by: Hafiz Muhammad Ghazi, Additional Registrar, NSU, Islamabad
The fertile yet often overlooked land of South Punjab occasionally produces individuals whose brilliance not only illuminates their surroundings but becomes a source of light for others as well. Such people do not rise because of privilege or abundance of resources, but through unwavering belief, relentless hard work, passion, perseverance, and the courage to dream beyond limitations. The remote village of Darkhast Jamal Khan in District Dera Ghazi Khan gave birth to one such son who proved that success is not the monopoly of big cities, nor is greatness confined by geography or circumstance. Destinations belong to those who continue removing obstacles from their path and move forward with determination.
The educational journey of this globally recognized researcher did not begin in elite institutions or modern classrooms. It started under the shade of a tree, surrounded by the simplicity of rural life and the humble environment of a government school. He received his early education from Government High School Mian Bhiro. From the very beginning, however, he carried within himself a quiet confidence and a deep desire to move forward. While reciting “Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua” in school assemblies, he was unknowingly climbing the stairs of his destiny.
After completing secondary education, he enrolled at Jamia School Dera Ghazi Khan, where hostel life taught him discipline, self-reliance, and resilience. Those were the years when dreams were not merely imagined but silently pursued through tireless effort. Alongside academics, he also excelled in sports during his college years. Cricket, for him, was not just a game but a practical lesson in leadership, courage, teamwork, and determination.
After completing his B.Com from Government Commerce College, he built a lifelong relationship of respect and sincerity with his teachers that went far beyond formal student-teacher ties.
Later, during his MBA studies at Islamia University Bahawalpur, several new dimensions of his personality emerged. He was selected as captain of the university cricket team, but his leadership was not symbolic. He earned distinctions as the best batsman, best bowler, best fielder, and best captain simultaneously. These achievements reflected not only sporting excellence but also the signs of a future leader destined to serve his institution and country with dedication.
As life continued to offer new opportunities, the researcher within him began to flourish. Like several distinguished Pakistani scholars before him, he earned a scholarship to pursue a PhD from a prestigious university in the United Kingdom and embarked on a long journey of academic research. This became a defining milestone in his intellectual career. Later, from 2016 to 2017, he successfully completed a prestigious post-doctoral qualification from another renowned British university.
This academic journey gave him more than degrees; it gave him a distinct scholarly identity. His research, conducted under the supervision of leading British academics, received recognition and appreciation in international academic circles.
It was at this stage that Nadeem Iqbal became Professor Dr. Nadeem Iqbal — a transformation not only in title but in vision, thought, and intellectual stature.
After joining Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan as a lecturer in 2012, he brought fresh energy and innovation to his department. He was later appointed Head of Department, and under his leadership the department achieved remarkable progress and earned recognition as one of the university’s best departments. During the establishment of Ghazi University in 2014, he was entrusted with the dual responsibilities of Head of Department and Campus Incharge. His dedication, institutional commitment, and passion for improvement played a vital role in strengthening the university’s foundations.
During this period, he also served as Treasurer of Ghazi University. He performed his duties with such honesty and integrity that he did not claim a single rupee in TA/DA during his two-and-a-half-year tenure. It was not merely an administrative role but a reflection of rare personal character and selflessness.
Later, he joined Air University Islamabad as Associate Professor and Professor. In a short period, he supervised the completion of two PhD dissertations and two MPhil theses published through Wiley, while one of his research papers achieved exceptionally high international citations — considered a major honor for any researcher.
He also served at the International Islamic University Islamabad before his capabilities led him toward another important destination. Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, he joined the National Skills University as Professor, contributing to the institution’s vision of global-standard education in Pakistan.
Soon afterward, he was appointed Chairman of the Department and was additionally entrusted with the responsibilities of Controller of Examinations and Treasurer, which he carried out with exceptional administrative skill and responsibility.
Recognizing his competence and integrity, the university also assigned him the charge of Internal Audit along with the role of Director Executive Center. He transformed these positions from routine administrative offices into platforms for institutional development and academic growth.
One of the most remarkable aspects of his academic vision was the introduction of two new academic programs in his department. These programs continue successfully today and stand as evidence of his educational foresight.
His academic contributions extended far beyond classrooms. He participated as a keynote speaker and guest in international conferences held in Thailand, Indonesia, India, Azerbaijan, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia, while also serving as a jury member at several global forums.
His inclusion in research committees of institutions such as Quaid-i-Azam University, Shah Abdul Latif University, and Abdul Wali Khan University reflects how his knowledge evolved from personal achievement into a source of collective academic advancement.
With more than 100 international research publications and several books published by global publishers, his scholarly work continues to benefit researchers and students around the world.
Despite receiving attractive professional offers from institutions in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, he chose to remain in Pakistan. For him, success was not merely personal achievement but service to his homeland, his people, and his roots.
Professor Dr. Nadeem Iqbal’s life stands as living proof that with sincerity, hard work, and a spirit of service, even a child studying under the shade of a tree in a remote village can leave a mark on the world.
According to recent research rankings in 2026, Professor Dr. Nadeem Iqbal is counted among the leading researchers in Management Sciences, ranked first at the federal level and second in Punjab on the basis of his strong research impact and citation record.
He is not merely a teacher but an intellectual force. Professor Dr. Nadeem Iqbal is not only a distinguished researcher, but also an accomplished administrator, an experienced educator, and above all, a remarkable human being.
Perhaps it was for people like him that Allama Iqbal once said:
“Koī qābil ho to ham shān-e kai dete hain,
Dhoondhne wālon ko dunyā bhī nayī dete hain.
