International
Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) has extended collaboration with Information Service Academy (ISA) by signing an MoU under which the university would award a one year professional diploma course leading to Masters Degree in Mass Communication to the Information Group Officers.
The MoU was signed here on Thursday at the ISA by IIUI President Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh and Director General ISA Sheraz Latif.
According to MoU, the diplomas to the ISA officials would be awarded by the Department of Media and Communication studies of IIUI in which the course attendees would be taught mass communication, journalism, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Development Support Communication and other related subjects by the varsity’s media department.
Both sides also agreed on jointly organizing national and regional training orientations and seminars. It was vowed on the occasion that both sides would explore opportunities of extending training facilities in the field of journalism and mass communication. The MoU narrates that IIUI would also suggest a syllabus through its veteran faculty for the Information Group Probationary Officers.
“Bilateral cooperation between IIUI and ISA would be proved as a vital milestone in producing skilled and well nurtured media professionals who would be capable of portraying true message of Islam and image building of country” said Dr. Al-Draiweesh while speaking to the MoU signing ceremony.
He added that IIUI focuses on producing harmonious professional personalities integrated with teachings of Islam and it would continue serving Islamic world by disseminating message of peace and tranquility through such mutual cooperation and training of young minds in the light of Islamic values. The IIUI President also said that Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have historical ties which are getting stronger as governments and people of both countries possess immense love in their hearts for each other. He also appreciated efforts of Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Chairman Department of Media and Communication Studies for making this MoU successful and proposing a constructive project.
Sheraz Latif, Director General ISA said in his speech that the joint venture would pave way for improvements in the service of society. He added that exchange of experiences from both sides would help in dealing the contemporary challenges being faced in the field of media. Additional Secretary Ministry of Information, Broadcasting & National Heritage, National Heritage also spoke on the occasion and urged for the need of devising strategies to cope with the propaganda against Islam and Pakistan, saying that such diplomas and bilateral cooperation between institutions can be a solution of inappropriate image of Muslims disseminated by western media. He added that it’s an effort to pool energies to confront propaganda against Islam and Pakistan.
The ceremony was also attended by the high officials of the Information Ministry, IIUI’s Vice President Dr. Mohammad Bashir Khan, Deans, Director General IIUI, Chairman of varsity’s media department Dr. Zafar Iqbal and other officials.