IBA's Iqra Soceity organized the Annual Islamic Conference

April 28, 2019: The Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi's Iqra society organized its flagship event, the Annual Islamic Conference (AIC) at the IBA, main campus. The theme of the conference was Pakistan as Riyasat-e-Madinah – What's Our Role?. Eminent religious scholars and economists gathered to identify, explain and discuss the problems of Pakistan, and their solutions in light of the Riyasat-e-Madina model. The event was attended by IBA students, faculty, staff and professionals from different fields.

The concept of the conference was to understand the expected and required roles and responsibilities of individuals, society, and some state and/or governmental officials. Some key concepts such as statehood, citizenship, rules etc. were brought under discussion in light of what God has commanded humanity to follow in the Qur'an and His Prophet (PBUH) has demonstrated through Sunnah.

The lectures in the conference presented a comprehensive outlook on the model of Riyasat-e-Madinah by Iqra Society's patron, Dr. Imran Khan. He explained that the government cannot implement this concept alone and every individual has to find their role in establishing the Riyasat-e-Madinah concept in Pakistan.

The founder of Hidayah Academy, Shaykh Azhar Iqbal (DB) conducted the first session on History of Riyassat-e-Madinah.

The second segment was conducted by a well-known economist, professor and former Vice Chancellor of Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Dr. Asad Zaman. The session focused on exploring the welfare policies of the state of Madinah.

The third lecture aimed at exploring and demystifying some of the common misconceptions that surround the concept of Shari'ah. Chairman Shari'ah Advisory Committee, State Bank of Pakistan Mufti Irshad Ahmed Aijaz answered some of the concerns of the audience regarding rigidity of Shar'iah, reasons behind variance in the opinions of Fuqaha, and validity of ijtihad, among others.

The next session focused on the current socioeconomic standing of the country. Subjects brought under discussion included the assessment of viability of economic policies proposed by the current government that aim to bring the economy back on track, means for financing the budget deficit etc. The analysis was presented by former Chief Economist of Sindh and Professor, Director, Center for Business & Economics Research (CBER) IBA, Dr. Qazi Masood Ahmed.

A panel discussion was also held that was moderated by Executive Director, IBA, Karachi Dr. Farrukh Iqbal. The panelists included; Dean, Karachi School of Business and Leadership, Dr. Zeeshan Ahmed; Lead Advisor, Takaful Pakistan Limited and Mazim-e-Ala, Jami'a Darululoom Karachi, Mufti Imran Ashraf Usmani, Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Zaman.

The last session of the day focused on what is usually the most neglected part of our individual and social lives. Assistant Professor, Dr. Moiz Hasan, shared stories from the lives and times of Prophet (PBUH) and the Sahaba Karaam as well as of the pious successors.

The conference ended with the closing remarks by the co-patron of Iqra Society, Dr. Irum Saba who thanked the team to bring together such a successful event.