In the meeting with Rector IIUI, the delegation members discussed the matters regarding expansion of Lincoln’s Corner at IIUI Central Library. In his views Dr. Masoom said that Lincon’s Corner at IIUI is a very busy corner as students and teachers greatly benefit from it.

”Due to very small size and limited facilities, there is a dire need for the expansion of the Corner as the students and teachers’ strength at the University is growing rapidly “. Dr. Masoom Said. The Rector gave the idea of the establishment of Social Science Laboratory with this resource of Lincoln’s Corner, equipped with all modern facilities to which the delegation agreed in principle. He was of the view that the establishment of Social Science Lab would give an opportunity to establish connectivity with viable academic groups worldwide through video link, which will not only uplift academic standards of IIUI but will greatly facilitate MPhil, PhD students’ theses and research papers.

Rector made it clear that Internationalization of the University is our main agenda and expansion of Lincoln’s Corner would certainly pave the way for that purpose. He said in this endeavour, the efforts of our senior librarian Mr Sher Naroze Khan are noteworthy. Ms Afshan assured every possible effort to expand the collaboration with IIUI and gave proposal to establish a separate Lincon’s Corner Centre at IIUI. Ms Afshan said there are 16 Lincoln’s Corners established across Pakistan but the students’ response regarding Lincoln’s Corner at IIU is highly admirable.

In his briefing he elaborated the core objectives and goals of university. Hairan Kahttak particularly apprised the participants about the distinctions of Islamic University in different fields and widely contributions in the field of education, research and generally for society and nation building. He added that IIUI is one of the leading universities of country which is producing highly qualified talented graduates duly integrated with the teachings of Islam. He also made them aware about the admission process at IIUI. Harian Khattak also explained role and services of IIUI academies and constituents units in detail. Participants took keen interest in knowing details about university faculties and constituent units.

The book has written in simple and lucid language to make the matter understandable and comprehensive for all. The writer has tried to elaborate all difficult and minute issues related to Inheritance and Will in simple and easy way.

The guests delivered comprehensive presentations on importance of water, current water challenges, fear of water scarcity and issues of drinking water around the globe. In his profound presentation by the Bart Devis, he raised some particular challenges and issues regarding available water, its quality, purification and drinking water for people of the world. He also urged the youth that they must come forward and contribute their potential beyond all the political, geographical, cultural boundaries for saving the water for our next generations. Bart put strong emphasis on youth to build the pressure on authorities to make a national water policy for saving of water and face the current challenges.

Dr. Irfan in his talk said water is a blood of our economy as the Pakistan is an agrarian country. He said Pakistan has 3rd largest population of youth which also has a potential to lead the nation. He further termed youth a source of development and custodian of water resources. Dr. Irfan also stressed on students that they should care efficient use of water must fulfill their responsibilities in this regard. Later on, Mr. Bart Devis had a meeting with Vice President Academics IIUI Dr. Muhammad Bashir Khan.

In his remarks Dr. Bashir said there is a dire need to raise the awareness about water issues, challenges and problems. He said irrespective of regions where we living, everybody should take his or her responsibility to save the water and raise the voice for it. He said our youth has great potential to lead the nation towards sustainable development and prosperity. He was of the view that collective programs must be initiated for this universal matter. Later on, participants joined the walk.

The award was conferred by President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain on the occasion of Pakistan Day in a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The investiture ceremony was attended by ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats, high civil and military officials, and people belonging to different walks of life.

Prof. Dr Al-Draiweesh, presently performing his duties as president IIUI since 2012, he is a PhD in Islamic Jurisprudence and owns vast experience of teaching and research in the fields of Islamic Law and Comparative Jurisprudence. He has written more than 50 books and research papers on various important topics including comparative jurisprudence, Islamic economics, human rights and religious extremism.

Dr. Al-Draiweesh was also awarded the Imam Mohamed bin Saud Islamic University 1st Excellence Award for best performance while in recognition of his services in research and teaching he was also awarded Al-Madina Al-Munawarah Award.

After assuming his position as President IIUI, he has represented the varsity on numerous national and international forums. He has also launched various new departments during his present tenure as president IIUI while he has also played a vital role for various MoUs of IIUI with many national and international universities. Numbers of Pakistani universities have also granted him with awards in recognition of his services in the field of education.

Meanwhile, faculty members, administration and students have felicitated Dr Al-Draiweesh on receiving the award and they have hoped that under his leadership university would soon make its place among the ranks of leading universities of world. More …

During the meeting, issues of mutual interest were discussed. Maulana Fazlur Rehman appreciated IIUI for its services while saying that it is a unique hub of learning which is providing quality education to the Muslim Youth in accordance with Islamic values.

Dr. Al- Draiweesh told that IIUI is working to expand its ties with the Islamic educational institutions. President IIUI also told that a number of foreign teachers from various Islamic countries teaching at IIUI. “Universities are the most significant institutions as they play vital role in disseminating Islam’s message of peace, tranquility and brotherhood” Dr. Al-Draiweesh maintained. He vowed that IIUI would keep working to promote harmony and peace among the masses. President IIUI invited Maulana Fazlur Rehman to visit IIUI while accepting the invitation, Maulana Fazlur Rehman assured he would visit the university soon.

The case of Mosque under reference cannot be in any sense related to a particular sect or creed. University’s campus is so large that it is open and vulnerable to any subversive activity or terrorist attacks especially from Kasmir Highway side and the mosque under reference is also situated close to the Kahmir Highway. Religious places of worship being the target of terrorism attacks have prompted the university and in consultation with the Islamabad Administration, the university decided that Jumma prayer will only be offered in the central place where Khutba is delivered in Arabic in accordance with Islamic traditions which is preceded by a talk in Urdu also. (It is noteworthy that Juma sermon in IIUI is led by leading scholars and faculty members of IIUI and it is in no way confined to a particular school of thought or sect). This decision was taken in consultation with the Islamabad Administration for strengthening security arrangements after the unfortunate Peshawar incident.

The old Mosque referred to in the report is situated on university property. We therefore cannot allow a particular sect to control the premises as otherwise other sects might also pursue for their separate places of worship. The university cannot encourage and will never allow any place of worship to be owned and operated by a particular sect as it will defeat the basic idea of promoting harmony and peace among all schools of thought.

We hope and believe that any confusion or misunderstanding created by the aforesaid report will be cleared by this clarification. IIU is open to all and it belongs to all.

Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja
Director General ( AF&P )
International Islamic University Islamabad

The participants delegation of was received and welcomed by the Senior Research Officer of Federal Shariah Court there. The participants later on attend the scholarly lecturer delivered by the senior judge Justice Dr. Fida Muhammad Khan. He warmly welcomed the participants in Federal Sharaih Court and appreciated the role which Shariah Academy playing to train the judges, law officers and other relevant personals of court and law. Justice Fida said Shariah Academy has valuable contribution in training and worth mentioning input in the discipline of law particularly related to Islamic jurisprudence.

Upon the completion of HEC requirements of Y category journals, the up-gradation of the Fikr-o-Nazar was approved in the meeting of the Sub Committee of journals of Islamic Studies and Arabic which was held at HEC Regional Centre, Lahore.

It was agreed in the meeting that IIUI would take steps to launch its Islamic Training Programs in GB. The meeting was also attended by Member National Assembly Shaikh Fiaz ud Din.

Inayat ullah said on the occasion that IIUI is providing quality education to the youth of Muslim Ummah. He added that he remained student of IIUI in a Dawah Academy course of Regional Languages in 2007. Minister told that GB is famous for its natural beauty while he also invited President IIUI to have a visit of GB. Talking about the Pak-Saudi relations, Inyat ullah said that Saudi Arabia is elder brother of Pakistan and sad demise of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz has saddened the hearts of people of GB.

Dr. Al-Draiweesh said that Faculty of Arabic and Dawah Academy are working on launching more training programs in which inclusion of the participants from GB would be encouraged. He apprised that IIUI and Ministry of Religious Affairs have jointly launched a course for Arabic training. He told that Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf is participating in the course as a participant. Dr. Al-Draiweesh also invited both the ministers to attend the upcoming international conference on Prophet’s (PBUH) Seerah which would be held in April this year at IIUI.

Later, the guests also visited Islamic Research Institute of the university where they met its Director General Dr. Mohammad Zia ul Haq and also visited press of the institute.

Concluding ceremony of the course was joined by Deputy Director General Dawah Academy Dr. Imtiaz Zafar, Acting Director Female Campus Dr. Sameena Malik, Head Dept of Urdu Dr. Najiba Arif, participants of the course and other staff members. “Dawah Academy is focused to further broaden the vision of the important people of the society as it gives training to them integrated with teachings of Islam” said Dr. Imtiaz Zafar in his speech. He lauded the activity and hoped that young writers would apply the gained training in their work which he hoped will result in best performance.

Dr. Samina Malik mentioned the prominent names of female writers in literature and said that DCW has provided a significant platform to the students of university where they can build their confidence and enhance their skills. She showed the desire that a teacher training program in collaboration with DCW and Dept of Education should be launched. Dr. Najeeba Arif said that literature plays vital role in building societies and such constructive activates can pave the way for success of the society. Faryal Ambreen, who also coordinated the course, told that DCW since its inception in 1998, has launched long term programs in which 30 thousand people of society have participated so far. “DCW has also arranged more than 50 Hajj Training workshops and its 300 Hajj trainers in 68 cities of the country providing services” She added. Later, certificates of completion were distributed among the participants.

The President IIU was happy to note that the new machinery of the Press has started working. He was also pleased to note that the digitalization of IRI’s History is about to complete. During this visit the President IIU instructed that the work of the renovation of IRI should be completed by the end of this month.

He also gave instructions regarding establishment of IRI’s Historical Gallery. He also met with some of the IRI’s scholars and inquired about their work. Professor Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director General IRI briefed the President about the ongoing projects, particularly the forthcoming seminar on IRI’s 64th Foundation Day’ Celebration.

The IRI researchers Dr. Mubasher Hasan, Assistant Professor, Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, Assistant Professor, Dr. Iftikhar-ul-Hasan Mian, Hafiz Aftab Ahmad, Assistant Professor and Mr. Nasir Farid, Marketing Manager were also present during this visit.

Issues of mutual interests were discussed in the meeting. Raja Zafar ul Haq lauded IIUI role for providing quality education to the students of Pakistan and many foreign countries while he also appreciated that university is providing contemporary education integrated with teachings of Islam.

Raja Zafar ul Haq appreciated the efforts of president IIU for uplifting university particularly its Islamic Research Institute. During the meeting, Raja Zafar Ul Haq shared with Dr. Al-Draiweesh his memories of various visits to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while he also mentioned some of the meetings with Custodian of Holly Places Late King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

Dr. Al-Draiweesh said that he has always shown his commitment in constructive activities of the university. He also mentioned the services of Senator Zafar ul Haq for Pakistan and Muslim Ummah. The IIUI President informed the senator that he is as famous and respectable in KSA as he is in Pakistan. He also invited him to visit the university while Raja Zafar ul Haq thanked the President IIUI for this invitation and assured that he will soon visit International Islamic university Islamabad.

In accordance with the body of MoU, both the institutions will promote cooperation and understanding and to enhance the intellectual and experiential resources of University of Missouri-Kansas city. The memorandum further describes that IIUI and UMKC to establish opportunities for promotion of academic research and exchange of educational programs. On the occasion of MoU ceremony, Vice President Academics Dr. Bashir Khan, Dean Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences Dr. Muhammad Sher were also present.

In his remarks Dr. Al-Draiweesh urged cooperation from UMKC in the field of technology to up-lift the standard of Information Technology as the university already working to establish separate faculty for Computer Sciences. He said IIUI has capable and hardworking teachers and staff, who are very dedicated professionals and keen to see university in World top ranked universities. Ghulam M. Chaudhry assured all kind of cooperation in regard to accreditation in ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board USA. He further said all possible cooperation and assistance to enhance IIUI faculty and system would be provided. At the end, President IIUI presented university shield to honourable guest.

The workshop is being organized by Da’wah Centre for Women (DCW) of University in collaboration with the Urdu Department, Female Campus. The workshop will start on Tuesday at Lecture Hall, Da’wah Centre for Women,H-10 Campus, IIUI at 11:30 am while it will conclude on March 19.

The workshop would be held in Seminar Room, Central Library IIUI. Male and Female faculty members of IIUI nominated by their respective departments can benefit from this interactive workshop. The timings of the workshop will be 9:00 am to 2:00pm.

9th IOP was joined by more than 40 journalists hailing from different areas of the country while its concluding ceremony was also attended by Deputy Director General Dawah Academy Dr. Imtiaz Zafar, Program Coordinator Misbah ur Rehman Yousfi and other staff members of the academy.

In the Ceremony, Dr. Al-Draiweesh announced cash prizes of ten-thousand each for two journalists hailing from Baluchistan province while he also approved a suggestion of the participants for arranging this course twice in a year. “The program would be held twice in a year and next program would be held in Lahore in May” said President IIUI.

He said that Dawah Academy organizes more than 40 training programs every year for important professionals of society. He lauded Dawah Academy officers and staff members for their hard work regarding making all programs successful.

“Media, being the fourth pillar of state possesses a significant role, media persons should refrain from prejudice and strive for dissemination of truth” said Dr. Al-Draiweesh. He hoped that participants would apply the training in their practical work while saying that it would further polish their skills.

Dr. Imtiaz Zafar thanked President IIUI for his supports while he also appreciated the participants’ especially those who came from far flung areas of the country. He vowed that Dawah Academy would keep arranging such constructive activities in future too. Earlier, Misbah ur Rehan Yousfi presented a detailed report of the program. He told that participants were introduced with prominent figures of the society who delivered valuable lectures to the journalists. He added that recreational trips to Murree and other places were also organized amid five-day activity.

At the end, President IIUI distributed course completion certificates among the participants.

During the meeting, it was discussed that mutual cooperation between IIUI and Iranian educational institutions can help in promotion of education.

Shah bud Din Darai said on the occasion that he would provide all possible support for arranging seminars, visits and conferences between Iranian universities and IIUI. He added that exchange of delegation of the faculty members and students should take place which would help in learning from experiences of each other.

Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said that IIUI is not for Pakistani students only but it is for all the students of Muslim Ummah where they are being given quality education integrated with teachings of Islam. He told that in result of mutual cooperation between IIUI and foreign universities many foreign faculty members are teaching at IIUI which also include Egyptian teachers from Al-Azhar University.

He told that IIUI is a visible example of inter-sect harmony where students of all sects discuss the issues in the light of Islam in peaceful milieu while they are being given teaching of moderation and tolerance.

At the end, exchange of souvenirs and gifts took place.

The HEC has highly appreciated the efforts of the editors and the IIUI in its meeting of the Sub-Committee of Urdu which was held at HEC.

It has also been received and acknowledged warmly by the academic circles in Pakistan and abroad and has been appreciated in the Urdu/English press.

The three day workshop was organized by the Department of English Faculty of Language and Literature (IIUI) and was aimed at bringing the pioneers of corpus linguistics in South Asia together and to assess the current state of corpus linguistics in Asia and identify the need of corpus researchers in the country. The event was funded by HEC under the British Council Researcher Links Program, and hosted by IIUI in collaboration with The University of Birmingham.

The core committee for organization (PACL) was formed during the 3-day international workshop. After a day of brainstorming and discussion between workshop attendees in their respective geographic areas, people were asked to nominate one person to represent them in the committee. The decision to create a core committee to codify a constitution for corpus linguistics in Pakistan was proposed by Dr Paul Thompson of the University of Birmingham and the House accepted. The names of the committee members include Convener Dr Ayaz Afsar of IIUI, Dr. Sarmad Hussain- UET, Lahore, Dr. Waseem Shahzad, Dr. Tafseer DHA Suffa University , Karachi, Mr. Nauman Hamid- AJK, Mr. Khalid Mahmood GCUF, Dr. Muhammad Nawaz—KPK, Dr. Aleem Shakir—GCUF, Ms.Aysha Zafar Kinnaird College Lahore, Dr. Nasir Abbas Baluchistan.

One-month long course has been joined by the 30 teachers of universities and Madaris across the country.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Dr. Al-Draiweesh met with the participants while teachers from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Dr. Abdur Rehman Alfozan and Dr. Abdur Rehman Alsrami from the center “Arabic for All, KSA”, Dean Faculty of Arabic Dr. Muhammad Bashir Khan and faculty members were also present on the occasion.

“IIUI and specially its Arabic Faculty playing vital role in promotion of Arabic language” said Sardar Muhammad Yousaf. He said that government is taking serious steps to include Arabic as compulsory subject in education curriculum and bills have been floated in this regard in both houses of the parliament. The minister added that Holy Quran is a book of guidance for humanity and it cannot be comprehended until one doesn’t learn Arabic. He was of the view that recent course was result of strong bilateral cooperation between ministry and the university.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al-Draiweesh thanked the ministry for cooperation and encouragement regarding course. He added that service of Islam and promotion of Arabic are one of the core objectives of IIUI. Dr. Al-Draiweesh maintained that teaching and learning of Arabic is a pre-requisite when it comes to service of religion. He announced that IIUI would soon make its Arabic Language Centre an international Centre for Arabic Learning where not only Pakistani but foreigner students would also acquire quality education. Dr. Al-Draiweesh also thanked KSA teachers while saying that another delegation of Saudi teachers would also visit for teaching in May during next phase of such training courses.

Earlier, Dr. Muhammad Bashir thanked Ministry and IIUI administration for cooperation amid launching of course. Later, a university crest was presented to Sardar Yousaf by Dr. Al-Draiweesh.

The partnership between both the institutions is focused on areas of English, Political Science, International Relations and Training Excellence while a one million dollar grant for the partnership has been provided by the US Department of State through US Embassy in Pakistan. Iqbal Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) of IIUI is hosting this partnership strategy devising meeting.

The delegation was comprised of Dr. Cara Cilano, Professor of English UNCW and Grant Program Director, Dr. Caroline Clements, Professor of Psychology & Director of Center for Teaching Excellence UNCW and Dr. Daniel Masters of Department of Political Science UNCW.

The delegates met with the IIUI leadership and Faculty Members in a meeting here at IRD (Faisal Masjid Campus) of the university which was presided over by the President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh. It was also attended by the Executive Director (IRD) Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed, Director American Institute for Pakistan Studies Nadeem Akbar, Vice President Academic Dr. Mohammad Bashir Khan, Directors General, Deans and senior faculty members of the university.

“We are here to evolve constructive strategies for this partnership as it will foster reciprocal opportunities for faculty and students in many areas” said Dr. Al-Draiweesh while addressing on the occasion. He maintained that Islam is religion of peace, harmony and brotherhood while Islam is being portrayed negatively which is inappropriate. President IIUI added that IIUI is an international university providing quality education to youth integrated with teachings of Islam and working to disseminate Islam’s true message of peace, harmony and inter-faith harmony. While thanking the US delegates he said that IIUI doors are all open for the mutual cooperation with all the institutions of world as university is focused on service of humanity.

We are keen for bilateral cooperation and community response, and mutual partnership would result in constructive results, said Dr. Cara Cilano who is Grant Program Director. The delegates were of the view that productive faculty building relations are one of the salient features of the mutual partnership.

Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed thanked the US delegates for visit while he also lauded President IIUI for his support and cooperation. While telling about IRD’s role being host and bridge between both institutions, he said that IRD will be responsible for the overall ground management. “IIUI has established a steering committee consisting of faculty members to manage the program over next three years” told Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed. He added that the partnership program will involve faculty and student exchange, curriculum review and development, joint research projects, faculty development, post-doc fellowships and joint conferences.

The delegates also had a sightseeing tour of Faisal Masjid Campus and Dr. Hamid Ullah Library of Islamic Research Institute, IIUI. During the three day tour, UNCW delegation would also meet faculty members and students of English and Political Science departments at both male and female campuses of the university while they would also visit Lincoln Corner of IIUI at Central Library.

One of the programs was held at Hira Public School Sukkur which was attended by 60 female teachers. Opening ceremony of the program was joined by Sadoor Khan Nasir, Deputy Director Hira Public School as chief guest while it was also attended by Prof. Dr. Mehmood Ghaznavi of Karachi University and Shehzad Channa, Coordinator RDC Sindh.

“Teachers’ training is a pre-requisite to polish the academic and teaching skills of teachers and teachers have responsibility to involve students in activities of training along with education” said Prof. Ghaznavi on the occasion. Shehzad Channa apprised the audience regarding IIUI introduction, history and achievements. The event was also addressed by Sadoor Khan who thanked RDC and IIUI for arranging such a constructive activity.

Second program was attended by as many as 155 teachers at Ghotgi while inaugural ceremony of the program was presided over by EDO Ghotki Abdul Majid Balo. He maintained that teacher training programs were need of the hour. The event was also addressed by Incharge RDC Dr. Syed Aziz ur Rehman who delivered a lecture titled “Introduction to Quran”.

The concluding ceremony of the program was presided over by President Sindh Graduates Association, Ghotki, Agha Bilawal Bhutto. He termed the program as a gift for the far flung and ignored areas. The participants were given publications and gifts at the end of both programs.

The committee members include Dr. Zartash Afzal Uzmi, Associate Professor LUMS and Dr. Asad Hussain, HoD Department of Computer Science CIIT, Lahore. They were received by Dean Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences (FBAS) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sher while later in presence of other staff members he also briefed the committee members regarding IIUI, DCS&SE and other relevant matters.

In a detailed briefing, Dr. Muhammad Sher apprised the visitors regarding IIUI, its vision, grading policy, curriculum distribution and available infrastructure. “FBAS is the biggest faculty of IIUI while students are being provided quality education at FBAS and DCS&SE duly integrated with teachings of Islam” said Dr. M. Sher. He also briefed the committee members about quality control procedure, research activities such as publication and journals.

The committee members also visited female campus while they also reviewed the situation of labs, infrastructure and other available resources in both the campuses at DCS&SE. The committee members identified guidelines for further improvement and gave significant recommendations as well.

The aim of the Conference is to provide opportunities for researchers, scholars and academicians to share their insights on the importance of dialogue as a mode of bridging differences drawing on the glorious examples from the life of the Prophet (SAWS).

Meanwhile, a meeting to review the progress in this regard was held under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir Hakeem, Dean Faculty of Shariah and Law. It was also attended by Prof. Dr. N. B. Jumani Dean Faculty of Social Sciences (Secretary, Steering Committee) and other members of the steering committee for the conference. Various issues including arrangements and academic side of the event were discussed during the meeting.

Moreover, Dr. Jumani advised the supervisors to motivate their students to attempt to avail International Research Support Initiative Programme (IRSIP) scholarships. Members of the committee provided valuable instructions to the scholars and encouraged them to expedite their research work with quality within stipulated time. Dr. Samina Yasmeen Malik retreated that regular meetings of DAC should be conducted. Dr. Muhammad Munir Kayani and Dr. Syed Asad Abbas Rizvi presented progress report of the department. Dr. Azhar Mehmood gave his input on the presentations of the research scholars.

Initially Faculty of Arabic of IIU has arranged 1st Batch of the Training Course for the Teachers of Arabic language. The Teachers from different universities, Deeni Madris, Colleges and schools are participating in the one month long course on its own expanses. The President IIU was of the view that long term mutual cooperation between IIUI and Ministry of Religious Affairs in order to promote Quality Arabic Language Teaching in Pakistan, to develop curriculum and the establishment of Institutes.

The most significant part of this course is that the second week of the course shall be conducted by the Trainers of “Arabic for All” Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In the opening ceremony of the course was joined by the Advisor to the Minister of Religious Affairs Mr. Sajjad Qamar, Vice President HSR Prof Dr. Muhammad Tahir Mansoori, Dean Faculty of Arabic Dr. Muhammad Bashir, faculty members and course participants were also present.

Dr. Tahir Mansoori said the university is promoting education sector in Pakistan and playing a key role. He said that every Muslim must learn Arabic and this initiative would contribute greatly in promotion of Arabic language

Mr. Sajjad has emphasized in his remarks on Quality Teaching of Arabic Language as Govt of Pakistan is planning to make Arabic Language compulsory from Nursery class to Matriculation. He also urged the need the help of experienced faculty of this university. Dr. Muhammad Bashir showed his full cooperation beyond the governmental procedure.

At the end, Dr. Abdul Tawwab Head Department of Linguistics and Dr. Moyid Fadhil Head Department of Literature at Faculty of Arabic stressed on the importance of Arabic Language in Muslim’s life as it is the language of Holy Quran and our beloved Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.W) and language of Jannah (Paradise). Dr. Zaheer Ahmad Coordinator of Short Arabic Courses explained the course outline and schedule.

Ms. Samina Naz has completed her PhD Thesis titled “Impact of Autonomy support on Self Concept and Educational Aspiration of Adolescents” under the supervision of Dr. Seema Gul Associate Professor/Chairperson of the Department of Psychology, Female Campus IIUI.

Dr. Samina Malik advised all chairpersons/Incharges to formulate committees for solving issues of students at departmental level and formulated a Discipline committee at the Female Campus comprised Dr. Samina Bashir (Shariah and Law), Dr. Ambreen Afser (Mathematics), Ms. Shagufta Khanam (ALT) and Ms. Summaya Chugtai (FMS).

She shared that the time table may be adjusted in a way so that a centralized programs like character building, counseling and familiarizing students about general issues may be started on every Thursday from 11:30am to 1:00pm. Dr. Samina Malik advised the chairpersons to make arrangements (wherever possible) to allocate Female supervisors for thesis, appoint female visiting faculty members, admission announcement and time table while keeping in mind the rules and regulations of IIUI.

She was of the view that President IIUI has emphasized to work for enhancement of quality of academics at the campus and it should be ensured by the respective chairpersons.

Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. N. B. Jumani presided over the meeting while Chairperson Department of Education Dr. Samina Malik also graced the occasion. In his remarks Dr. Jumani appreciated the steps taken by the Dr. Samina Malik for improving quality of education provided by the Department.

Dr. Jumani also briefly explained the urges and requirements of the Department from the visiting teachers and highlighted that the disciplined teacher and quality of education is an issue in our country, yet Department of Education is trying its level best to provide state of the art, education programs that can be recognized throughout the world. On the occasion, visiting teachers of the Department also shared their previous experience of teaching in their career. They also thanked to the Dean and the Department for guiding them about the equipments and said that they would try to put maximum effort for achieving the desired learning outcomes by the students.

While addressing the concluding ceremony, in her remarks Dr. Samina Malik, Chairperson Department of Education lauded the organizers for organizing training program on very important element of teacher education. Dr. Samina also stressed on the importance of teaching practicum and motivated the participants to apply latest assessment methodologies during practicum.

Participants of the training also appreciated the organizers for maintaining conducive environment during the training.

Topic of the Thesis was “Jurisprudential views of Imam Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Othman Al Zahbi: collection and study” while it was organized by the Faculty of Shariah, department of jurisprudence, Islamic University of Madinah.

Dr. Ahmad Yousif Al-Draiweesh highlighted positive points of research and observations regarding the study and lauded the hard work and dedication of the researcher. He also appreciated the work and efforts of the faculty while saying that it was an honor for him to be a part of such a constructive activity at Islamic University of Madinah. Dr. Al-Draiweesh also spoke regarding bilateral ties and cooperation between IIUI and Islamic University of Madinah while apprising the participants that IIUI is excelling with a great pace where a large number of students across the Islamic world acquiring quality education integrated with teachings of Islam. On the occasion, He also lauded the services of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the betterment of Muslim Ummah while he also lauded services of King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz for his steps regarding development of Muslim countries and educational institutions of Muslim Ummah.

It is pertinent to mention that Dr. Al-Draiweesh owns vast experience of teaching and research in the fields of Islamic Law and Comparative Jurisprudence. He has written more than 50 books and research papers on various important topics including comparative jurisprudence, Islamic economics, human rights and religious extremism.

Earlier, the supervisor of the dissertation, Abdul Mohsin Al-Muneef thanked President IIUI for sparing time for the activity while he added that services of Dr. Al-Draiweesh especially in the field of jurisprudence are exemplary.

In this visit, the matters pertaining to organizing joint training programmes, exchange research ideas and visits of the faculty members to brotherly countries from both the academies were also discussed.

The delegation members also availed the opportunity to visit the headquarter of the Justice Academy, the High Council for Judges and Prosecutors, the Constitutional Court, the General Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Council of State, the Court of Jurisdictional Disputes, the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Cassation at Ankara where they were briefed in detail about the functions of these courts and institutions and criminal, civil and administrative systems as well.

The Director General of the Shariah Academy also briefed the participants of the programmes about the activities and functions of the International Islamic University and the Shariah Academy in detail and discussed the possibilities of possible future cooperation on each forum. The delegates were also awarded certificates by the President of the Justice Academy and Acting Ambassador of the Pakistan’s Embassy Her Excellency, Mrs Ayesha.

In the meeting both the personalities discussed the matters of mutual interests and educational research to promote academic activities and enhance quality of education. In his welcoming remarks by Dr. Abdullah, he appreciated the efforts and endeavours of Dr. Al-Draiweesh for the cause of Islam and particularly International Islamic University Islamabad. He assured Dr. Al-Draiweesh to cooperate with IIUI in terms of finance and provide maximum facilities. He said Dr. Al-Draiweesh serving IIUI with dedication, devotion and with new avenue of development and under his auspices IIUI is getting progress as well; in recognizing his contributions Govt of Pakistan has conferred Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. He also hoped that this honour would even more motivate to work hard and achieve excellence and wished that through this way the relations between the two brotherly countries will further improve, strengthen and paved the way to set new avenues of cooperation.

Dr. Abdullah also said that both the states on Govt level as well as public level have good and deep affection in their relations.

Dr. Al-Draiweesh also thanked Dr. Abdullah on his special considerations for the university and Muslim Ummah. He urged for his kind cooperation and supervision to improve the educational standard the support in regards to achieve the excellence.

The workshop was sponsored by the British Council Researcher Links Workshop Grant which was jointly clinched by the Dr. Ayaz Afsar Associate Professor Department of English IIUI and Dr. Paul Thompson from University of Birmingham England. The workshop is being organized with the joint cooperation of Higher Education Commission, British Council, University of Birmingham UK and IIUI. The workshop honoured by the foreign guest including Dr. Paul Thompson, Dr. Akira Murakaml a Corpus Trainer, Mr. Dominik Vajn from University of Birmingham United Kingdom and Serge Sharoff Senior Lecturer from University of Lesds UK, Dean FLL IIUI Dr. Munawar Iqbal Gondal, and participants from different universities of Pakistan.

In his welcome note Dr. Ayaz gave detail briefing about the theme and workshop discussing different aspects and further explained the need for the program which is rooted in the increasing demand for professionals and researchers in the field of corpus linguistics, which is at present a neglected area in Pakistan and other countries in South Asia.

Dr. Munawar thanked to all the participants and appreciated the efforts of coordinators both in Pakistan and UK. In the first day of workshop in different sessions scholars presented their research papers.

The gist of workshop was that the Corpus methodologies are growing and increasingly important not only for the investigation of linguistic matters but also for an understanding of many social, economic and political issues in which language plays a central role. It is furthermore discussed, there, still exist no national corpus of Pakistani English nor one that represents the wide diversity of South Asian English, and neither are there substantial corpora of regional languages such as Urdu.

The current demand results from the increasing need for the use of corpus linguistics tools in an age of information technology with a substantial amount of digital data. The workshop also addressed the issues in the use of corpus linguistic tools and methods, and their application in diverse areas of social sciences, humanities and arts, such as critical discourse analysis, diachronic linguistics and applied linguistics. The worth mentioning is here that , to achieve this research grant, number of universities from more than 18 countries applied, hence, with the outstanding performance of Dr. Ayaz and his partner secured this funding. All the proposals were assessed in the UK after a rigorous scrutiny against the quality criteria by two International reviewers.

The scholarship was awarded by looking into the objectives, achievements as well as quality education of the University being provided to the whole Muslim Ummah. The University called the applications from all the deserving students from all faculty and departments of the university. As many as the administration received 532 applications, after having detail scrutiny of the applications of the students and thorough interview the 137 students including 99 male and 38 female students were selected for award of Al-Baraka Scholarship. The University authorities highly appreciated and paid profound thanks to Bank Al-Baraka for its support to the University students and looks forward for building long term relations and more scholarships in this respect.