ISLAMABAD:
After a wait of almost two years, the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) finally got its new president on Friday.
Dr Ahmad Yousif Al-Draiweesh took charge as president of IIUI after his appointment was confirmed by President Asif Ali Zardari.
Dr Draiweesh was appointed on the recommendation of the Saudi government. The president’s seat had been lying vacant for the last one-and-a-half year after the expiry of the contract of former IIUI president Dr Anwar Siddiqi.
“No stone will be left unturned to achieve the aims and objectives of the university and bring it at par with prestigious universities of the world,” said Dr Draiweesh, while addressing a reception in his honour.
Dr Draiweesh has previously served as vice-rector of Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia.
“The university is the nucleus of the hopes and expectations of the Islamic world. To fulfil these expectations, a generation will be produced which will be free from extremism and terrorism, and provide the Muslim world with balanced leadership,” he said.
But, he added, “This goal cannot be achieved without sincerity and mutual cooperation. There is a need to start the journey towards this destination.” He also sought the cooperation of all the heads of departments to work in this direction.
Dr Al-Draiweesh further added that in order to introduce new disciplines, chairs will be created in IIUI and steps will be taken for the promotion of a research culture in the university. He also announced a special fund to attract foreign students. He said that although Islamic university is based on Islamic disciplines, sciences and other disciplines will also be introduced and promoted in the institute.
Earlier, IIUI Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai welcomed the appointment and considered it a good omen for the university.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 13th, 2012.
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