A delegation of the Indus Cultural Forum (ICF) called on President International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, at his office at the Old Campus, where matters of mutual interest, particularly the promotion and revival of local and mother languages, were discussed in detail.
During the meeting, both sides deliberated on forging a sustainable partnership between IIUI and the Indus Cultural Forum aimed at serving linguistic diversity across Pakistan. Special emphasis was laid on the revival, preservation and academic promotion of indigenous and regional languages, recognizing them as an essential part of the country’s cultural heritage and social identity.
The ICF delegation included former Vice Chancellor Shaikh Ayaz University, Shikarpur, and former member of the IIUI Selection Board, Dr. Ghulam Raza Bhatti; Munawar Hassan, former Chairperson of the Indus Cultural Forum; and Chairman Indus Cultural Forum, Naseer Memon. The delegation briefed the President IIUI about the Forum’s ongoing initiatives for cultural preservation and language advocacy at national level.
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed appreciated the efforts of the Indus Cultural Forum for promoting Pakistan’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity. He emphasized that universities play a vital role in safeguarding mother languages through research, documentation and academic collaboration, and assured IIUI’s support for initiatives aligned with this vision.
Both sides mutually agreed to collaborate in the upcoming Pakistan Mother Languages Festival 2026, scheduled to be held in February, with joint academic and cultural activities aimed at creating awareness about the importance of mother languages among students, researchers and the wider community.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the ICF delegation presented the President IIUI with a traditional Sindhi Ajrak and a handmade cap as cultural souvenirs, symbolizing Pakistan’s rich local traditions and cultural harmony.
The meeting ended on a positive note with a shared resolve to strengthen institutional linkages for the promotion of languages, culture and national cohesion.