The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) has made significant strides in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, securing places in both subject-specific and impact categories. In the latest rankings, IIUI has been placed among the top 501–600 universities worldwide in Computer Science and Physical Sciences—an encouraging sign of the institution’s growing academic depth and international recognition. The university has also been ranked 601–800 globally in both Business & Economics and Engineering, while Social Sciences has entered the 801–1000 band.
In the Impact Rankings, which assess universities’ alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), IIUI has continued to demonstrate its commitment to meaningful societal contributions. The university has been ranked in the 401–600 range globally for SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), and SDG 1 (No Poverty). It has also been placed in the 601–800 band for SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and 1001–1500 for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Participation in global rankings—especially the Impact Rankings—is more than just a matter of prestige. For IIUI, it is a strategic commitment to accountability, transparency, and aligning higher education with real-world challenges. By benchmarking its performance against the SDGs, the university not only gauges its progress but also ensures that its academic mission contributes to global priorities such as inclusive education, poverty alleviation, gender equality, and innovation. These rankings serve as both a roadmap and a responsibility, reminding institutions like IIUI of their role in shaping a more just, sustainable, and knowledge-driven world.
A considerable share of this progress can be attributed to the tireless efforts of the university’s Directorate of Quality Assurance and Development (QAD), which has played a central role in coordinating data submissions, ensuring alignment with global benchmarks, and fostering a culture of institutional excellence. Under the guidance of Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, Vice President (Research and Enterprise), the QAD team has worked closely with academic and administrative units to enhance performance indicators and data transparency. Equal credit is due to the university’s Rankings Committee, whose meticulous collection and verification of data have been instrumental in securing IIUI’s continued presence in these competitive global tables.
The Rector, Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, and the President, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, have congratulated the entire university community on this achievement. They expressed hope that IIUI would continue to improve its standing in the years to come, not only by strengthening academic output but also by amplifying its impact on society through research, innovation, and global engagement.