International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), National Heritage and Culture Division, Government of Pakistan, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening mutual cooperation for the promotion of Urdu language, literature, and academic collaboration.
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), authorized Prof. Dr. Fauzia Janjua, Dean Faculty of Languages and Literature, as his special representative to sign the MoU on behalf of the University. The initiative was positively received by Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar, Director General, National Language Promotion Department. The signing ceremony was attended by the Dean Faculty of Languages and Literature, Chairperson Department of Urdu, and representatives of the Linkages Department.
The MoU primarily focuses on promoting Urdu as a medium of instruction and as a national language of communication, while strengthening institutional linkages between the two organizations. Other areas of cooperation include the promotion of Urdu language and literature, academic and research collaboration, student engagement, professional training, and the preservation and promotion of literary heritage.
Under the agreement, IIUI committed to joint academic and research initiatives, integration of curriculum and academic support, translation and editorial assistance, and coordination of academic and literary events. In return, the National Language Promotion Department agreed to provide academic and research support, resource facilitation, curriculum enhancement, training and capacity-building programs including internships, cultural and literary collaboration, and opportunities for participation in development projects.
During the interaction, Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar proposed the organization of an academic and literary session under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed at the National Language Promotion Department. The proposed session will focus on Arabic and Urdu literature. It was also suggested that significant literary works in both languages be translated, with an offer to publish selected research and scholarly works through the Department’s printing press. Both sides also discussed future initiatives, including the development of a structured action plan for strengthening the teaching of Urdu.