Karachi, In a significant move to support the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Saudi Arabia has extended crucial financial assistance, as announced by H.E. Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, the President of IIUI. This support is a part of the efforts to rescue the university from its ongoing financial crisis, particularly assisting in the payment of salaries for December.

According to International Islamic University Islamabad, Saudi Arabia’s aid includes a substantial budgetary package of 818 million PKR earmarked as “Support for Payment of Salary.” This funding covers the fiscal year 2022-23, addressing both arrears and allowances. Notably, the salary payment for December 2023 has been secured with 300 million PKR from this package.

Additionally, the university has received 86 million PKR in support of “University Development Projects.” Since taking office in 2020, H.E. Dr. Hathal Homoud has been instrumental in steering the university through financial challenges by implementing strategic reforms. These reforms have enabled effective management of salaries, arrears, and development projects through Saudi funding. A significant achievement during his tenure includes the approval of a grand mosque, estimated to cost about $32 million, funded by the Saudi government for the university’s new campus.

Dr. Hathal remains committed to resolving the financial difficulties at IIUI, with a clear focus on maintaining academic excellence as the university’s foremost priority.

IIUI Rector, Dr. Samina Malik, expressed deep gratitude to the Saudi Government for its ongoing support, underscoring the university as a symbol of the strong relationship between the two nations. She praised the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his consistent generosity towards IIUI and conveyed the entire community’s appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s financial assistance to the university.