ISLAMABAD, September 5, 2026 (Khyber Mail) — The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), in collaboration with Khair Publications, organised a seminar titled “Ideology of Pakistan and the Role of Islamic Scholars” to examine the contributions of Ulema and Sufis to the Pakistan Movement and their relevance in countering religious extremism.
In his welcome remarks, IRS Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Centre for Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Studies Dr Rizwan Naseer highlighted the role of Islamic scholars in developing a shared Muslim identity through education, sermons and writings. He also discussed the Lahore Resolution, Objectives Resolution and constitutional developments related to Pakistan’s ideological framework.
International Relations Analyst Sahibzada Muhammad Saeed said Pakistan’s ideology could not be fully understood without examining the historical contributions of Ulema and Sufis. He called for a shared national purpose that respects and strengthens regional identities.
Scholar, poet and author Sultan Nasir discussed the contribution of Sufi traditions to Pakistan’s ideological development, highlighting their association with pluralism, Islamic values and the arts.
Dr Syed Muhammad Abdul Rehman Shah stressed the importance of studying the intellectual legacy of figures such as Mujaddid Alf-i-Sani and Allama Iqbal and connecting it with contemporary Pakistan.
Concluding the seminar, IRS Research Fellow Dr Usman W. Chohan emphasised the need to critically engage with Pakistan’s intellectual heritage and strengthen dialogue among scholars, researchers and policymakers.
The seminar was attended by scholars, researchers, media representatives and students and concluded with a question-and-answer session.