Report by: Muhammad Nauman

Admission process at International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) for fall semester 2014 is in full swing as national and international students taking keen interest for admissions.
IIUI has offered 129 academic programs of its 9 faculties and last date for submission of forms is July 15. Students who have not passed GAT General/NTS test are also encouraged to apply.
Information regarding eligibility in any program or any other extra information is available at the university website http://www.iiu.edu.pk/index.php?page_id=289.
Candidates awaiting result may also apply however; they are required to submit an undertaking that they will submit overall pass result of required degree latest by 30.09.2014.

Report by: Muhammad Nauman

A meeting to review the matters and arrangements of the conference on “Hajj and Pilgrims from Muslim Countries” was held at new campus of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) under the chairmanship of President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh. The conference is being organized jointly by King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives, Saudi Arabia and International Islamic University, Islamabad in the month of November this year. The meeting was attended by the Dean Social Sciences Faculty Dr. Nabi Bux Jummani (convener of the conference) and other faculty members who have been assigned tasks for papers and other arrangements.

Dr. N.B. Jummani apprised the President IIUI regarding the progress of preparations while telling that committee had started receiving papers from various researchers.

Dr. Al-Draiweesh devised a committee on the occasion which would deal with the scrutiny and selection of the papers. The conference committee will review the paper(s) and if the paper is accepted the information regarding acceptance of the paper(s) will be communicated to the author. There is a cash award as a token of acknowledgement for the accepted papers.
Details for themes of the conference and guidelines for sending a paper are available at university website (http://www.iiu.edu.pk/index.php?page_id=15547) .

Report by: Muhammad Nauman

Da’ wah Centre for Women (DCW) of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) in collaboration with Female Campus has started “Understanding Quran e Kareem Classes” on daily basis.

These classes have been started on the directives of Rector IIUI Dr. Masoom Yasinzai and President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh. Classes are being held at Fatima Block Auditorium of female campus from 8:20am to 9am which are being attended by the female students, employees and teachers of the female campus. A prayer on completion of Quran e Kareem would be held on 20th of Ramzan next month.

Meanwhile, DCW in collaboration with female campus has also issued a schedule for lectures tilted “Istiqbal e Ramazan” which are being held on June 20, 24 and 25. These lectures will be addressed by Incharge DCW Shagufta Omar and by Faryal Ambreen.

Report by: Muhammad Nauman

Department of Electronics Engineering (DEE) of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) organized a seminar on “Postgraduate, Registration and supervision”.

The seminar was addressed by Dr. Sheroz Khan from International Islamic University Malaysia. He delivered a professional speech and guided the participants regarding the topic. Chairpersons (DEE) of both male and female campuses attended the seminar along with MS/PhD students.

Report by: Muhammad Nauman

A one day workshop titled “Role of Ulema in promotion of Tolerance and Harmony” was organized here by Shariah Academy of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) which was attended by a large number of Islamic scholars hailing from different parts of country. The workshop witnessed valuable lectures by renowned researchers and scholars on various important topics such as moderation vs extremism and role of Islamic scholars in unity of Muslim world.

Shariah Academy has also organized an international moot on tolerance, its role in stability of the society few months back which was duly appreciated and attended by the renowned Islamic scholars of Muslim world.

Inaugural ceremony of the workshop on Wednesday was attended by President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh as chief guest. DG of the Academy Dr. Tahir Mansoori, Academy scholars, staff and Islamic scholars were also present in the ceremony.

Two sessions having topics “differences in matters of Fiqh” and “problems, solution for differences in matters of Fiqh” were addressed by Dr. Tahir Hakeem Dean Faculty of Shariah and Law IIUI, Maulana Misbah ur Rehman, Dr. Ikram ul Haq, Dr. Asmat ullah and Dr. Habib ur Rehman.

Scholars observed that guidance from Islamic history was necessary for adopting the way of moderation and avoiding extremism in matters of Fiqh. It was discussed that presence of tolerance and harmony in the attitudes of individuals associated with the matters of Fatwa and Ijtihad was also needed.

Addressing the workshop, Dr. Al-Draiweesh said that Ulema are the precious asset of the society and they can play vital role in promotion of harmony and tolerance in society. He said tolerance and attitude of moderation are the solutions of the prevailing problems being faced by Muslim world. Difference in opinion is possible but the way of handling such state is crucial and it must be dealt in accordance to the teachings of Islam instead of being violent and rigid, said President IIUI. He termed the workshop as a positive constructive step towards promotion of tolerance while he also stressed on Ulema to disseminate Islam’s message of peace and harmony.

Dr. Tahir Mansoori while telling the objectives of workshop and discussing the topic said Islamic history possesses example of mutual tolerance in the matters of Fiqh. To be rigid and observe things with the glasses of extremism is not an appropriate attitude, he maintained.

Question and answer sessions were also proved useful and constructive as participants took keen interest in various topics by raising questions and finding replies of vital queries. They were also provided with publications and books of Shariah Academy by the President IIUI.

Report by: Muhammad Nauman

A two member delegation of Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) visited International Islamic University and reviewed matters pertaining to change of nomenclature of BS Electronic Program ( Department of Electronic Engineering) to BS Electrical Engineering.
The delegation comprised of two members, Dr. Muhammad Naeem Arbab Professor at UET Peshawar and Representative PEC Engr. Haroon Afridi also called on Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh President IIUI.
President IIUI thanked PEC and its delegates for support and cooperation to Faculty of Engineering and Technology and vowed that the said faculty would keep working to raise its standards in the relevant field. “IIUI focuses on quality instead of quantity, while making it top priority, University decided to establish department of Civil Engineering” said President IIUI. Delegation also assured support and lauded the role of IIUI while saying university was serving whole Ummah.
A detailed presentation regarding the change of nomenclature and departments’ efforts and performance was delivered by the Chairman DEE Dr. Muhammad Amir while they also visited the labs of the departments of the faculty at both male and female campuses. Matters pertaining to scope and curriculum of the DEE were also discussed between the Dean FET Dr. Aqdas Naveed Malik and PEC delegation in a meeting on same day.

Report by: Muhammad Nauman

International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and University of Bonn, Germany have signed MoU for academic collaboration and mutual cooperation on Tuesday at IIUI.
The MoU has been signed between Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences (CIRBC) IIUI and Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Department of Biotechnology, University of Bonn. Both sides, according to MoU, would work for academic exchange for projects while the said cooperation would be assisted by The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). At the occasion of the signing ceremony, Director DAAD Ursula Saarbeck, Rector IIUI, Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, President IIUI, Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh, Vice President Academics Dr. Mohammad Bashir Khan, Director General AF&P Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja, Dean Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences Dr. Muhammad Sher, Dr. Imran Khan from CIRBC and other IIUI officials were also present.
DAAD would provide every possible support for the development of centre at IIUI and exchange services will also be given due consideration by DAAD, said Ursula Saarbeck. She was also given a detailed briefing about the university and new CIRBC which was being launched under the leadership of Rector IIU. It was told in the briefing that centre would work for launching joint degree programs with international universities and research collaboration to learn from the experience of known researchers would also be initiated by the centre. Rector IIUI also suggested that faculty members from Germany, for short intervals, should also join the university and attend sessions here which would help to raise education standards at the university.
A shield and university publications were also presented to Director DAAD by Rector and President IIUI at the end of the MoU signing ceremony.

Report by: Hafiz Atiq ur Rehman

A 4 member delegation lead by Dr. Usama Al-Abid President Al-Azhar University Egypt visited International Islamic University Islamabad where both the universities signed a MoU. The delegation comprised Dr. Hamid Abu Talib, Ahmed Adbul Aleem, and Dr. Hassan bin Al-Safar received at new campus IIUI.

In accordance with the body of memorandum both the universities would promote institutional cooperation in the field of uplifting education and research. The IIUI and AL-Azhar University agreed to exchange of faculty members and students for jointly organized study courses.

It is also stated in MoU that cooperation of sharing information, academics and research material, publication would be made easy between both the universities.

While addressing Dr. Usama in his remarks thanked and vowed that this MoU would bring both universities more close to each other. He said this step also set a line to strengthen the relations on diplomatic level. ” Islam is a strong connection between us and on this base we are joined with each other “. Rector Al-Azhar maintained. Dr. Usama assured maximum support in respect of all the fields of education. He also announced extension of stay of Al-Azhar’s faculty members who are serving IIUI and scholarships for the students of IIUI in Al-Azhar University.

On the occasion of signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding Rector IIUI Prof Dr. Masoom Yasinzai in his opening remarks welcomed the worthy guests and expressed his immense pleasure over this constructive step. He hoped this mile stone of mutual cooperation would pave the way towards educational harmony. Rector said as AL-Azahar is prestigious university and has well name in the world; IIUI also following the footprints of Al-Azhar in developing and flourishing.

Dr. Masoom termed MoU a positive and active sign of collaboration which will lead both the institutions towards collective destination of educational unity, peace and progress. ”This is a real time to invest and build up educational economy to harvest the real fruit of development” Rector added.

Dr. Al-Draiweesh said the academic cooperation would bring harmony and unity between both the universities. ”The MoU would be practical and deliverable, which will be fruitful for both the institutions“. He added. President wished practical mutual cooperation and concrete academic relations between IIUI and Al-Azhar University to learn experiences from each others. He admired the guidance and efforts of Dr. Masoom in progress and development of universities.

Director General IIUI Ghulzar Ahmed Khwaja also gave detail presentation about IIUI. On this occasion all deans and directors of IIUI were also present.

Report by: Hafiz Atiq ur Rehman

As Pakistan has yet not been declared a Polio free country, is still under the threat of Polio virus. In view to remove the rumors, misconceptions and overcome the lack of knowledge about the Polio vaccination from the mind of the masses, Iqbal International Institute of Research and Dialogue, International Islamic University Islamabad has organized first Consultation Meeting of National Islamic Advisory Group for Polio Eradication.

In the meeting as chief guest Saira Afzal Tarar Minister of State for Health services and Regulations said some miscreants want to use polio campaign as political weapon even they know that polio vaccine is Halal and not harmful by any means. She urged Ulema to develop effective strategies and they are expected as front line soldiers in combating polio from Pakistan. State Minister invoked participants that in the meeting, a clear and practical recommendations to be set candidly by removing all misperceptions. She requested Ulema to take the lead in expedition of polio eradication from the country terming them a great source of inspiration in the society. Minister said Fatwas are available from all the sects which claim polio vaccine is Halal and mandatory for all Muslims to make polio vaccine assure for their children.

Senator Moulana Samee ul Haq endorsed practical measures must be necessary in this regard while adding that Govt machinery and responsible must set a policy line to remove all the allied reservations linger with polio campaign.

Dr. Abul Qahir, Secretary General International Islamic Fiqh Academy, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia shared recommendations of the meeting of Islamic Advisory Group which was held in Feb at Saudi Arabia. He also endorsed the action plan of the meeting in which suggested collective efforts and measures should be taken by all the corners.

Addressing the participants President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh encouraged them to stand against the rumors and misconceptions against Polio vaccination. He also advised them to contribute maximum to excel the campaign of Polio vaccination.

President urged participants to convince public of their areas and get favor for Polio vaccination. ”Some forces against Islam and miscreants have set an ambush to create chaos, distress and anarchic situation in Muslim countries “. He added. President invoked Ulema, Muftians, Doctors and experts that the core responsibilities in regard of Polio eradication are on their shoulders which must be tackled with great care.

Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq PM Focal Person, Prime Minister’s Office, shared brief report about the measures which have been taken as in state of emergency to eradicate this virus by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. She assured participants that PM polio cell will bring maximum effort and no effort shall be spared to wipe out polio from country and all efforts will be made possible to cope all challenges by following the guidelines form NIAG.

Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed Executive Director IIIRD presented detail briefing about the meeting and measures which have been taken in the view of polio eradication on platform of IIUI while adding that Ulemas are the main source to disseminate the information in compare, no other source can do this effort as effectively as Ulema can. In the meeting Prof. Tariq Bhutta, Dr Imtiaz Zafar Deputy Director General Dawah Academy, IIUI, Maulana Hanif Jallandhri, Maulna Rafee Usmani, Haji Haneef Tayeb, Ata ur Rehman,Iqbal Memon and other Ulema, medical expert also shared their views and opinions.

Report by: Hafiz Atiq ur Rehman

Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IIIRD) International Islamic University Islamabad organized two day workshop with the title” Towards Understanding Iqbal’s Thoughts in 21st Century“. The workshop was a part of series on exploring the philosophy and message of Iqbal; it was attended by more than twenty Aima and Khutaba from twin cities.

Rector IIUI Prof Dr. Masoom Yasinzai graced the concluding ceremony as chief guest, while Executive Director IIIRD Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed, Director IIIRD Dr. Talib Hussain Sial were also present on the occasion. In his address Dr. Masoom said adherence with Iqbal is ultimate way towards unity and brotherhood as he addresses humanity, kindness and tolerance. Rector invoked Aima and Khtaba to contribute maximum to enhance the level of tolerance and inculcate leniency among the people by seeking the guidance from Iqbal.

He said Iqbal’s poetry is full of inspiration which gives complete way of understanding in all respect of life. “Allama Iqbal’s thoughts are the revival of the prestige of Muslims; we have to act upon his message which reflects the teachings of Islam”. He maintained. Dr. Masoom termed Aima, Ulema successors of Prophets (AS) and people are ready to listen to them, so the core responsibility on their shoulders is to make religion easy so that it should be practiced in true and real sense. Worthy rector showed his pleasure to see Aima, Ulema and Khutaba united in one platform to learn the message of Iqbal; he termed workshop a successful event saying that its canvas should be broadened.

Dr. Mumtaz in his welcoming address paid gratitude to Rector on sparing his precious time and introduced about the workshop. He vowed to organize such more workshops and enlarge the cooperation in this regard. Participants while expressing their views said workshop was a great source of exploring the wisdom of Allama Iqbal. They urged more workshops and joint efforts towards understanding of Iqbal and purposed that the Iqbal’s philosophy should be included in the courses of Madaaras. At the end, certificates were distributed among the participants of the workshop by the Rector IIUI.

Report by: Muhammad Nauman

President International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh, in an interview with an English daily, has said stressed educational institutions should work for spreading Islam’s moderate message to youth.

Dr Ahmad Yousif Al-Draiweesh, President International Islamic University has more than two decades of teaching experience in Islamic Studies, Islamic law and Comparative Jurisprudence in Saudi Arabia and several other countries. He has been awarded numerous awards for his academic work and research. Since his appointment as President of IIUI, he took a number of initiatives to make headway in enhancing cooperation and development of the great learning centre.

“IIUI is serving Muslim world with an aim to provide knowledge according to scientific and other disciplines’ advancements with a blend of Islamic teachings and tradition” said President IIUI answering a question. “We are focusing to make the university a centre of excellence and a nursery that would keep producing enlightened balanced youth, he added.

While discussing the steps taken for national and international collaborations in the regard of raising education standards at varsity, Dr. Al-Draiweesh said Under the guidance of the Chancellor of the university, President Mamnoon Hussain, IIUI has signed more than 30 MoUs with national and international educational institutions, NGOs and other public serving organizations with a focus to enhance academic research criteria, exchange of delegations and provision of scholarships to the needy students.

“University is mulling over establishing a medical college and an advanced hospital in future to provide a platform to the medical students as Pakistan is famous for its talented professionals in the field of medical, he said while responding to a question about future plans of IIUI. He further added “recently we have approved the establishment of a Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies where a novel integrated approach will be developed towards knowledge creation, commercialization and dissemination while several projects are in pipeline including the construction of faculty housing, employees’ housing and IIUI mosque”.

President IIUI said he has very much faith in Pakistan’s education standards as his whole family including school-going children got admission in schools at Pakistan. “My elder son has quit his studies in Australia and joined the International Islamic University and it’s a matter of great pride for me and the whole institution that my children have preferred this university to the rest of the world ” He further told.

Regarding a question to keep Muslim youth away from extremism, Dr. Al-Draiweesh said Islam is a religion of peace. “Universities can play vital role to put the young talented minds on the path of modern attitude and same here at IIUI we practice with the help of best team of teachers and professors, visiting and permanent, who interact with students and develop their personality in accordance with the needs of the modern times” he maintained. President IIUI termed Muslim Youth as a ray of hope while saying balanced, peaceful and educated youth is the solution of prevailing challenges of Muslims.

In other question regarding the hallmark of IIUI he gave a brief answer while saying hallmark of the University’s educational philosophy is the integration of Islamic knowledge with contemporary intellectual achievements. The courses and Islamic programmes designed by the University during the last 25 years reflect the thinking and aspirations of Muslim educationists, thinkers and leaders of Islamic revivalism who guided the Muslim Ummah during the last century.

At the end in his message for youth, President IIUI emphasized on them to be fair and faithful to Allah; get education with complete devotion and remain committed to studies with an objective to serve Ummah. He also stressed upon youth to refrain from all kind of negative activities like extremism, terrorism and violence.

Report by: Hafiz Atiq ur Rehman

Dawah Academy of International Islamic University has published new book with the title ”Religious Extremism Causes and its Treatments” written by the President IIUI Prof Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh. The book has very precisely described the elements of intellectual deviation and escaping from the right path and it has been proved that, these characteristics completely against the Islam. The book discusses the violent attitude and causes of extremism which leads the society toward complete chaos, disorder and restlessness. In the book the remedies and treatment of these problems and issues also narrated very lucidly. In the preamble of the book Dr. Al-Draiweesh directs the youth and writes that they must be balanced Muslims and it’s against the dignity of Muslim youth that they may deviate from the true light of religion and go beyond the boundaries of Islam. He says that Islam urges, youth to be committed on righteousness firmly and rejects the lines of sins and wickedness. Dr. Al-Draiweesh has clearly mentioned that the youth, due to lack of knowledge, overwhelmed emotions and ignorance may not stray from the right way and adopt the way of bloodshed. The book has been appreciated by all the corners of intellectuals and termed that the book is mile stone to understand the current prevailing situations.

Here he was welcomed by the President of Amir Abdul Qadir University and a number of University’s senior officials and Faculty members. The President, together with the delegates of other Islamic Universities headed by His Excellency Prof. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdul Muhsin al-Turkey, the Secretary General of the League and a member of the Council of Senior Scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia made a tour of the University. The delegates were mostly the Vice Chancellors of Arabic and Islamic Universities who have come from various Islamic Universities and international academic and scientific institutions to participate in this meeting and its concomitant activities. The delegates were briefed during the short tour about the various phases of the development of Amir Abdul Qadir University and the role it is playing for the cause of Islam and Algerian nation since its inception.

The President of Amir Abdul Qadir University, Constantine welcomed the President, IIU and other members of the delegation during the short interval when they were having rest in the auditorium of the Grand Mosque of the University, where the delegates reviewed the preparations made for the conference and its other activities. His Excellency, Prof. Dr. Ahmad bin Yousif al-Draiweesh, the President, IIU, Islamabad thanked the President, Vice Presidents, the Faculty members and senior officials of the management of Amir Abdul Qadir University for their warm welcome and hospitality and the excellent arrangement of the Conference. The President expressed his admiration for the excellent buildings of the University and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape extolling the impact and contribution that the University is making on the local and international levels in the fields of education and scientific and academic research for the service of Muslim community. After this, the President joined the Jum’ah prayer in the mosque of Amir Abdul Qadir University. Later the President met with several Vice Chancellors of Islamic universities and discussed the issue of promoting and strengthening the mutual cooperation in the fields of education and research and signing of the protocols of understanding with Islamic universities in different specializations.

1. Al-Azhar University, Cairo
2. Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, Riyadh
3. Cairo University, Egypt
4. Umm al-Qura University, Makkah
5. Dar al-Salam University, Indonesia
6. Amir Abdul Qadir Islamic University, Constantine
7. Umm Durman University, Sudan
8. King Saud University, Riyadh
9.  Zaituna University, Tunis
10.   University of Qarawiyyin, Fes, Morocco
11.   Ain Shams University, Cairo
12.   International Islamic University, Islamabad.
13.   Naif University for Security Sciences, Riyadh
14.   Free University, Holland
15.    College of Islamic Studies, Qatar.

At this occasion, His Excellency the President, International Islamic University, who shared the proceeding of the conference, expressed his profound happiness and pride on the honor, appreciation, trust and confidence of the League of Islamic Universities, represented by Dr. Abdullah bin Abdul Muhsin al-Turkey, the Chairman of the League and Dr. Ja’far Abdul Salam, the Secretary General of the League, all its working committees, the honorable members of the Conference, the Vice-Chancellors of Islamic Universities who are gracing this occasion with their presence for electing the International Islamic University. I also extend my sincere thanks to the Government of Algeria and His Excellency the President of the Amir Abdul Qadir University for Islamic Sciences, Constantine, the host of the present conference Dr. Abdullah Bo Khalkhal on the trust reposed in the International Islamic University, its President and its officials. I ask the Almighty Allah to enable the League to discharge its responsibility and tasks. I hope the affiliation of the University with the Executive Council will be of great benefit to the University, Pakistan, Islam and the Muslim Ummah as a whole.
      Finally, I wish you all the success in all your future enterprises and pray to Almighty to grant us sincerity of words and actions. It is our belief that He is the Most Powerful on everythings.

Report by: Muhammad Nauman

8th Hajj Training Program organized by Dawah Centre for Women (DCW) of International Islamic University (IIUI), which was attended by 51 women participants hailing from various regions of country, concluded here on Thursday.

Hajj Training Program, containing 127 academic hours contained Quran classes, lectures on basic Islamic teachings, practical workshops to avoid problems during Hajj, Tajweed and various other activities such as poster competition among participants regarding Hajj stages and a book exhibition based on books written on the topic of Hajj.

Concluding ceremony of the program was joined by Director General AF&P Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja as chief guest, Deputy Director General Dawah Academy Dr. Imtiaz Zafar, Deputy Director General Islamic Research Institute Dr. Sohail Hassan, Incharge DCW Shagufta Omar, Former Director Female Campus Dr. Zaitoon Begum, Faryal Ambreen, teachers and the participants of the course.

Speaking on the occasion, Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja said Hajj is a vital Islamic pillar and performing Hajj according to a given way by the religion, is a matter of reward from Almighty. He said arrangement of special Hajj Training Program for women by DCW is not only a sacred task but it is also a matter of honor and pride for the university.

While showing satisfaction over DCW’s performance, DG AF&P said formation of an across the country network of training programs by DCW and its endorsement by the ministry of Religious Affairs is great honor. He specially thanked the women participants who all the way came from far flung districts of Baluchistan while he also assured that all possible support would be provided to such constructive and positive programs. Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja also hoped that participants would disseminate the gained knowledge and would keep trying to make this sacred task more successful.

Dr. Imtiaz Zafar, in his address said that Dawah Academy is committed to train and teach all the classes of the society according to the teachings of Islam, recent program of DCW is part of such measures by the academy, he added. He said organized program was a source of reward from Allah as it’s all the stages were arranged for a holy objective. He also lauded the DCW administration on successful completion of the program.

Dr. Sohail Hassan said trainers must read authentic books and consult authentic sources when guidance required during the training. He also lauded the efforts of DCW. Earlier, Shagufta Omar presented detailed introductory report of DCW. At the end, course completion certificates were distributed among the participants by Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja.

Report by: Muhammad Nauman

Chairman Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (RBISE) Dr Muhammad Zareef Wednesday called on Rector International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) Dr. Muhammad Masoom Yasinzai at his office where both of them discussed issues of mutual interest.

Matters of mutual collaboration and steps for improvement in educational system were discussed in the meeting. Role of IIUI Schools for quality education was also discussed in the meeting. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said IIUI is keen to strengthen and expand relationships with all the departments which are dealing with the education of country’s youth. He said IIUI is committed to produce balanced youth personalities who acquire contemporary education at IIUI with a blend of Islamic teachings and traditions. Rector IIUI also assured all possible support to the RBISE from university.

Dr. Zareef thanked Rector IIUI for the meeting and showing keen interest in the regard of mutual cooperation. He also lauded the role of IIUI while saying university is serving Ummah with responsibility and distinction of providing education integrated with teachings of Islam.

Report by: Muhammad Nauman

Admission process for the fall semester at International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) has started in which candidates who fulfill the admission criterion apart from NTS/GAT are being encouraged to apply.

IIUI has offered 129 academic programs of its 9 faculties for the fall semester 2014 while application submission process started here on Monday. Information regarding eligibility in any program or any other extra information is available at the university website www.iiu.edu.pk. Candidates awaiting result may also apply however; they are required to submit an undertaking that they will submit overall pass result of required degree latest by 30.09.2014. Last date for the submission of admission application is July 15, 2014.

Report by: Muhammad Nauman

Regional Da’wah Center (RDC), Karachi of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) organized 8TH Islamic Training Program for electronic and print media journalists, which was attended by more than 20 participants. Journalists hailing from various districts of Sindh including Sukkur, Ghotki, Khairpur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Karachi, joined the program.

During the program lectures and discussions were arranged on vital topics such as responsibilities of the journalists, media and propaganda, Tajweed and translation of Quran, responsible reporting. The program sessions were addressed by prominent figures of the society including Chairman higher and secondary education board Karachi Prof. Anwaar Ahmed Zai, Head media studies Karachi University Dr. Tahir Masood, Prof. Dr. Mehmood Ahmed Ghaznavi and Incharge RDC Dr. Syed Aziz ur Rehman.

Closing ceremony was held in the lecture hall of the centre which was attended by Deputy Director General Dawah Academy IIUI Dr. Imtiaz Zafar as chief guest. Addressing the ceremony he said Dawah Academy mainly focuses to establish an attitude of observation in the minds of professionals. He added that journalism is the profession which is vital and has no alternate. He said journalists are performing an important duty which requires a responsible attitude that is why the program was arranged to further polish the skills of related professionals in the lights of teachings of Islam.

Report by: Muhammad Nauman

International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) has signed an MoU of mutual cooperation with University of Science and Technology Bannu (USTB).
According to memorandum both universities would promote institutional cooperation in education and research especially in the fields of information technology while IIUI would provide assistance to USTB in the fields of Arabic teaching and Islamic studies.

Both Universities also agreed for exchange of faculty members and students and also vowed to organize joint events such as conferences and seminars.

In an MoU signing ceremony, held at Faisal Campus IIUI, President IIUI Prof Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh signed memorandum on behalf of IIUI while Prof Dr. Abdur Rahim Khan, VC USTB, signed MoU on behalf of his university. Vice President Academics IIUI Dr. Muhammad Bashir Khan and Director General AF&P IIUI Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al-Draiweesh welcomed the worthy guest and expressed his immense pleasure over this constructive meeting. He hoped this venture of mutual cooperation would pave the way towards educational harmony. He termed MoU a positive and active omen of collaboration while saying that it will lead both the institutions towards the destination of educational unity, peace and progress.

President IIUI said the academic cooperation would bring harmony and unity between both the universities. ”The MoU would be practical and deliverable, which will be fruitful for both the institutions“. He added. Dr. Al-Draiweesh wished practical mutual cooperation and concrete academic relations between both the universities to learn experiences from each other.

Dr. Abdur Rahim in his remarks said MoU would bring both universities close to each other. He said universities can play pivotal role for bringing and disseminating positive and constructive attitudes in the society and this MoU would be proved as a vital step towards this objective.

At the end, university shield and publications were presented by the President IIUI to VC USTB.

Report by: Muhammad Nauman

President International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh has termed Aima and scholars as vital asset of society while saying that they have responsibility to aware masses about the true teachings of Quran and Sunnah.

This he said while addressing to the participants of 83rd training course for Aima and Scholars organized by Da’wah Academy of IIUI which is being attended by the Aima and scholars across the country. Deputy Director General Da’wah Academy Dr. Imtiaz Zafar, course coordinators Zaheerudin Behram and Waheed Ahmed, and other academy officials were also present in the address.

Dr. Al-Draiweesh said Aima and scholars can play vital role to disseminate true message of Islam which is based on peace, moderation and love for humanity. He stressed on scholars that they have responsibility to build society and establish it on the basis of high moral and ethical characteristics. “To be an Imam as a matter of honor and it’s a platform for setting guidelines to establish a society of tolerance.

He also emphasized for the need of eliminating extremism and violence. President IIUI added prevailing situation demands that Islamic teachings must be disseminated to aware world with the religion of harmony and brotherhood. Dr. Al-Draiweesh also urged Aima and Khutba to be a practical example regarding the lessons given by Islam.

Report by: Hafiz Atiq ur Rehman

Prof Dr. Muhammad Irfan Khan, chairman department of environmental science visited Saudi Arabia as environmental expert by the United Nation’s food and agriculture organization.

The technical cooperation department of United Nations FAO has invited Dr. Irfan Khan as environmental expert for a short mission to Hofuf, Al-Hassa for preliminary environmental impact assessment of the utilization of non-conventional water resources of treated waste water for irrigation in Al Hassa by ministry of agriculture of kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Irfan Khan also provided training on environmental and health impact assessment of wastewater use in agriculture to the engineers of Al-Hassa irrigation and drainage authority.

During his visit he also visited King Faisal University and delivered a lecture in the faculty of engineering. The FAO has requested him to developed an environmental management framework for ministry of agriculture and establish a centre for environmental studies at FAO centre at Al-Hassa irrigation and drainage authority.