Islamabad, A high-profile delegation from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), led by Pro-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al Ameri, visited Pakistan’s Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Mr. Madad Ali Sindhi. Accompanying the delegation were H.E. Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, and Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, President of IIUI.
According to International Islamic University, The meeting focused on enhancing educational cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Minister Madad Ali Sindhi commended the contributions of Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, led by Prof. Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al Ameri, acknowledging its prestigious history and academic standing. The Minister highlighted his priorities in education, focusing on improving educational quality, reducing the number of out-of-school children, and promoting research on Seerat e Nabi (PBUH).
During the discussion, the Minister praised Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi’s exemplary work at IIUI, noting the significant upgrades and improvements under his leadership. The rising standards of education at IIUI were acknowledged as a testament to Dr. Alotaibi’s stewardship.
The discussion also touched on expanding research on Seerat ul Nabi (PBUH) and other Islamic disciplines, including Shariat, judiciary role, Islamic law, and political teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Both parties agreed on initiating an exchange program for university-level teachers to conduct research on these subjects.
H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al Ameri announced the offer of 700 scholarships to Pakistani students, with plans to increase this number in line with the Pakistani education ministry’s wishes. He also suggested collaboration on topics like medicine, cyber security, climate change, engineering, artificial intelligence, distance learning, and renewable energy, with financial support from Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, Dr. Al Ameri emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise, particularly in teacher training, proposing an exchange program for faculty training at the university level. He mentioned the availability of Arabic language institutes in Saudi Arabia that could extend their programs to Pakistani universities through distance learning or teacher exchange.
Dr. Al Ameri’s visit aimed to strengthen the strategic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, while Mr. Madad Ali Sindhi affirmed the strong bonds between the two nations, with Pakistanis considering Saudi Arabia their second home.
Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi reiterated the close ties between the people of the two countries and his commitment to improving Pakistan’s society through Islamic teachings. He emphasized academic education and character building, highlighting IIUI’s strategic plan and vision for academic excellence.