ISLAMABAD, Sept 24: Speakers at a meeting between the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, and the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS), Malaysia, called for stronger strategic engagement and sustained institutional cooperation among Muslim countries to respond more effectively to fast-changing geopolitical developments and emerging global challenges.
The observation was made during a visit by an IAIS delegation to IPS, where the two institutions also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation.
The visiting delegation comprised IAIS CEO Dr Syed Azman bin Syed Ahmad Nawawi; Deputy CEO Dr Ahmad Badri bin Abdullah; Dr Abdul Latiff bin Mohd Ibrahim, head of the Research and Publication Division; and Mohd Faiz bin Md Nawi, special officer (international affairs), Strategic Unit.
IPS was represented by Chairman Khalid Rahman; Vice Chairman Syed Abrar Hussain; Kashmir affairs expert Abdul Rashid Turabi; Head of Operations Shafaq Sarfraz; and Research Fellow Nadeem Farhat.
The IAIS delegation noted that the Muslim world was confronted with multiple complex challenges at a time of major transformation in the international system. It underlined the importance of closer interaction among Muslim countries, especially in Asia, because of their large populations, economic potential and strategic relevance. The Asia-Pacific region, which is home to some of the world’s largest Muslim populations, was described as particularly significant in this context.
Participants said greater coordination, sharing of information and institutional linkages were essential for shaping a more informed and proactive response to regional and global developments.
The discussion also focused on Palestine, Occupied Kashmir, Afghanistan, Sudan and other conflict-affected areas. Participants stressed the need to develop a deeper understanding of the political, social and geopolitical factors behind these crises, observing that long-running conflicts required sustained attention instead of being viewed only as short-term emergencies.
Geostrategic experts from both sides exchanged views on current geopolitical conditions that were severely affecting Muslim populations across the world. The genocide in Palestine and widespread human rights violations in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir came under particular discussion. The constructive role of Pakistan and Malaysia in diplomatic efforts for peace was also highlighted.
Experts at IPS briefed the Malaysian delegation on the geostrategic challenges faced by Pakistan due to its commitment to global peace and regional harmony.
The participants also discussed the changing international order and the need for Muslim countries and institutions to examine how they could contribute to emerging debates on global governance. Contemporary social and intellectual issues, including the decolonisation of Muslim thought, Islamophobia, family and social systems, and the need to strengthen intellectual engagement on matters affecting Muslim societies, were also taken up.
The IAIS delegation shared its experiences of engagement with different government entities and lessons learnt in constructive strategic communication with policymakers. The participants underlined the importance of sensitising decision-makers through facts on issues linked to Muslim societies and their common concerns.
The meeting noted that academic and research work should be accompanied by an understanding of developments on the ground and direct interaction with policymakers, governments and other relevant stakeholders.
The MoU signed between IPS and IAIS provides a framework for cooperation in policy-oriented research, dialogue and advocacy on global Muslim affairs, international relations, governance and mutual understanding.
Both sides identified several practical areas of collaboration, including joint seminars and conferences, exchange of research and policy briefs, participation of scholars in each other’s programmes, and possible joint research and publications.
The visiting delegation also presented publications carrying Malay translations of the works of poet-philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Paying tribute to IPS founder and renowned scholar Prof Khurshid Ahmad, the delegation agreed to translate some of his books into Malay.
Concluding the interaction, IPS Chairman Khalid Rahman said sustained intellectual exchange, research sharing and direct institutional engagement could help build a better understanding of contemporary challenges and contribute to more informed policy responses.
