17/08/2026
IIUI Celebrates Independence Day with A Seminar on National Security and Social Cohesion
Islamabad, August 13, 2026: Under the patronage of Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Alahmed, Acting Rector and President, IIUI, the Islamic Research Institute (IRI), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), in collaboration with the Directorates of Student Affairs (Male and Female), celebrated the 79th Independence Day at the Faisal Masjid Campus, IIUI. The event included a flag-hoisting ceremony, a book exhibition, and a seminar on “National Security and Social Cohesion in Pakistan.” The celebration was attended by a large number of faculty members, officers, and students from the University and IIUI Schools.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the national flag at the lawn of the Faisal Masjid Campus, followed by the national anthem. The Chief Guest, Professor Dr Abdul Rashid, Vice President (Administration and Finance), IIUI, subsequently inaugurated a book exhibition at the Dr Muhammad Hamidullah Library, IRI, featuring books related to the theme of the seminar and the broader intellectual and national concerns associated with Pakistan’s security, unity, and social cohesion.
The seminar began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Dr Qari Muhammad Ajmal Farooq, followed by a Naat-e-Rasool-e-Maqbool (peace be upon him) recited by Dr Aziz Haider. In his welcome address, Professor Dr Muhammad Akram, Director General, IRI, explained the objectives of the event and reflected on the significance of Independence Day as an occasion for gratitude, remembrance, and collective reflection. He conveyed a special message of congratulations and gratitude on Independence Day from Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President and Acting Rector, IIUI, to the community.
Speaking at the occasion, Professor Akram referred to the Quranic verse, “And few of My servants are grateful” [Quran 34:13], where he emphasised the need to remain grateful for the blessing of freedom and independence and to value Pakistan as a divine blessing and a homeland that holds significance not only for its citizens but also as an aspiration of the wider Muslim world. Professor Akram reflected on another Qur’anic description, “He, Who fed them against hunger and made them secure from fear” [Quran 106:4], appreciating the security and stability provided by the Country and contributing to its protection and prosperity. He called upon the nation to remain optimistic and to cultivate a positive outlook, particularly by promoting and spreading good news rather than contributing to negativity or becoming a victim of an organised conspiracy or propaganda against the Country. He urged every citizen to undertake a process of self-accountability and self-assessment, asking what he or she had contributed to Pakistan and what further contribution could be made to the Country. Emphasising the importance of adab al-ikhtilaf (the ethics of disagreement), he called for respect for differences of opinion and responsible engagement with one another. He further highlighted social and distributive justice as the essential foundation of a cohesive society, arguing that national security cannot be sustained without fairness, justice and a sense of collective responsibility. Referring to the Islamic framework for maintaining order and security, he observed that internal crimes and violations are addressed through the established system of justice, while the concept of jihad relates to confronting external enemies by the state rather than permitting violence or disorder within society. He stressed that the protection of the country, the promotion of social harmony, justice, and responsible citizenship require a collective commitment to self-accountability, mutual respect, and a constructive national outlook.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Professor Dr Abdul Rashid, Vice President (Administration and Finance) IIUI, reflected on the significance of Independence Day and paid tribute to those who made sacrifices for the establishment and freedom of Pakistan. He described the occasion as an opportunity for self-assessment, calling for serious reflection on the country’s achievements, shortcomings, and future direction. Referring to the guiding principles of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah—Unity, Faith, and Discipline—he observed that these principles remain a sustainable foundation for national development. Professor Abdul Rashid further emphasised the pivotal role of universities in nation-building and leadership development. He called for the effective utilisation of Pakistan’s human capital and highlighted the importance of social capital, including trust, shared values and a collective sense of responsibility. The chief guest also conveyed the Independence Day message on behalf of Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Alahmed, Acting Rector and President of the University. The message highlighted the decisive role of universities in nation-building, leadership development, and preparing youth to respond effectively to emerging national and global challenges.
The guest speaker, Ch. Hussain Ali, a national security expert and an alumnus of IIUI, addressed the seminar on the theme of national security and social cohesion in the light of Quranic injunctions. He argued that national security cannot be separated from the fulfilment of people’s basic needs and that sustainable peace requires economic stability. He identified social divisions and growing tendencies towards fragmentation as major challenges to national unity and drew attention to the crisis of identity confronting young citizens. He urged citizens, particularly the younger generation, to reflect not only on what the country can provide for them but also on what they can contribute to the country. Ch. Hussain Ali further observed that contemporary conflicts cannot be overcome through military strength alone and identified education as one of the most effective means of building a strong and stable nation. He described misinformation and disinformation as major sources of social unrest and noted the growing challenge posed by propaganda in Pakistan. He stressed that education should not be viewed merely as a means of securing employment; rather, it should contribute to intellectual maturity, critical thinking, and the development of responsible citizens. From this perspective, he linked education, social cohesion, and national security as interconnected dimensions of sustainable national development.
Dr Ghufran Ahmad, Director of Student Affairs (Male Campus), IIUI, called upon young people to adopt a positive and constructive outlook, whereas Dr Rukhsana Tariq, Director of Student Affairs (Female Campus), IIUI, described the seminar and flag-hoisting ceremony as expressions of patriotism and solidarity among the different segments and departments of the University. She also emphasised the significance of such collective activities in fostering a shared sense of belonging and national responsibility.
The event also featured national songs performed by children from IIUI schools. The programme concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony to mark Independence Day.
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