Yassawi Research Centre Inaugurated by Pakistani and Kazakh Ministers at IIUI
Islamabad – 2 February 2026 (Adnan Hameed) : The Yassawi Research Centre for Islamic Thought, Culture and Civilization in Central Asia was formally inaugurated at the Islamic Research Institute (IRI), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), in a ceremony jointly inaugurated by The Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Minister for Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui expressed the hope that the newly established centre would emerge as a hub of scholarly traditions and a beacon of knowledge for the Muslim world. He said the Yassawi Research Centre would play a pivotal role in promoting Islamic intellectual heritage, strengthening academic research, and encouraging scholarly engagement between Pakistan and Central Asia.
Addressing the ceremony, the Minster of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan highlighted the pressing need for scientific and intellectual revival in the Muslim world. He stated that Kazakhstan was actively working to contribute to a renewed Muslim renaissance encompassing poetry, trade, culture, and other vital aspects of life. He noted that the global geopolitical landscape was rapidly changing, necessitating a rethinking of economic and strategic structures. Emphasizing Central Asia’s historical and contemporary relevance, he said the region was ideally positioned to work closely with the Muslim world in rebuilding a shared future.
He described the establishment of the Yassawi Research Centre at IIUI as a significant step in this direction.
He further said that Pakistan possesses immense potential owing to its large youth population and urged both brotherly countries to fully benefit from the ongoing technological revolution. He stressed that Pakistan and Kazakhstan enjoy strong mutual potential in education, research, and innovation.
Vice President (Research and Enterprise) IIUI, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, in his address, stated that the Yassawi Research Centre was not merely an academic addition but also a powerful symbol of the deep historical and civilizational ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. He said the launch of the centre reflects the shared resolve of both governments to strengthen academic diplomacy, cultural dialogue, and scholarly collaboration.
Earlier, Director General IRI, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akram, presented the mission, strategic objectives, and core values of the Yassawi Research Centre, underscoring its role in advancing research on Islamic thought and Central Asian civilization.
On the occasion, Vice Chancellor University of Narowal and former DG IRI Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq apprised of the historical background of this centre and the efforts made in the regard of its launch. He thanked both Governments of Pakistan and Kazakhstan for due support.
The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin, Rector of Ahmet Yassawi International Kazakh University, Joint Secretary Ministry of Education, Capt (R) Asif Iqbal, Joint Secretary IC MoFEPT, Director IRI Ateeq-ur-Rehman Chughtai, faculty members, researchers, and other distinguished guests.
