14/04/2025
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Condolence Message on the Passing of Dr. Khurshid Ahmed
The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) mourns the passing of Professor Dr. Khurshid Ahmed (Founding Member, Board of Trustees, International Islamic University Islamabad), an eminent scholar, visionary leader, and distinguished member of the University’s Board of Trustees.
His demise marks the loss of a towering intellectual whose contributions shaped the academic, economic, and policy landscape of Pakistan and the Muslim world.
Born on 23rd March 1932 in Delhi, Dr. Khurshid Ahmed’s life was dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, public service, and Islamic thought. His association with IIUI spanned over four decades. He was the founding Chairman of the International Institute of Islamic Economics at IIUI (1983-1987) and a member of its Board of Trustees since 1980, playing a pivotal role in shaping the university’s academic vision, particularly in advancing Islamic economics, policy research, and interfaith dialogue.
Beyond the university, Dr. Khurshid Ahmed was an internationally celebrated economist, prolific writer, and respected public intellectual. He served as Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, and thrice as a Senator. He also chaired the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs and Planning.
A pioneer in establishing Islamic Economics as an academic discipline, Dr. Khurshid Ahmed authored and edited over 70 books and contributed to numerous journals. His intellectual legacy transcends borders, with his works widely read and respected across the Muslim world.
He was the founding Chairman of the Institute of Policy Studies Islamabad and the Islamic Foundation Leicester (UK), besides being a member of the Boards of Trustees of prestigious international institutions in Jordan, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia.
His services earned him several prestigious national and international accolades, including:
• Islamic Development Bank Award (1988)
• King Faisal International Prize for Services to Islam (1990)
• American Finance House LaRiba USA Prize (1998)
• Nishan-e-Imtiaz (2010) by the Government of Pakistan
The Rector, the President, faculty, and the entire university community extend their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray that Allah Almighty grants the departed soul the highest station in Jannah and bestows patience and strength upon the family to bear this profound loss.
The university acknowledges with deep gratitude Dr. Khurshid Ahmed’s monumental contributions to knowledge, education, Islamic economics, and policy research — taking immense pride in its enduring association with a scholar of such global stature, rare vision, and lasting impact.
