ISLAMABAD: The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) marked Pakistan’s Independence Day with a seminar on national security and social cohesion, followed by a flag-hoisting ceremony and other commemorative activities at the Islamic Research Institute (IRI).
The seminar, organised by IRI, brought together university officials, faculty members, students and international participants to discuss national unity, economic stability, misinformation, education and the role of universities in strengthening Pakistan’s future.
IIUI Vice President for Administration and Finance Prof. Dr Abdul Rashid, who attended as chief guest, said Independence Day should serve not only as a celebration but also as an opportunity for national self-assessment.
He paid tribute to those who made sacrifices for the creation of Pakistan and said the principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline remained central to the country’s progress.
Prof. Rashid also stressed the importance of universities in nation-building, leadership development and making better use of Pakistan’s human capital. He said trust, shared values and a sense of collective responsibility were essential for strengthening social cohesion.
He identified poverty reduction as a major national priority and called for sustained efforts to improve economic and social conditions.
The vice president also shared an Independence Day message from the President of IIUI, who highlighted the continuing relevance of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s principles and the role of universities in preparing young people for emerging national and global challenges.
Education Key to National Resilience
Guest speaker Ch. Hussain Ali, associated with the Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative and an IIUI alumnus, said national security could not be separated from the basic needs and economic wellbeing of citizens.
He argued that sustainable peace required economic stability and warned that social division, discord and identity-related challenges among young people could weaken national cohesion.
He said modern conflicts could not be addressed through military strength alone and described education as one of the most powerful tools for building a resilient society.
Hussain Ali also warned about the growing impact of misinformation and propaganda, particularly through social media, and urged young people to think critically about the information they consume and share.
He said education should promote maturity, critical thinking and responsible citizenship rather than being treated only as a route to employment.
IRI Calls for Unity and Interfaith Harmony
Earlier, IRI Director General Dr Muhammad Akram said Independence Day was an occasion to express gratitude for the country’s freedom and to renew a collective commitment to national unity.
He called for greater self-accountability across society and stressed the importance of interfaith harmony and national cohesion.
Dr Akram also highlighted the Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative and its role in promoting peace and responsible public discourse.
Director Students Affairs Dr Ghufran Ali referred to Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of peaceful coexistence and said young Pakistanis should adopt a positive and constructive approach toward national challenges.
Director Students Affairs Female Campus Dr Rukhsana Tariq said the seminar and flag-hoisting ceremony reflected a message of patriotism and unity across the university community.
Flag Hoisting, Exhibition and National Songs
As part of the Independence Day activities, the chief guest visited the Dr Hamidullah Library, where a special exhibition had been arranged.
Children from IIUI Schools also performed national songs during the programme, while international students from different countries joined faculty members, officers and students in the celebrations.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day.
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