ISLAMABAD:A two-day international conference on “Nation Building in Pakistan Prospects and Challenges” jointly organized by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Education and Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD), of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) commenced on Wednesday at Quaid-e-Azam Auditorium, Faisal Masjid Campus, Islamabad.
Eminent scholars of national and international repute in education, sociology and mass media are participating in the conference. In different sessions of the conference, national and international experts, researchers, academicians and intellectuals discussed various challenges and solutions in the nation-building process of Pakistan.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Mufti Abdul Shakoor said that educational institutions are vital for nation-building. He lauded the role of the International Islamic University especially in building the national narrative of peaceful Pakistan across the globe.
Mufti Abdul Shakoor underscored the importance of the universities in solution to the problems and challenges to society and nation building process by giving examples from the regime of Hazrat Omer Farooq RA. He opined that Islamic economic system yields the creation of best society for nation-building. He stressed that debates on this vital topic are the need of the hour while educational institutions are the best constructive platforms and universities must take such initiatives to solve the problems of our nation.
Keynote speakers of the inaugural session Prof. Dr. Rasul Bakhsh Rais from LUMS and Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui from Lahore School of Economics shared the challenges in nation-building in Pakistan.
Acting President, IIUI Prof. Dr. Nabi Bux Jumani, Vice President, (Academics), Prof. Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sarwar, Dean Faculty of Education, Directors, senior faculty members and a large number of male and female students attended the inaugural ceremony of the two-day conference.
Dr. Rasul Bakhsh Rais, highlighted important factors of political and economic systems of the world and role of state in nation-building. He said that a stable state has a stable nation. Dr. Rasul Bakhsh gave various examples of European nations on this occasion. He said that Islam has provided us with true directions and a way forward for nation-building because Islam plays a fundamental role in giving us independence. Dr. Rasul opined that divisions in society are challenges in nation-building.
Dr. Shahid Siddiqui in his keynote address said that knowledge is a key indicator in nation-building. Dr. Shahid discussed the significance of education and also talked about the cultural diversity of nations across the globe. He explained that the role of the state, education and culture is vital for building a nation. He enlightened on potential risks, prevailing problems in Pakistan and ground realities on this occasion. He opined that there is a dire need to realize that a better education and stable political system is imperative for nation-building in Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Nabi Bux Jumani Acting President, IIUI, while speaking during the inaugural session said that under the leadership and vision of Prof. Dr. Hathal Hamoud Alotaibi, Worthy President of International Islamic University Islamabad the university will keep playing its due role. He said IIUI will stand side by side with the state to provide a strong platform in achieving excellence in academics.
At the end of the inaugural session of the first day of the international conference, the Federal Minister distributed shields among key-note speakers and organizers of the conference.