The delegation of students was headed by the school principal Rana Maqsood while they were briefed about the IIUI by Additional Director Protocol and Public Relations, D.K.Hairan Khattak. He briefed about the university, its educational programs, courses and other activities. Hairan Khattak also made participants aware about the objectives, future plans and procedure of admission in university.

He also informed the teachers and students of the school regarding the institutes, academies, IIUI’s distinction of separate campuses and many other salient features such as foreign country students’ enrollment at IIUI.

Later, the delegation visited the faculties of the university while students took keen interest in the library and admission process and thanked IIUI administration for warm hospitality.

It was also attended by the Vice President Higher studies and Research Dr. Tahir Mansoori, Vice President Academics Dr. Mohammad Bashir Khan, Director General (AF&P) Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja, Acting Director General Shariah Academy Dr. Sohail Hassan, OWA administration and members, Academic Staff Association (ASA) members, Deans and Directors.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al-Draiweesh this gathering is an omen of unity among the IIUI officials and he is thankful for such a splendid event held in honor of IIUI top leadership. The President IIUI said service of university and Muslim Ummah is his top priority while he also reiterated his resolve that soon IIUI would make its distinctive place among the ranks of leading universities of world.

He stressed upon IIUI officials to stay united for the progress of university and promote mutual cooperation to pave the way for success of IIUI. He hoped that IIUI officials would keep disseminating the Islam’s message of peace and moderation while he also vowed to provide an ideal and peaceful milieu for work to the students and employees of the university. Dr. Al-Draiweesh also announced an Ummrah ticket for the retired Additional Director Hafiz Muhammad Bashir.

Earlier, OWA President Rana Asghar Ali Shahid lauded the services of Dr. Al-Draiweesh which he has provided in the regard of university’s development. On the behalf of OWA, he also announced an amount of 90 thousand for Hafiz Muhammad Bashir.

At the end, President IIUI also presented shields to the promoted officer. Shields were given to Muhammad Jamil, Nuzhat Zareen, Dr. Sajid Mirza, Ashfaq Ali, Munir Baig, Muhammad Nawaz and Mairaj ud Din.

The seminar was held by the department of Usul ud Din IIUI which was graced by the Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology Pakistan Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani, Director General Rabta Aalam-e-Islami Muhammad Abduho Ateen, Moulana Saeed Yousif from AJK, Rector IIUI Dr. Muhammad Masoom Yasinzai and President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh. The seminar was also attended by the Deans, Directors Faculty members and large number of students as well.

In his key note speech, Muhammad Khan Sherani while refereeing the back historical perspective of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Qibla e Awal said Palestine has been the land of Prophets (AS) cannot be illegally occupied by the brutal invaders and tyrant expansionists. He said every Muslim feels the pain and curb of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Palestinians. Chairman CII also stressed on the unity of Ummah terming the solutions of all problems which Muslims presently facing in the World. Moulana Sherani argued “world need comprehensive system to get rid of issues and problem being carried on and Islam offers refined and prosper system to the world, which is right according to the nature of man, as there is no constraint, if adopted for human being“.

Dr. Masoom Yasinzai emphasized to create awareness of Qibla e Awal, importance of Palestine among new generation which is need of the hour. “Muslims can regain their lost glory, respect and rule only by rejoining the strength and revise their unity”. Rector maintained. He said, thousands of Muslims laid their lives for the cause of Al-Aqsa as the Qibla e Awal is the one of most sacred places. Dr. Masoom further condemned the illegal existence of Israel by the World Powers with force. Dr. Al-Draiweesh stressed on Ummah saying that it is obligatory on all Muslims to defend and get freedom of Al-Aqsa Mosque Qibla e Awal from Zionist usurpers. He was the view that Muslims should not hesitate to make any sacrifice for Al-Aqsa Mosque in any way. Palestine is not Political and Materialistic issue it is purely a religious issue for Muslims, as Muslims have religious association with Qibla e Awal.

Earlier, Dr. Haroon Rasheed Deputy Dean Faculty of Usul ud Din introduced the participants and about the topic and cause of seminar, while Moalana Saeed Yousif, Deputy Director General Shariah Academy IIUI Dr. Sohail Hassan, Dr. Nabeel Al-Fouli Muhammad, Dr. Muhammad Anwar and Dr. Ahmed Jan gave brief account on the importance of Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims with different aspects. In opening, a short documentary on long history and different reigns of Palestine also showed to participants.

This was agreed in a meeting between President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh and Advisor to the Federal Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Professor Sajjad Qamar who called on Dr. Al-Draiweesh on Tuesday at his office.

The meeting was also attended by Dean Faculty of Arabic IIUI Dr. Muhammad Bashir, Incharge Arabic Language centre , of university Dr. Zaheer ud Din and Dr. Abu Turab (representative of the ministry).

During the meeting, it was agreed that mutual cooperation in training of Arabic would be extended and for this purpose a committee was constituted which would prepare recommendations and guidelines for preparation of Arabic language curriculum and training courses in all the provinces. In addition, it would also work on establishing an institution which would supervise the Arabic Language Training programs.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al-Draiweesh lauded the efforts of Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and assured that university would be found fully committed in regard of Arabic training. He said that IIUI is a blessing and its core objective is to educate maximum people of Muslim Ummah in the light of Islamic teachings.

Prof. Sajjad Qamar thanked President IIUI for assurance of cooperation and practical steps regarding the Arabic language teaching. He said IIUI is a unique hub of learning which provides education integrated with teachings of Islam.

At the end, President IIUI presented university crests and publications to the guest.

The event is being organized by the Faculty of Islamic Studies of the university. Chief Guest of the seminar would be Cultural attaché of Palestine Husni Abu Ghosh to Pakistan while it would commence at 11:30 am in Imam Abu Hanifa Block’s auditorium, sector H-10. The event will also be attended by the Chairman Ideology Council Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani and other vital personalities. Rector IIUI Dr. Masoom Yasinzai and President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh will preside over the event.

Renowned international researcher and educationist Professor Dr. Marilyn Leask Dean Faculty of Education Bedfordshire University UK was invited as resource person and chief guest. The seminar was also attended by the Prof. Dr. Nabi Bax Jumani Dean Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS), Dy. Dean FSS and Chairperson Department of Education female Dr. Samina Malik, Faculty members, PHD/MS Scholars and Students of Department of Education.

In her, presentation lecture Dr. Marilyn apprised the participants regarding the importance of the integration of ICT in pedagogy and the latest trends in the field of ICT.

She also made participants aware about MESH project and developing online learning communities and emphasized prospective teachers to utilize these resources for enhancing their teaching and professional development. Dr. Jumani emphasized participants, faculty members and scholars to get maximum benefit from the experiences of worthy guest scholar. He also appreciated the efforts of department to organize such fruitful events and urged more events in this nature in future.

Earlier, in her vote of thanks Dr. Samina Malik formally paid thanks to guest speaker Dr. Marilyn Leask for sparing her precious time and also presented university shield.

It’s pertinent to mention here that, earlier, Dr. Sohail Hassan was serving Islamic Research Institute (IRI) as Deputy Director General and head of Hadith and Its Sciences IRI. He owns more than thirty years experience of teaching and advance research. Dr. Sohail has rich contribution in publications, written number of books on different contemporary issues. In addition, he has attended number of international conferences, seminars and presented dozen of research papers.

Dr. Zia ul Haq has designed many PhD/LLM/MS programs and Courses at IIU and AIOU. His research experience includes Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan, University of Glasgow UK, Ezzituna University, Tunisia , University of Warsaw, Poland and Deusto University Bilbao, Spain. He holds Ph.D in Comparative Islamic Law (Fiqh) from oldest University of Muslims World Ezzituna University, Tunisia and Post Doctorate from University of Glasgow, UK.

Dr. Zia ul Haq is winner of many prestigious awards and funding such as Best Teacher Award of Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC), Fulbright of USA, Erasmus Mundus of EU and the Asia Foundation. He has produced several PhD and LLM/MS scholars. He is active member of various important International professional organizations such as Secretariat of world and Traditional religions Kazakhstan, International Moderation Forum Jordan, South and South East Asian Association of History of Religions and World Justice Project USA. He is active speaker of national and International conference and seminar. He also organized many International Events. He has served as key note speaker of many International Forums such as Qatar Law Forum 2012 and World Justice Forum for Rule of Law in Hague, The Netherlands. His teaching and research expertise includes Comparative Islamic Law, International Islamic Law, Human Rights in Islamic Perspectives, Muslim family Laws, Interfaith Studies, religious pluralism and diversity and inter-civilizations Dialogue. He is on the Boards and executive committees of many national and International Organizations and Institutions. He is permanent member of the core group of Secretariat of world and Traditional religions of Kazakhstan. He has been included in the pool of international experts for promotion of objectives of the Congress of the World and Traditional Religions. He has recently returned from USA after working as Senior Fulbright fellow and Professor in Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

During the meeting, issues of mutual interest and matters pertaining to expand bilateral cooperation between IIUI and Afghan universities were discussed while both the officials agreed that strong relationships among the both sides in the field of education can pave the way for success of region.

Janan Mosazai said that Afghanistan is proud of IIUI as numbers of Afghan graduates of the university have been performing their duties on key administrative and educational posts in Afghanistan. He added that contribution of IIUI graduates in the field of economy was admirable. He lauded IIUI for providing contemporary education to young minds with a blend of Islamic teachings. Afghan envoy also assured that he would play his role for strengthening ties between IIUI and Afghan universities.

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Draiweesh apprised the ambassador regarding IIUI faculties, departments, conferences and other activities and told that almost a thousand students were studying in the university which he termed as a precious asset of the university. He added that IIUI was keen to expand bilateral ties with all the universities of Islamic countries including Afghanistan. He further said that IIUI door would be found wide open for cooperation in the field of education. President IIUI reiterated his resolve that provision of harmonious educational milieu to the students was the top priority of IIUI while university would keep working for the dissemination of Islam’s message of peace and moderation.

At the end, exchanges of souvenirs and gifts took place between the both sides.

In his remarks, Dr. Masoom said the University on the international front is actively involved in inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue with the west to portray to the world the real picture of Islam. He went on saying that the Government and the society have a lot of expectations from this University; teams of Parliamentarians have held numerous meetings and discussed with us the role that this University can play for a peaceful and tolerant society.

”IIUI is fully aware of its responsibility and its original vision. We consider it as our utmost responsibility to make IIUI a multi-disciplinary institution of learning, with cutting edge research and generation of ideas to find the solution to the problems of our society “Dr. Masoom assured participants. Rector said that the role of Science & Technology is critical, being conscious of this fact, IIUI has strengthened its Basic Sciences Faculty on the Campus. He further added that IIU has established a Centre for Inter-disciplinary Research in Basic Sciences with an aim to initiate relevant problem-oriented research and help link the academia with the industry for socio-economic uplift of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al-Draiweesh said the International Islamic University has shown serious commitment to serve the community where it exists and as such organized from time to time dozens of conferences, seminars and workshops on a variety of legal, scientific, social and environmental subjects requiring immediate solutions either in Pakistan or in other brotherly Muslim countries; following the golden principle of moderation as taught by Islam and keeping at bay from extremism and militancy with an objective to find solutions to the problems in the light of the sublime teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, to build the personalities of its students both male and female and their proper and sound Islamic orientation with the objective of carving out of them constructive members of their respective countries, communities and nations, for the development, progress and prosperity of which they can make positive contributions.

Prof Dr. Mah Nazir Riaz, who is an icon psychometrician of the country, serving as Dean Faculty of social Sciences at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Peshawar was invited as the resource person for the workshop.

The event was graced by Director Academics Shagufta Haroon as Chief Guest While Dr. Muhammad Tahir Khalily, Chairman Department of Psychology and Dr. Seema Gul also received the guests and joined the event.

Shagufta Haroon emphasized on the importance of Test Construction Techniques not only in the field of Psychology but in other Academic and evaluation processes.

Dr. Muhammad Tahir Khalily explained the importance of the Test Construction process in the field of Psychology and stressed the students to learn and get expertise in this valuable field.

Dr. Seema Gul Chairperson Department of Psychology Female Campus formally thanked the Resource Person Dr. Mah Nazir Riaz and Chief Guest Shagufta Haroon.

In his presentation, Mr. Yury Shafarenco focused on the topic “Understanding ICRC’s Communication”. In his presentation, he explained ICRC’s communication strategy through four pillars; security, access, respect for international humanitarian law, and resources. He urged ICRC wants to impact and influence on the behavior of affected people, who obstruct or facilitate the actions of ICRC. Mr. Yury further highlighted ICRC’s communication policies while saying ICRC focuses and responds through facts not speculations.

He also made clear the common misunderstanding about the ICRC emblem represents Red Cross (+) that is reversal of Switzerland flag, should not be labeled a Christian symbol. Mr. Aezaz Ur Rehman gave detail presentation with the history of ICRC and said ICRC was established with the mandate as a neutral, impartial and independent organization in the 18th Century. He further highlighted the role of ICRC while mentioning ICRC is working more than 80 countries with 12000 staffers and explained three pillars as protection, assistance and prevention during the conflict. Mr. Aezaz also told that ICRC was invited first time in Pakistan by founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam soon after the partition. He said ICRC has been serving war affected people in the Pakistan since the beginning including natural disasters in 2005 earth quake in AJK, and in 2010-11 floods, IDPs of Malakand and FATA etc.

The votes of thanks were given by Dr. Nabi Bux Jumani, who expressed his greetings to august panelists by thanking and appreciating their valuable time to deliver views on topics. He appreciated the students and faculty members for their active participation in such a discussion of unique importance. Dr Saif Abbasi thanked and welcomed the guest speakers. He also highlighted the importance of Law as a force to make society disciplined and culturally harmonized. Dr. Noor Fatima, in her remarks linked ICRC humanitarian law with law of human rights as a new domain in international legal system. The concluding session of the first day was conducted by Chairman Politics & IR (Male) Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi and the second day by Dr. Nawaz Qaisrani Assistant Professor respectively.

The title of competition was “Advances in Bioinformatics in Post Genomic Era” in which IIU participants appeared with the topic” Virtual Screening and Docking Studies of ING1 to Reveal Potent Inhibitors against Head and Neck Cancer “and presented a poster.

The participants of poster competition were Adnan Tahir, Abdul Kareem, Saad Mehmood Abbasi and Principle Investigator Human Molecular Genetics Lab Dr. Asif Mir. The varsity authority, faculty and students showed great felicitation over the success and congratulated to team.

This is noteworthy initiative by the Library to use Koha, which is a free open source integrated library system, resulted in saving valuable financial resources of the university. The Koha is used world-wide by public, academic and special libraries. This workshop was a part of series of workshops being arranged for the library professionals of the university. It provided hands-on exercise for Koha configuration, which was essential for the library staff to become system superusers. The allied sessions of the workshop also provided handful guidance to participants to increase the skills to manage Koha for searching, cataloging and patron management.

He was addressing to the ceremony held in recognition of active role played by minister for religious affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf to make smooth Hajj arrangements. The event was also attended by Charge d’ affaires of Saudi Embassy in Pakistan Jasim Al-Khalidi and various renowned figures.

Dr. Al-Draiweesh expressed his gratitude to Sardar Yousaf for making excellent arrangements for the Hajj 2014. He said service of pilgrims is a sacred task and in this regard bilateral cooperation and coordination for Hajj session 20a4 between governments of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan was exemplary. He thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Salman and KSA Hajj Minister Bandar Hajjar for taking special care of the pilgrims in general and Pakistani pilgrims in particular while he also thanked government of Pakistan for keen interest in providing smooth hajj arrangements to Pakistani Pilgrims. He said smooth hajj arrangements and facilitation to the pilgrims of all countries has always been top priority of government of Saudi Arabia and recent smooth arrangements are the visible example. He also thanked Charge d’ affaires of Saudi Embassy in Pakistan for support and cooperation.

In his speech, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf lauded the role of IIUI and said in future his ministry would work for taking benefit from the faculty of university in regard of Arabic teaching.

In his presidential address to the opening ceremony of the conference, President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh said Quran is the source of unity of Muslim Ummah which guides all Muslims to take guidance for solution of problems. Guidance from Quran is vital when we have to have dialogue with the nations of world, he added.

He stressed that appropriate opportunities of Quranic understanding should be provided to the youth and added that present conference is a good example for the achievement of this goal. Dr. Al-Draiweesh said Ulema can play significant role in dissemination of Quran’s message. While talking about the unity of Muslim Ummah, President IIUI said “IIUI shows solidarity with the people of Palestine and we pray for the end of violence and illegal occupation of the Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Mosque”. He said Islam is a religion of brotherhood and peace and IIUI would continue its efforts for spreading Islam’s message of peace.

The ceremony was also attended by Head Jamia Ashrafia Maulana Fazl-ur-Raheem, Head Lahore Islamic University Hafiz Abdur Rehman Madni, Deputy Director General IRI Dr. Sohail Hassan and other IIUI officials. On the Occasion, Dr. Sohail Hassan thanked all the participants for attending the conference and hoped the effort on vital subject would allow having constructive points to further expedite the efforts for Quranic understanding. Earlier, Head Department of Shariah and Law, IR, Dr. Asmat ullah gave detailed introduction of the conference.

People who are working for the Quranic understanding in present era deserve admiration as they have made this process easy even for the beginners, said a veteran participant of conference and renowned scholar Maulana Fazl-ur-Raheem.

Later, President IIUI also inaugurated a Quran exhibition where rare manuscripts, calligraphic work and Islamic research thesis were exhibited. On the first day, sessions of the conference were presided by Maulana Fazl-ur-Raheem and Maulana Muhammad Hanif Jalindhri.

On the second day various important topics such as problems in understanding of Quran would be discussed by the scholars.

He emphasized on Daral Iftas to seek guidance and benefits from the world’s leading organizations working in the Fatwa to find out the solutions of the complex contemporary issues. While mentioning the aims and objectives of the training course Dr. Mansoori focused modern trends, contemporary issues and gave brief account on them. Vice President, while referring new scientific research, innovations and current trends of economic issues, stressed that it’s highly important for Muftian to contribute in Ijtehad and find out the solutions of collective problems of Muslim Ummah. He said Ulema and Muftian are required to play key role to guide Ummah towards true lines of Islam.

Earlier, Dr. Habib ur Rehman Chairman department of Training introduced participants about the course and gave detail briefing on aims, objectives and the activities of Shariah Academy. It’s worth mentioning here that the 45 Muftis are participating in the course from across the country.

The conference shall cover a wide range of topics related with the Quranic studies in Pakistan. The conference will also reviews and evaluate the efforts in regards, teaching of Quran, the reviews to address the challenges and constraints in Quranic services and to provide an opportunity to individuals and institutions related to Quranic services to discuss the challenges and solutions.

The opening session of the conference on November 11, 2014 would be presided over by Prof. Dr. Ahmad Yousif Al-Draiweesh, President IIUI. Leading and renowned scholars from across the country shall present their research papers during 3 days of the conference. The concluding session on Thursday November 13, shall be chaired by Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, Rector IIUI.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Female faculty members and students of the department. Speaking on the occasion, Rector IIUI appreciated the efforts of Dr. Nyla Jabeen and advised all the faculty members to initiate innovative and applied research projects in order to provide research facilities to the female students.

This lab is established with the efforts of Dr. Nyla Jabeen, Assistant Professor by using the grant of HEC-NRPU project.

Dr. Al-Draiweesh made this decision in view of providing home like residence at campus. He said that IIUI wants its students fully focused on studies and every constraint in achievement of this goal would be removed as early as possible. President IIUI has also emphasized that students must be provided appropriate medical facilities while he added that students are vital asset of varsity and developmental steps for their studies are top priority of the IIUI management. Dr. Al-Draiweesh also vowed to facilitate every student on maximum level and said provision of excellent educational environment in campus would be ensured.

Provost male hostels Dr. Hafiz Abid Masood has welcomed the allocation of amount for student hostels and thanked President IIUI for taking a timely step. He also added that the development and maintenance at hostels would help to handle the problems of students. Dr. Abid said the allocated amount would help to handle problems of renovation at Kuwait hostel of the university.

It’s worth mentioning here that, Since 2009 these courses have been offering, in which number of students from different fields of life have been get themselves learnt handful knowledge of Arabic Language.

The orientation sessions held in male and female campuses respectively in which Dean Faculty of Arabic Dr. Mohammad Bashir welcomed the course participants and emphasized on the distinction, importance and scope of Arabic Language while comparing Arabic language to other languages of the world.

Dr. Habib ur Rehman Asim threw the light on the importance and worth of Arabic language comprehensively in the life of a Muslim. Course Coordinator Dr. Zaheer Ahmad briefed the participants about the course comprising of 96 credit hours in 12 weeks and divided into three important skills i.e. Speaking, Reading and Grammar. It’s pertinent here to mention that the Arab faculty members are also part of these courses that will help the students for free interaction with the native speaker directly. Director Female campus Dr. Zaitoon Begum also spoke at the occasion.

He said, empowerment of students with latest technology is highly appreciated step which will facilitate students in their research work. Dr. Al-Draiweesh termed Pakistani students full of talent, abilities and are best of in their profession. He further said that Pakistanis are considered best professional in the world; they are serving in every field of life with dignity and honor. Dr. Al-Draiweesh wished to facilitate every student on maximum level and to provide excellent educational environment in campus. He also advised students to stay away from pessimist thinking, and always discourage negative attitude of extremism and fanaticism. While briefing, Ghulzar Ahmed Khwaja said, in the first round of Prime Minister’s laptop scheme distribution, 3816 laptops have been awarded to MS PhD students of Islamic University.