He said that players are ambassadors of the country whenever they go for playing abroad they must demonstrate such behaviour and character to attract the people to admire our country. They may not indulge themselves in negative activities. He announced that those players will be given awards who obtain distinctions in the on going sport gala 2012. He also announced the establishment of sports directorate in IIUI.

Speaking on this occasion Mr. Tallat Khurshid, Director Planning and Development of HEC said that excellent players are produced by the universities all over the world but due to the pressure of curriculum based activities, in our country this situation is adverse. He said that in order to change this situation and to divert the attention of the students towards co-curriculum activities the HEC has decided to give special concession in the attendance to those students who take part in any National Championship. He further said that in order to encourage sports activities in IIUI the HEC will extent every possible cooperation to IIUI.

Earlier the Mr. Manzoor Hussain Shah the organizer of the sports gala introduced the participating teams in sports gala. At the end, the participating players of the annual sports gala 2012 demonstrated march passed and salute the Rector IIUI.

Muhammad Hanif briefed the students about his literary work on various topics and shared his experiences of how creative writing excel the art of studying and teaching. He has also commented on the famous poems of young Philistine writer Rizwan and critically analyze “Reserve”, “Rumours” and “Fabrication”.

Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad said that he is really impressed of the creative work of Muhammad Hanif, and after the study of his famous book “The Case of Exploding Mangoes” I appreciates the approach of the great writer to present the central theme of the book through a fictitious story behind the real.

The famous writer/Journalist Muhammad Hanif was presented IIUI crest at the end of the lecture.

While talking to the President IIUI Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad, Mr. Justice Masoud Mohamed Al-Ameeri said that Shariah Academy, constituent unit of IIUI is playing pivotal role to train the lawyers of Pakistan and different countries. He hoped that it is a matter of glade to know that Shariah Academy is providing training not only in Urdu but Arabic and English languages as well. He also hoped that some teachers of IIUI should taught in the universities of Qatar.

Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad said that Qatar played an important role in the economic development of some countries. He said that Qatar television channel Al-Jazeera brought revolution in communication to broke the monopoly of the western media. At the end IIUI President Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad presented IIUI crests to the chief justice of Qatar and other members of the delegation.

Mr. Suhrab said that he is delighted to say that the students both male and female of IIU did really hard work to exhibit the cultures of various Islamic Countries during 24th cultural week. He said that students are the ambassadors of countries wherever they are getting education and creates honor for their countries. Regarding students exchange programme Mr. Suhrab Hussain added that both Pakistan & Bangladesh need to exchange students to expand the bilateral relations and develop understanding about each other.

Wife of Saudi Ambassador said that the cultural activities are part of Islamic Culture and civilization and female students of IIUI enormously exhibited this event. She said that I am very pleased to represent my country here with the message of respect to others, peace and harmony. She added that such kind of international cultural activities play important role to brought together minds of the Muslims to develop brotherhood relations between them. She hoped that IIUI will continue to celebrate such cultural activities in future.

Prof. Fateh Muhammad Malik said that the projection of Islamic civilization is a good thing to do because these activities are useful for the progress of Islam. He added that Muslims students are sons and daughters of the nation and they have successfully represented Islamic values, traditions and culture which is appreciable.

Earlier Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad welcomed the distinguish guests and said that after visiting various stalls at the cultural exhibition I will boldly say that Islam is not only the religion of peace but also foods, dresses, architecture and culture. He said that today Pakistanis are seems depressed people but this cultural exhibition proved that we have the passion to remain happy and prosper in the prevailing circumstances of our country.

At the end Ambassador of Bangladesh Suhrab Hussain, High Commissioner of Kenya Mishi Mashika, Wife of Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Prof. Fateh Muhammad Malik, Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad and Prof. Dr. Sahibzada Sajid ur Rehman awarded certificates and prizes to the female students who demonstrated outstanding performance during cultural activities.

He said that Morocco played vital role to spread Islamic knowledge at Africa and the rest of the Islamic countries. He said that in Morocco the basic education still starts with Quran and Hadith and Madras’s are also playing active role to spread Islamic knowledge. While commenting on the role of Islamic University, he said that I feel good to know that about 23000 students are getting quality education from IIUI and it is also playing vital role to spread religion knowledge and education. He urged co-relation and coordination between Pakistan and Morocco.

Earlier the President International Islamic University Islamabad Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed welcomed the Chief Justice of Morocco and his delegation and said that Morocco is the country where democratic system started with constitutional kingdom. He lauded the historic role of Morocco in spreading of knowledge all over the Islamic world and said the Islamic world is still acknowledging the historic role of Morocco in this regard.

Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed said that religious tolerance in Morocco, is an example for those countries which are in the line of fire by the religious sectarianism. Dr. Mumtaz presented IIU shields to the members of the delegation.

Justice Shariat Court Dr. Fida Muhammad Khan, Justice Shahzado Sheikh, Justice Rizwan and Vice president of International Islamic University Islamabad Dr. Sahibzada Sajid ur Rehman were also present on the occasion.

Jasim Muhammad Khalidi said that he is feeling very proud to represent his country here in this ceremony on behalf of the ambassador of Saudi Arabia. He said that I came here with the message of Peace and harmony for the people of Pakistan. He further said that the colourful cultural exhibition has figured the message of brotherhood among the Muslim Ummah.

Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad said that after visiting various stalls at the cultural exhibition I will boldly say that Islam is not only the religion of peace but also foods, dresses, architecture and culture. He said that today Pakistanis are considered depressed people but this cultural exhibition proved that we have the passion to remain happy and prosper in the prevailing circumstances of our country.

About the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Dr. Mumtaz said that Saudi Arabia stood with Pakistan in good and bad times, they celebrate our success and becomes grief for disasters like their support during earthquake of 2005 and floods two year back. Saudi Arabia supported IIUI to develop the faculties, academic and infrastructures.

Dr. Safeer Awan said that the theme of this cultural exhibition is “Islam and world peace” to project that Islam as a religion of peace. He has appreciated the encouragement of students by various embassies to set up stalls at the exhibitions.

At the end the acting ambassador of Saudi Arabia and Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad distributed certificates and shields among the winners of various competition organized during cultural exhibition.

Most attractive stall was set by students of Saudi Arabia to exhibit various aspects of Arab culture, food and dresses. Similarly students from all the four provinces of the country set up their stalls to highlight culture of their areas. Special focus was put on differentiating the culture of rural from urban areas. All departments of the university also set up their stalls.

The diplomats and guests came for opening of the event visited all the stalls and showed keen interest in the cultural shows of the female students. Wife of Ambassador of Iran spoke to the media and said that she is really happy to see bouquet of various cultures of Islamic countries presented in this exhibition at IIUI and was really an attractive for everyone come. She urged that the youth of Pakistan should pull their country to the destiny of development.

Professor Fateh Malik expressed his views that IIU is celebrating spring through cultural shows of its students every year separately for male and females. On the purpose of such events Prof Malik said that it will provide a platform within the campus to the students of different Islamic countries to present and exhibit their culture. He added that it will create a relation of wahadate Islami between the Muslim Ummah.

Mr. Hussain Rawish said that despite the fact of differences in the cultures of Muslims there are some common features which were clearly exhibited in this cultural show of IIUI. He said that female students shall play role for the development of Pakistan.

Prize distribution ceremony (male) will be held at Auditorium of faculty block II, new campus, IIU, Sector H-10, Islamabad on April 19 while concluding ceremony for female students will be organized at female campus of the university on April 20, 2012 where ambassador of Bangladesh in Pakistan shall be chief guest.

Ambassadors of United Arab Emirates and Somalia participated in the opening ceremony. China, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Kenya, Bangladesh, Iran and other countries set up their stalls to highlight their culture. Most attractive stalls was set up by students of Afghanistan featuring different aspects of Afghan life. Afghan food, literature and the ways rare life stock were also highlighted in the stall. At stalls of other countries students showcased their cultural symbols like replicas of the Grand mosque and dresses of different cultures.

Similarly students from all the four provinces of the country set up their stalls to highlight culture of their areas. Special focus was put on differentiating the culture of rural from urban areas. All departments of the university also set up their stalls offering in sights into subject like International Relations, Islamic Art and Architecture, Shariah & Law, Psychology, Sociology, Mass Communication etc.

Opening the ceremony, IIUI President Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad said 9/11 is the water shed because after this event the world started looking at Islam as a religion of violence. In 1980s, some forces preached only Jihad to Muslim countries but after 9/11 the same forces changed their direction and emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace. It is true that Islam is a religion of peace but at the same time Jihad is an un-put-down-able part of Islam. Foundation of Islam is not peace but justice, he said.

Dr. Javaid Laghari said he was impressed to see comity of different cultures on campus. He said students should work together to tell the world that Muslim youths are peaceful and productive part of it. He urged students to pay attention to research to create knowledge. He called upon students and teachers to advent new technology. He said world bank has placed focus on higher education, skilled knowledge, technology, innovation and research and universities should tap into this interest of the international monitory institution. He said the HEC will encourage all innovative ideas so that the tack changed from seeking employment to creating employment. He reiterated that Muslim youths should pull together in the filed of research and higher education.

UAE Ambassador Essa Abdullah said students are the real assets for the future of Ummah. He said his country is contributing into improvement of falling economy of Muslim countries, not least Pakistan. Thousands of Pakistanis working in UAE, which they take as their setting home. He said the UAE has got 22 universities in 40 years and now students from all over the world come to the UAE seeking knowledge. He said the UAE is running a project for development of infrastructure, healthcare and education in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa.

IIUI Rector Prof. Fateh Muhammad Malik urged Muslims not to forget their duties and the facts that Islam is a religion of peace and harmony.

IIUI Vice President, Prof. Dr. Sahibzada Sajid-ur-Rehman prayed for the troops still unaccounted for at Siachen whereas student advisor (male) Dr. Safeer Awan also addressed the ceremony and thanked the respected guests.

Iranian ambassador will open the ceremony on female campus today (Wednesday). The event will continue till April 20.

The cultural Week aims to highlight lifestyle and traditions of different Islamic and non-Islamic countries whose students are studying at the IIUI. Students of above 42 countries are taking part in these activities. These students will bring out culture and traditions of their country will the help of dresses, poetry, painting, photography, cooking and literature.

In particular students from Saudi Arabia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, China, Afghanistan, Africa, SAARC countries and ASIAN countries will setup stalls to highlight their culture. The university has invited different brands and traders to advertise their products. The opening ceremony of the cultural week will be held in the new campus today and that of female campus will be held at Faisal Masjid Campus Wednesday (April, 18, 2012). On April 19 and 20 prize distribution ceremonies will be held for male and female students respectively. Grand Mushaira will be held at Faisal Mosque Campus on April 27.

He said having seen the devotion for martyrdom and a sense of sympathy among the Muslims fighting 1912’s Triply War, Iqbal started dreaming of a new life for Muslims Ummah and wrote extensively on this theme. He said Iqbal had rejected a report of the Royal Commission on Palestine dispute. Iqbal advised Arabs to keep their coalition with turks impact and not to follow their dynasties.

In 1930, Iqbal said the dynasts were focus on protecting and enhancing their rules and they could not think beyond this. He said Muslims dynast were responsible for destruction of Muslim Ummah. Prof. Malik appreciated Dr. Najeeb Jamal and his work on Iqbal.

IIUI President Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad and Vice President Prof. Dr. Sahibzada Sajid Ur Rehman also spoke on the occasion.

The university has invited different manufacturers and traders to setup their stalls for promotion of their brands. The inaugural ceremony of IIUI 24th cultural week (male) will be held on April 17, 2012 at the new campus whereas the cultural week (female) will be inaugurated on April 18, 2012 at the Faisal Masjid campus of the university. Prize distribution ceremony (male) will be held on April 19 at the auditorium block 2, new campus and concluding ceremony (female) will be held on April 20, 2012 at the female campus auditorium in which the prizes will be given to the distinctive students in various competitions of the cultural week. Grand Mushaira will be held on April 27, 2012 at Faisal Mosque Campus of the university.

The Punjab Schools Libraries Project, Lahore has approved 26 publications of Dawah Academy of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI). Up to 9800 copies of each of the title will be provided by the academy to the said project for onward provision to the schools libraries project. An agreement in this regard was signed last week, according to which the books will be provided to the Project by May 30.

Hairan Khattak, former Deputy Director (Publication) signed the agreement with the authorities of the Project, in Lahore. It is worth mentioning that Dawah Academy has already been supplied a total of 30 books to the project in the previous two phases.

A farewell lunch was arranged by female administrative officers of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) in honour of Mrs. Nargis Jamal, Librarian of the university. Dr Zaitoon Begum, director female campus, Dr. Sadia Tahir, students advisor, Mrs. Shagufta Haroon, director academic and a large number of female administrative officers were present on the occasion.

Dr. Zaitoon Begum, said that Mrs. Nargis Jamal had been serving IIUI for the last 26 years and her services shall be remembered for ever. She spent a major portion of her life to serve IIUI. Dr. Zaitoon further added that although she is administratively retired but IIUI will always remember her services.

Prof. Fateh Muhammad Malik, Rector, International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) said that Malik Meraj Khalid Housing Colony is a dream of the university employees and the administration will make its dream come true. This he said visiting the site of planned colony.

He hoped that cost of the construction will be arranged. Project Director Aamir Ishtiaq said that in the first phase flats for about 1250 employees will be built and provision of basic necessities will be ensured for which the university will issue Rs. 20 million. He said project will cost Rs. 7 billion. IIUI President Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad and Vice President, Dr. Sahibzada Sajid-ur-Rehman were also present on the occasion.

Earlier Prof. Dr. Sahibzada Sajid-ur-Rehman, kicked off tree plantation drive in the university and said that organization and individuals worked together. He said no institution can grow without its employees. He said it is necessary for the growth of an institution that its employees have a domestic bond with it.

Dr. Sahibzada Sajid-ur-Rehman said that all governments have contributed in progress of this university and now is the time for its employees to make it better. He said the university has launched tree plantation drive on its own. He said different departments have been told to over see the tree plantation drive to make it a success.

Dr. Sahibzada Sajid-ur-Rehman, Dr. Khalid Masood, Director General, Islamic Research Institute (IRI), and Dr. Zaitoon Begum, Director Female campus have planted saplings. In the end Dr. Khalid Masood, inaugurated a tube well also.

Female student Shagufta Yasin from Faculty of Arabic of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) has secured 1st position in “Project Runway: Muslimah”, 2nd position in “Painting” and 3rd position in “Calligraphy” under the “Shifa Inter-Scholastic Tournament 2012” held at Faisal Mosque Campus of the university. Director Female Campus, Dr. Zaitoon Begum congratulated her on this success and assured her full support to take part in co-curricular activities. She further added that this tradition shall be continued in future.

Despite the fact that the non Muslims have ruled over the Muslims and destroyed the Islamic identity badly, there is a hope that the leadership will soon realize that Islamic Shariah is the only weapon for their survival, said Egyptian Chief Justice Mohamed Hossam Elddin El Gheriany on occasion of his visit to the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI), Tuesday, accompanied by his deputy, Justice Ali Mohamed Mohamed and Egyptian Ambassador Said Muhammad El–Said.

While discussing about the Muslim scholars he said that Islamic scholars are not confined to any territory or region because they are the combined legacy of the Muslims and all Muslims are getting benefits from them. He said Egyptian scholars had played a great role in promotion of Islam.

Egyptian students are interested in getting education in the IIUI. The Egyptian chief justice said Pakistan has a larger Muslim population and Muslims should meet each other, breaking the barriers of colour and ethnicity. He said Federal Shariat Court and the IIUI working for the same purpose.

While addressing to the faculty members of Faculty of Shariah and Law of IIUI he said that I am pleased to see that this faculty is providing integration of both Sariah and Law education. He said that all human laws are not against Shariah. He urged the teachers to follow the Federal Shariat Court and to point out the non-shariah laws to stop their implementations in the society.

IIUI Rector Prof. Fateh Muhammad Malik welcomed the Egyptian guests and said Al-Azhar University Scholars had shown Quaid-e-Azam the way forward.

President IIUI Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad said the visits will strengthen bilateral relations between Egypt and Pakistan. He said Egypt is a center of intelligence and Islamic traditions. IIUI Vice President, Prof. Dr. Sahibzada Sajid ur Rehman and others were also present on the occasion.

Director General Shariah Academy, Dr. Tahir Mansoori briefed the delegation about the performance and future planes of IIUI. Dean Faculty of Shariah & Law Dr. Zia ul Haq briefed the delegation about the performance of faculty at their visit to the faculty. Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad presented IIUI crest to the distinguished guests. At the end the delegation also visited the Faisal Mosque.

Where billions of rupees are being spent on post-distress management, if some portion is spent on psychological counselling, the results will be different. This was said by Mr. Riaz Fatyana, President Pakistan Psychology Association (PPA) and Chairman standing committee of National Assembly on Human Rights at the concluding ceremony of the two days International conference on Mental Health at the Qaid-e-Azam Auditorium of International Islamic University, Islamabad. Mr. Fatyana was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony whereas faculty members and large number of students were present during the conference. He said that frustration is quite high in our society which de-motivated people towards our national interests. On the prevailing terrorism in the country, Mr. Fatyana considered it as causes of the psychological trauma and violence in the society and lauded that effective measurement be made to restrict it. He has urged the need of psychology and addiction trauma centre at the International Islamic University Islamabad. Mr. Fatyana invited the students to become member of PPA and conduct research on psychological issues of the people.

Dr. Nabi Bux Jumani, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, IIU proposed that the Government should appoint at least one Psychiatric at each District of the country to help the psyche patients. He said that psychosocial issues badly affect mental health, daily life, relationships and even physical health which disturbed the whole environment. Dr. Jumani pointed out the most common forms of Mental illnesses which are panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mood disorders.

Dr. Tahir Khalily, principal organizer of the conference said that such conferences will provide opportunities for academician, researchers and clinicians in the promotion of scientific and research activities to meet the 21st century challenges. He said that earthquake and flood have effect the general health of people particularly mental health and it is increasing rapidly. He further said that mental health issues in adults might be as common as in child and adolescent population. On the violence & aggression in society, Dr. Khalily said that it is a complex phenomenon in Pakistani society, especially in Khyber-Pukhtoonkhwa.

Dr. Seema Gul, Chairperson Department of Psychology said the International moot on mental health will help the students to aware about the psychological & mental health issues of others and self as well. She said that total 111 scholars present research papers during the conference and shared research findings with the students.

At the end, the chief guest of the concluding ceremony Mr. Raiz Fatyana distributed shields and certificates among the organizers of the conference.