He also highlighted the Islamic concept of Taqwa (piety), stating that following the teachings and example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the true path to success for Muslims.
Describing universities as more than just centers of higher education, Dr. Al-Ahmad said they are institutions that nurture future leaders, scholars, and responsible citizens. He expressed confidence that stronger cooperation between IIUI and Hazara University, including joint research initiatives and the exchange of academic expertise, would contribute significantly to strengthening higher education in Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf proposed expanding cooperation between the two universities in the fields of Islamic Studies, Shariah, Law, and Arabic language. He suggested launching joint research projects, faculty and student exchange programs, academic seminars, conferences, and curriculum development initiatives.
He praised the International Islamic University Islamabad as one of Pakistan’s leading academic institutions, noting its outstanding contributions to Islamic Studies, Shariah, Law, Arabic language, Dawah, and research. He added that IIUI graduates are serving with distinction in education, the judiciary, public administration, and international organizations around the world.
The federal minister also appreciated Saudi Arabia’s support in constructing the Shah Abdul Aziz Mosque on the Hazara University campus, describing it as a lasting gift that will benefit generations of students. He said the mosque symbolizes the deep-rooted brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which are built on shared faith, mutual trust, and historic friendship. He also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Pakistan during challenging times.
During the visit, Dr. Ahmed Saad Al-Ahmad and the university administration reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the implementation of the MoU on faculty exchange and the promotion of Arabic language education.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Hazara University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan introduced the university as one of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s leading public sector institutions, comprising two campuses and four faculties. He thanked Saudi Arabia for constructing the Shah Abdul Aziz Mosque and said the university plans to further promote Arabic language education through its Islamic Center.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Shah Abdul Aziz Mosque on the university campus, followed by a luncheon hosted by Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf in honor of the visiting delegation and university officials.
