Islamabad – A delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, led by Her Excellency Natalie A. Baker, Chargé d’Affaires, visited the Islamic Research Institute (IRI) at the Faisal Masjid Campus of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). She was accompanied by Mr. Alexander Noppe (Public Diplomacy Officer), Mr. Jacob Hall (Political Officer), and Ms. Tabinda Zuberi (Country Program Specialist).
The guests were received by Prof. Dr. Ahmad Shuja Syed, President IIUI; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director General IRI; Dr. Rustam Khan, Deputy Director (A&F), IRI; and Mr. Sajjad Ahmed, Assistant Director (Administration), IRI.
The visit began with a tour of the Seerah Gallery, where Dr. Zia-ul-Haq introduced the delegation to exhibits highlighting the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The gallery features curated displays intended to foster greater understanding of Islamic heritage.
A briefing session followed in the Dr. Zafar Ishaq Ansari Board Room. Dr. Ahmad Shuja Syed, President, IIUI welcomed the delegation and provided a detailed overview of IIUI and its various faculties, with a particular focus on the mission and scope of the Islamic Research Institute. He acknowledged the importance of international collaboration in promoting mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq offered a comprehensive briefing on IRI’s research and academic activities. He emphasized the role of the Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative, a unified national declaration endorsed by religious scholars to counter terrorism and extremism. He noted that the initiative filled a critical gap by providing a state-endorsed counter-narrative to extremist ideologies.
The Director General also highlighted IRI’s efforts in youth engagement, interfaith dialogue, and research-driven policy support aimed at strengthening social cohesion.
Her Excellency Natalie A. Baker appreciated IRI’s contributions to peacebuilding and dialogue. She commended the Institute’s balanced approach to complex social and religious challenges and thanked the university for its hospitality and openness.
As a gesture of goodwill, the delegation was presented with souvenirs on behalf of the President and Rector of IIUI. The visit concluded with a tour of the Faisal Mosque, where the guests showed keen interest in its architecture and cultural significance.