March – 10

The representative of the Ambassador of the Egyptian Embassy in Pakistan Mr. Abdul Azeem, was also present on the occasion. Dr. Muhammad Ali Ataki of FIS hailed the services of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar focusing on his love for Pakistan and the people of Pakistan. He further mentioned that Shaykh Tantawi was very bold in his decisions and narrated several instances from his personal life to illustrate the fact. Dr. Ahmad Jan said that it was through the particular efforts and attention of Shaykh Tantawi that IIUI was fortunate to have a sizeable group of Egyptian teachers. Dr. Makhloof from the Faculty of Arabic said that the Shaykh was known for some bold decisions and fatawas but he also had the academic courage to reexamine and even reconsider his views when he found that the evidence being presented by other scholars was more convincing.

Dr. Ikramul Haq expressed his views about the Shaykh in quite an emotional manner and prayed that the mercy of Allah envelop him. Dr. Zafarullah Baig, Deputy Dean FIS recalled his meeting with the Shaykh along with Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui President IIUI while in Kazakhstan. He reiterated the views of Dr. Ahmad Jan on the Shaykh’s role in sending several Egyptian teachers and talked about the close relations between Egypt and Pakistan and the role of IIUI in strengthening these relations. While praying for the departed Shaykh, he expressed his hope that the next Shaykh al-Azhar would continue to support the university as his predecessors had done, rather further consolidate our mutual relations. Collective Fateha was offered for the departed soul of Shaykh Al-Azhar.

Professor Sajid-ur-Rehman, Director Dawah Academy (DA) International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), presenting a crest to the , Mr. Joost Reintjes, Ambassador of Netherlands, at IIUI

Dr. Muhammad Umer Chapra, Research Advisor, Islamic Research and Training Institute Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah, Senator Professor Khursheed Ahmed, Chairman, Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad, Rector Sohaib Murad, University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Prof. Fateh Muhammad Malik, Rector IIUI, Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui, President IIUI, during a lecture on "The Islamic Vision of Development" at IIUI

Dr. Umer Chapra said that Islamic Economist is different from conventional economics because Islamic Economics derives its power from teachings of the Holy Quran of Adl which means justice for all. Islamic Economic System is based on the principle of equal, wise and justified distribution of wealth in the society. It also stresses upon fulfillment of material needs of all citizens of a state/territory without any discrimination because Islam speaks of “Rehmat-ul-Lil-Alameen” which is for all and not for Muslims only. He admitted that the world is run by conventional economic system based on market economy which in-fact grabs all resources of the human beings. He said that Islamic Economics is although difficult but not impossible. He gave many examples of Islamic Banking in the world.

Prof. Khursheed Ahmad in his presidential address said that Islamic Economics is response to the thirst of people to live in a peace of mind which comes from spiritual peace so Islamic Economics is not only response to the worldly needs of the peoples but also their spiritual needs. He added that Islamic Banking is progressing rapidly in the world and predicted that soon the Islamic Economic System shall replace present system of subjugation and suppression. Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui while introducing the guest speaker said that he was pioneer of the Islamic Economics not only in Pakistan but in the Muslim world and non-muslin world alike. About the IIUI, Dr. Siddiqui said that it is also marching in the same direction and so far prepared thousands of experts of the Islamic Economics System. 

Dr. Muhammad Umer Chapra, Research Advisor, Islamic Research and Training Institute Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah, flanked by Senator Professor Khursheed Ahmed, Chairman, Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad, Dr. Zafar Ishaq Ansari Vice President, International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) and Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui, President IIUI at the stage of  lecture "The State of Islamic Economics 2010" held at IIUI

Dr. Muhammad Umer Chapra, Research Advisor, Islamic Research and Training Institute Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah, Senator Professor Khursheed Ahmed, Chairman, Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad, and Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui, President (IIUI) speaking at the lecture "The State of Islamic Economics 2010" at IIUI

In his speech Prof. Malik said that Pakistan was not just an ordinary country rather it symbolized efforts of the Muslims of the Sub-Continent for a separate homeland to practice Islam as a religion of life and society. Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui reminded students of sacrifices made by Muslims of the subcontinent for creation of Pakistan. He asked for burying all regional, communal and sectarian differences and making Pakistan a country where all to enjoy equal rights. Dr. Siddiqui said that this was real message of Islam. The ceremony was also addressed by number of teachers and students of the university on the theme of the Pakistan Resolution. Some students presented National Songs on the occasion.

Professor Fateh Muhammad Malik, Rector of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui, President IIUI, Mrs. Parveen Qadir Agha Vice President IIUI, sitting at a stage while the Group photo shows the students carrying the Pakistani Flags on the Pakistan Day Celebrations at IIUI.

Professor Fateh Muhammad Malik, Rector of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui, President IIUI, and a student addressing at the Pakistan Day Celebrations at IIUI.

                                                    Date : Saturday 27 March 2010
                                                    Timing: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
                                                    Venue: International Islamic University Auditorium Complex, Faisal Masjid , Islamabad

The Design Suite is unique in a sense that it caters the concept of an ‘Electronic Design House’, where such facilities are available under one roof. Some of these tools are available in few universities in Pakistan here and there; but perhaps the concept of “one-window design suite” is pioneered in International Islamic University, Islamabad. The Design Suite will particularly focus on the design applications related to micro and nano-scale physical processes, next generation devices, circuits and systems (including MEMS) from process to circuit to package level. The first training received by ten participants including the faculty members and Ph.D students was held from 4th to 6th March, 2010 in the Design Suite. The trainer; Mr. Shahab Najmi; came from SILVACO, Malaysia and trained Master trainers for subsequent runs of trainings.

This is a multi-million Rupees facility aimed to train our future electronic engineers for global electronic design industry as well as address research problems in line with International Technology Roadmap of Semiconductors (ITRS). The laboratory is established with the keen interest taken by the honorable Rector and the worthy President of the University in the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, Dean, FET; who happens to be the P-I of the project.

Club Advisor Zafeer Saqib said that the Club will strive hard to make Pakistan clean and green while giving a welcome speech. Secretary General Environmental Club, Ilyas Hussain briefed the participants about the aims and objectives of the Club. The Minister appreciated the efforts of Environmental Club in creating awareness and assured his full support to the club and the department of Environmental Science. He announced that in near future his ministry will establish a radio station for the Club for creating awareness among general masses about Environmental issues.

He invited the students and the faculty members of Environmental science to play a role in the ministry and emphasized that the Environmental issues can only be dealt if every citizen of Pakistan shows responsibility. Students Advisor IIUI Rizwan Faiz Muhammad thanked the minister for gracing the occasion. In the end he was presented with a shield by the president of Environmental Club Mubashar Gardezi. After the seminar the minister planted a tree at the university campus.

A briefing was arranged on that occasion where the delegation was apprised of achievements and activities of the university in last thirty years of its existence. The delegation was told that the university started its journey with only 13 students and one faculty in 80s have reached to a number of 20 thousands students with 9 faculties and 4 institutes. The university is imparting traditional Islamic as well as modern education at par with international requirements and standards.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Ammar lauded role of Pakistan in the Muslim world and said that Saudi Government and people want Pakistan to develop and prosper rapidly. He said that Saudis term Pakistan their own home. He assured his country’s support to the university and appreciated efforts of Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui and Dr. Zafar Ishaq Ansari for advancement of the university. The Delegation visited site of the under construction Masjid of the university. Later the delegation attended another briefing at Dawah Academy where Acting Director of the academy Dr. Yousaf Farooqi told the delegation about Dawah Academy, Shariah Academy, Islamic Research Institute (IRI) and Iqbal International Institute of Research and Dialogue (IRD). The delegation offered Jumma Prayer at Faisal Masjid.

Dr. Zafar Ishaq Ansari acting President of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) presenting IIUI crest to Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Ammar, Secretary of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Ammar, Secretary of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia visiting the site of under construction Masjid of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).

Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Ammar, Secretary of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia in a group photo at the foundation stone of the under construction Masjid of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).

The workshop introduced the participants to both the theoretical aspects and practical application of ELT. The closing ceremony was attended by Dr. Moeen-ud-Din Aqeel, Dean FLL as well as Mrs. Parveen Qadir Agha, Director F.C. and Vice-President A & F. In their addresses to the participants they highlighted the significance of ELT and teacher training in the current age of globalization and appreciated the Department of English’s initiative in conducting the workshop. Dr. Munazza Yaqoob, Incharge of the Department announced a plan of a series of workshops dealing with current and emerging trends in ELT.

Mr. Mazhar ul Islam stressed upon the need of inculcating habit of book reading in new generation. He added that Book Fairs play very important role and IIUI is appreciated that it has developed a tradition of holding annual book fairs. He added that for acquiring knowledge students should read not only text books but they should go beyond that.

Mr. Mazhar ul Islam, Director General National Book Foundation (NBF) inaugurating the Book Fair of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) for Male Students while Mrs. Parveen Qadir Agha, Vice President IIUI is also seen in the picture.

Mrs. Batool Iqbal said that our new generation lacks book reading habit. For this purpose Book Fairs play very important role and IIUI is appreciated that it has developed a tradition of holding annual book fairs. She added that for acquiring knowledge students should read not only text books but they should go beyond that. Mrs. Parveen Qadir Agha said that reading stands back bone in education. She stressed upon the need for latest books to be available easily for students so they may be able to improve their Knowledge.

Mrs. Batool Iqbal Qureshi, Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Development, opening the 4-day Book Fair of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and visits a stall of the Fair. Mrs. Parveen Qadir Agha, Vice President IIUI is also seen in the picture.

Professor Dr. Syed Sakhawat Shah, Vice Chancellor of Hazara University, giving a university publication to Nasir Farid, Incharge Media Section, Dawah Academy of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) on his visit to the Hazara University.

The speakers of the second day of the conference included Dr. Zahid H Bukhari, Director, American Muslim Studies Program (AMSP) at the Prince Alwaleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, Professor Tahir Amin, Professor Department of IR, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Dr. Prof. Sohail Mahmood, Head Department of International Relations, National University of Modern Language (NUML), Islamabad, Professor Dr. Muhammad Arif Zakaullah, Professor Management Center of IIUM.

Dr. Zahid said that the international institutions measure the progress of the human societies, and then rank them accordingly, in their annual reports. The world Bank, the United Nations, the freedom House, and the U.S. Department of States are some of those institutions which rank the countries of the world on a range of issues: per capita income, gross domestic product, human development, human rights, and religious and democratic freedom, etc. The purpose of the annual reports and indexes of the progress of nation states is to create a giant mirror where each country may see its own development, or lack of it, and also place itself in a global matrix. The main purpose of the human collective activities, largely guided by various types of governance models, is to create an environment of justice. The paramount purpose for which the prophets were sent to struggle all their lives was to guide man to achieve justice. Having a just and balanced society largely depend on the quality and ability of good governance. The main challenge, however is how to conceptualize, develop and measure and index of a just and balanced society?

Professor Tahir Amin said that the rise of Islamic militancy in the tribal areas of Pakistan has emerged as the most serious problem in the post 9/11 era. The drone attacks, terrorist incidents, suicide bombing and the penetration of external powers in Pakistan have created such an uncertainty that most Pakistanis have seriously become concerned about the continuing survival of Pakistan. The major objective of this paper is to analyze the domestic and international factors contribution to the rise of Islamic militancy in the tribal areas of Pakistan. The argument of this paper is that it is the policy of the Pakistani state which has mainly been responsible for contributing to the rise of militancy in Pakistan. Emergence of Taliban both in Afghanistan as well as in Pakistan has been the consequence of that policy. American policy towards Afghanistan and the border areas of Pakistan and Indian involvement on the western borders of Pakistan have also played its part in aggravating Pakistan’s troubles.

Dr. Professor Sohail Mahmood said that the paper discusses the theory of Islamic Good Governance with emphasis on important Islamic concepts of rule of law, shura, ijtihad and ijma. The notion of rule of law is integral to the concept of the Islamic state and the shariah. Proof of Shura is to be found in the Quran and Sunnah. The concept of Ijitihad is accepted widely and it is argued that the work of Ijitihad be institutionalized for attaining good governance. Ijitihad is the essential principle of change in Islam which included social and political change. The Ijitihad of Muhammad Iqbal is an example of such creativity. The sole prerogative of the ulama to ascertain Ijitihad is challenged in the paper. Lastly, the concept of ijma may be institutionalized into a modern parliament and other bodies where the Muslim professionals and academics are well represented. The likelihood of such breakthroughs are examined in the concrete situation of the Muslim world.

Professor Dr. M Arif Zakaullah said that the Economic policy making is an exercise in decision making to ensure that the economy enjoys growth with stability, full employment, stable price level and trade expansion with balance of payments equilibrium. When seen from this perspective one focuses on the role of policy making institutions, policy challenges and targets and the effective implementation of policies. All of this fits very well with the idea of economic policies are directly linked with the framework of good governance, philosophy, framework and fundamentals of governance. The prominent contemporary historian Paul Kennedy also identifies a strong link between economic management and governance. The link between Economy and Governance can be seen in the economies of USSR and USA during the cold war and in global crisis of 2008.

Pakistan has a different root cause. Its economy is a mixed economy dominated by elite families. The feudal elite have successfully co-opted military, media and the civil bureaucracy. This attitude towards the economic governance led to the breakup of the country in 1971 as East Pakistan became Bangladesh. On the other hand, Malaysian leadership does not come from a particular narrow elite group, the Malaysian leaders do not address the issues and problems from the narrow perspective of a particular and small elite group rather they learnt from their mistakes and try to improve and genuinely solve the problem from the nation’s stability and growth point of view.

First Day:
2-day International Conference on "Islam & Governance" started at the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) in connection with its Silver Jubilee under the auspices of its offshoot Iqbal International Institute of Research & Dialogue (IRD) and in collaboration with International Islamic University, Malaysia (IIUM). Professor Fateh Muhammad Malik, Rector IIUI was the chief guest on the occasion.

Professor Malik said that the movement for the creation of Pakistan sprang from the ideal, popularly known as the Allama Iqbal’s concept of Pakistan. After the assassination of the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan, civil and military bureaucracy took the reins of power into their hands and betrayed the ideal of Pakistan by taking the path of subservience to the interests of the United State of America (USA).

The Rector IIUI added that the Salvation of Pakistani society depends on translation of  the ideal of Pakistan into a reality but the colonial mindset of the ruling elites is the greatest hindrance in the fulfillment of the ideal, conceived and articulated by Allama Iqbal and unfolded by Jinnah. He stressed upon the need of enhancing standards of governance in accordance with teachings of Islam. According to Prof. Malik only distinction of Islamic mode of governance is justice for all and rule of Law. Other speakers of the first day of the conference included Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed, Professor of Political Science at Hampton University, VA, USA & Executive Director of IRD of IIUI, Dr. Abdullah Ahsan Professor of History, International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) of IIUM, Professor Stephen B Young Global Executive Director of the Caux Round Table (CRT), Mr. Abdullah, Chairman NWFP, Public Service Commission Peshawar, Prof. Alparsalan Acigenc, Deputy Rector Fatih University, Istanbul, Turkey, Dr. Recep Senturk, Fatih University, Istanbul, Turkey and Tayyab Siddiqui Former Ambassador of Pakistan.

Prof. Stephen B Young said that the Locke’s thesis on the proper legitimacy of government was adopted by Great Britian and was summarized in the Declaration of Independence of the North American colonies. His conclusion was that government consists of power held in trust for the benefit of the people begin with certain assumptions about the natural conditions into which all people are born. Locke starts not with religious teachings or a moral code of right and wrong but with observations about the natural order. Locke’s solution to the problem of conflict inherent in the human condition is to establish government. On the other hand, Qur’anic revelation provides us with analogous concepts to those used by Locke. It presents six inter-related aspects of that destiny, which are the nature of humanity, the assumption of trust responsibility, the office of khalifah, the necessity of wise discernment, the use of good counsel, and the seeking of justice.

In searching for a just form of government consistent with Qur’anic guidance, it would not be inappropriate to adopt John Locke’s understanding that public office is a public trust, where people expect good governance and justice from the government. Prof. Alparsalan Acigenc of Deputy Rector Fatih University, Istanbul, Turkey spoke on the Late Ottoman Thought (1700-1950) on Good Governance and its Impact on Modern Turkey. He said that the 18th and 19th Centuries represent the climax of the chaotic socio-political history of the Ottomans. We have seen the aftermath of the Tulip period, which began to give its fruits in the sphere of thought as the rise of westernization and modernization. On the other side, we find those who resist this radical change either in the form of nationalism or Islamism. The nineteenth century is, therefore, the battle arena of these opposing trends. Among many scholars and activists during this period intellectuals such as Namik Kemal and Mehmed Akif are considered from among the Islamic movement. Another personality of this period is Bediuzzaman Said Nursi (1873-1960). Their ideas made a significant comeback at the end of the 20th century. This paper will be a brief discussion of these scholars in order to show how their though could contribute the idea of good governance in relation to the corporate approach in recent decades.

Professor Recep of Fatih University, Istanbul, Turkey said that the history of the Ottoman political thought can be divided into two major periods: First, the classical period which was characterized by purely Islamic political thought, and the second, which begins with the declaration of the Tanzimat reforms in 1839, the period of modernization and reforms which was characterized by combining Islamic and Western political thought and institutions. This paper drew a very broad picture of the highly neglected first period of the Ottoman political thought from the 13th to the early 19th centuries. In that period, Ottoman scholars produced political works from the perspective of their academic and social positions. Each genre attempted to answer the question of establishing a just rule according to the Islamic principles from its own perspective.

Former Ambassador Tayyab Siddiqui said that OIC is an organization of Muslim countries; and acts as representative of the Muslim Ummah. His examined the previous performance and challenges faced by the Muslim world in the form of: absence of genuine leadership, rising campaign against Islam and inability to implement its charter. OIC can achieve its status as per charter if addressed: challenge of democracy, challenge of defense of Islam and challenge of the development of the Muslim societies.

Second day of the conference shall start on Friday 12th March 2010 at 09.00 a.m. at the Faisal Masjid campus of the university. Mr. Ali Qazilbash, Chairman of law school LUMS, Lahore shall chair it.

Dr. Anwar Siddiqui said that the university started its journey in early 80s with 13 students and only one faculty. Now it has 9 faculties and four institutes hosting over 20,000 Male & Female students not only from Pakistan but from over 50 countries of the world. The university on completion of 25 years of its existence in this region shall celebrate the whole year of 2010 as its Silver Jubilee.

The activities shall include National & International Conferences, Seminars, Contests, Book Publication, and special Convocations. Speaking on the occasion both Mr. Iftikhar Arif & Razina Alam appreciated services of the university in last 25 years. They said that the university has rendered tremendous services for imparting quality education for Pakistanis as well as students from other countries. They lauded rapid expansion of the university to cover all fields of knowledge. The meeting was also attended by a number of leading scholars and media persons. The meeting unanimously assigned supervision of the Silver Jubilee to Mrs. Parveen Qadir Agha Vice President of the university.

Mr. Iftikhar Arif, Chairman National Language Authority, Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui, President International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Mrs. Parveen Qadir Agha, Vice President IIUI and senator Razina Alam Khan addressing steering committee meeting of IIUI Silver Jubilee Celebrations

Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui, President International Islamic University Islamabad and Dr. Yousaf Farooqi, Director Shariah Academy, IIUI addressing the inaugural ceremony of the sixteen week long Shariah course for judges and judicial officers

They said that globalization is accelerating rapidly and there is a great pressure on our corporate sector to comply with the international standards of Social accountability and responsibility. It has enhanced the need for business sector contribution in the development of society in the present situation of 3rd world and developing countries. At the end of the workshop, Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui President IIUI, awarded certificates to the participants.

Dr. Siddiqui speaking on the occasion highlighted the role of corporate sector in the development of the country. He further stated that Pakistanis are the highest philanthropists in the world and sharing their responsibilities in the society in elimination of poverty.