Dr Zahid Parvez, Rector of the Markfield Institute of Higher Education (MIHE), met with President International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Prof Dr Ahmed Saad Alahmad, on Wednesday to discuss wide-ranging cooperation in academic and research fields.
The meeting, held at the IIUI President’s office, was also attended by Vice President Research & Enterprise, Prof Dr Ahmed Shuja Syed, and In-Charge Office of Linkages, Dr Syed Saqlain.
During the discussion, both institutions expressed strong interest in developing joint academic programs, collaborative research initiatives, and faculty and student exchange opportunities.
Dr Parvez underscored the Markfield Institute’s focus on mainstream university teaching related to Islam and its commitment to integrating Islamic principles into contemporary professional and academic environments. He highlighted the need for educational efforts that equip students with practical and relevant Islamic knowledge.
President IIUI Prof Dr Ahmed Saad Alahmad reiterated the university’s commitment to partnerships that promote the collective advancement of the Muslim world. He emphasized IIUI’s priority to enhance educational quality while strengthening the dissemination of Islamic values and teachings across all levels.
The meeting also touched upon emerging fields such as media studies, particularly research addressing Islamophobia, where both sides expressed willingness to collaborate on impactful initiatives.
Additionally, the possibility of exchange-based dual-study programs was explored, with the aim of preparing future Muslim leaders who possess strong academic grounding and a nuanced understanding of global challenges and developed-world contexts.
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Both institutions agreed to maintain engagement and pursue concrete steps toward meaningful academic cooperation in the coming months.