Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI), has praised the Islamic Research Institute (IRI) for its vital role in promoting Islamic scholarship and fostering connections with global academic thought. His remarks came during an official visit to the institute, where he explored its historic gallery, departments, and rare book collection.
During the visit, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed was received by Director General IRI, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia ul Haq. He was briefed on the institute’s extensive history, its contributions through initiatives like Paigham-e-Pakistan, recent upgrades to its facilities, and its leadership in Islamic scholarship. A highlight of the tour was the Dr. Hamidullah Library, where the president viewed rare manuscripts and antique texts by renowned Muslim scholars such as Al-Biruni and Al-Khawarizmi, as well as examples of classical calligraphy.
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed expressed deep admiration for the diversity and depth of the IRI’s collections, noting that these resources form a crucial bridge between traditional Islamic knowledge and the challenges of the modern world. He emphasized that preserving and studying these works allow Islamic scholars to engage with contemporary global discussions in meaningful ways.
The university president also interacted with post-doctoral researchers at the institute, commending their dedication and the scholarly environment fostered at IRI. He acknowledged the institute’s strong commitment to rigorous academic standards and its vision for both preserving Islamic intellectual heritage and encouraging innovative research.
In a message recorded in the institute’s comments book, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed highlighted his appreciation for IRI’s organization, academic atmosphere, and lasting contribution to the intellectual life of the Muslim world. To commemorate the visit, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia ul Haq presented him with a souvenir and a selection of the institute’s publications.
