he International Islamic University, Islamabad, represents the strong relations between Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki said on December 6.

He was talking to students at the opening of the Extravaganza 2022 at the varsity’s New Campus.

Over the years, the IIUI has retained its top position in rankings for theology, divinity and religious studies. The university is also ranked second in Pakistan for its computer science and engineering programmes. The IIUI is among only a few universities in the country to have a full-fledged faculty of education. The faculty came to prominence during the two years of coronavirus pandemic when it led others in offering distance learning programmes. Distance learning is now an integral part of the university policy.

Higher education authorities have done little to attract international students to Pakistan. Instead, the focus has been on finding scholarships for Pakistani students to study in other countries. This approach favours those at ease with meeting bureaucratic formalities and not everybody in pursuit of academic excellence.

Despite this, the IIUI has attracted students from 30 nations. Out of the more than 10,000 Afghan students in Pakistan, more than 1,000 are enrolled in the IIUI. The university also has a considerable number of foreign faculty members.

Every year the university organises a mega show. This year, it was called Extravaganza 2022 and held from December 6 to December 9.

The key feature at Extravaganza 2022 was the book fair in which many publishers of the country set up their stalls. Managers of these publication and distribution houses said that the IIUI Library was one of their biggest clients. “Faculty members and students forward the lists of books they want for the IIUI Library. The library then purchases these books,” said a stall manager.

IIUI Chief Librarian, Dr Chaudhry Zulqernain, has revolutionised the reading experience for many by making sure that all books are available digitally. He has also increased the number of libraries at the university. Another library for women is under construction at the campus. In terms of facilities for its members and the number of volumes in its collection, the IIUI Library is rivalled only by the National Library in Islamabad.

Food gala, book fair, speeches, media hunt, arts exhibition, qirat and na’at competitions and a mushaira were also organised during the Extravaganza 2022.

Food gala, book fair, speeches, media hunt, arts exhibition, qirat and na’at competitions and a mushaira were also organised.

Speaking on the occasion, the KSA ambassador said: “Extravaganza 2022 is a true picture of the university’s Islamic and international character. The activities organised by the university for tis students will provide a platform to the youth to showcase their talents and channel their energies. Islam is a religion of peace. This is a message that can be disseminated through educational institutions.”

Lauding the university faculty, he said the IIUI had a special role in nurturing Muslim youth in the light of the Islamic teachings. Talking about the Pak-Saudi relations, he said the two countries had deep rooted ties.

“The IIUI is a sign of strong ties between the KSA and Pakistan,” he said. Later, the ambassador announced on Twitter a grant of $4 million for the university. He tweeted that the grant was a gift from the Saudi king and the crown prince. The amount will be spent on improving the standards of education and for some development projects.

IIUI President Dr Hathal Homoud Alotaibi said that the university was keen to focus on the needs of society. “We are making all our efforts to bring youth towards the initiatives that may pay back to the society,” he said.

“The university has a clear realisation that the youth are the biggest agents of change.”

Dr Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, has worked hard for the university’s high international ranking. He has a clear vision about how to make students responsible and productive citizens.

Agreeing with the IIUI president, HEC chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed said universities were vital for every nation’s progress. He said the government was keen to make the Pakistani youth competitive. “We in the education sector have to impart knowledge and we have to integrate with the society,” he said.

The IIUI president also inaugurated a calligraphy exhibition set up by the Department of Islamic Arts and Architecture. Calligrapher Rasheed Butt was the chief guest on the occasion.

Female Campus Vice President Dr Samina Malik said that the university was moving forward.

The writer teaches development support communication at the International Islamic University Islamabad. He tweets @HassanShehzadZ and can be reached at Hassan.shehzad@iiui.edu.pk