The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) successfully concluded the three-day “Future Leaders” Training Program (April 16–18, 2025) aimed at empowering emerging leaders among its faculty members. Initiated under the directives of President IIUI, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, the training was organized by the Office of Professional Training, Directorate of HR Management & Development.
The program covered key areas including strategic planning, quality enhancement in academic programs, research practices aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and leadership roles within the university system. Renowned resource persons including Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar (National Skills University), Dr. Bushra Mirza (Fatima Jinnah Women University), Dr. Jameel-Un Nabi (University of Wah), Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti (Ex-Rector Virtual University), and Mr. Ammar Jaffri (Center for Information Technology) conducted the sessions.
On the concluding day, Prof. Dr. Jameel-Un Nabi delivered a session focused on leadership challenges in academic institutions. Following the session, he met with President IIUI, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Zia-ul-Haq, Director General, Islamic Research Institute (IRI) and Dr. Amna Mahmood, In-charge Female Campus, and Dr. Shaista Shahzada, Chairperson, Department of Physics, where he was presented with a participation certificate.
A discussion session was also held featuring Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, President IIUI, Prof. Dr. Zia-ul-Haq, Dr. Amna Mahmood, and Dr. Shaista Shahzada, Chairperson, Department of Physics, where they shared their reflections on the training. Key points raised included the importance of addressing systematic gaps in leadership cultivation, the need for structured departmental frameworks, and reformed TORs to enhance governance.
President IIUI highlighted that the review of the past fifteen years revealed leadership perspective gaps which are now being addressed through restructuring and reforms. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, sustainable change, and student-centered approaches in the university’s development strategy. Dr. Zia-ul-Haq termed the program an opportunity for introspection and emphasized that reconciliation, conflict resolution, and polite student treatment should be key priorities. Dr. Amna Mahmood and Dr. Shaista Shahzada shared their insights on leadership responsibilities, decision-making skills, trust-building, and the role of teamwork in achieving institutional goals.
In the feedback session, male and female faculty members shared their observations on the training sessions. Dr. Faryal Umbreen, In-Charge DCW, IIUI, appreciated the administration’s initiative, highlighting the training as a valuable step towards strengthening leadership skills and promoting professional growth among faculty members. Dr. Nazia from the Department of Psychology acknowledged the relevance of the training to professional development and emphasized the importance of cultivating a culture of collaboration. Dr. Zafar Iqbal from Education Department, appreciated the engaging activities and the overall learning experience, while Dr. Touqeer Sargana from Politics & IR department, stressed the need for grooming in administrative leadership and highlighted the emergence of new dimensions in leadership understanding through the training program.
In the end Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, President IIUI also thanked the resource persons for their valuable contributions and acknowledged the efforts of the Office of Professional Training, HR Management & Development, for successfully organizing the program. On this occasion, Dr. Shuja urged faculty members to reflect upon the training lessons, continue the learning journey, and contribute positively towards institutional development without compromising the university’s image.