The Islamic Research Institute at International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and the Faculty of Shariah & Law, IIUI brought the curtain down on its highly successful Research and Academic Writing Training Programme 2025 with a memorable closing ceremony at the historic Allama Iqbal Auditorium. The event celebrated the academic achievements of 112 postgraduate scholars from the Faculty of Shariah & Law who completed the rigorous training program.
The closing ceremony hosted by Dr. Muhammad Ajmal, IRI, commenced with a spiritually uplifting Quranic recitation by Dr. Usman Nawaz, followed by a stirring performance of the national anthem that filled the auditorium with patriotic fervor.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director General of the Islamic Research Institute and Dean of the Faculty of Shariah & Law, reflected on the program’s evolution and impact. “When we launched this initiative three years ago, we envisioned creating a research ecosystem that combines our rich Islamic intellectual heritage with contemporary academic rigor,” he said. “Seeing the quality of work produced by this year’s participants, I can confidently say we are realizing that vision.” Dr. Zia particularly acknowledged the contributions of faculty mentors, administrative staff, and partner institutions that made the program possible.
Dr. Muhammad Akbar Khan, the program coordinator, presented a detailed report highlighting key achievements including the completion of 90% research proposals by the participants. “Your dedication has transformed this from a mere training program into a genuine intellectual movement,” he stated while congratulating the successful participants.
Several participants shared their experiences during an interactive session. Ms. Hasina Kasim, an LLM scholar, described the program as “transformative,” noting how it helped refine her thesis methodology. Mr. Tariq, a PhD candidate, praised the hands-on training in academic writing, calling it “precisely the skillset needed for serious scholarship.”
The Guest of Honor, Barrister Zafarullah Khan, captivated the audience with practical insights from his distinguished legal career. “The research methodologies you’ve mastered here will serve you well whether you pursue academia, legal practice, or policy work,” he advised participants, sharing anecdotes about how thorough research had been decisive in landmark Supreme Court cases.
Prof. Dr. Anwar ul Hassan Gillani, the Chief Guest, offered a visionary perspective on academic scholarship. “Your generation of researchers has the opportunity – and responsibility – to reinterpret classical Islamic texts in ways that address modern challenges while maintaining scholarly integrity,” he urged, citing several areas where fresh academic perspectives are urgently needed.
Honorable Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwar Shah, presiding as Chairperson, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing how the program aligns with national educational priorities. “This initiative represents exactly the kind of capacity-building we need to strengthen Pakistan’s position in global Islamic scholarship,” he observed, praising IIUI’s leadership in this endeavor.
The certificate distribution ceremony recognized 112 participants, faculty mentors, and the members of organizing committee.
As the formal proceedings concluded at 8:00 PM, attendees gathered for a dinner reception that turned into an impromptu scholarly exchange, with participants and faculty continuing discussions late into the evening. The overwhelming feedback from attendees suggests this initiative has set a new benchmark for academic training in Islamic and legal studies in Pakistan.