Islamabad: Greater strategic interaction and sustained institutional cooperation among Muslim countries are needed to enable the Muslim world to respond more effectively to rapidly changing geopolitical developments and emerging global challenges. In this context, the Asia-Pacific region, home to some of the world’s largest Muslim populations, is immensely important.

This was observed by a delegation from the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS), Malaysia, during a visit to the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad. The two institutions also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the occasion.

The IAIS delegation comprised the CEO, Dr Syed Azman bin Syed Ahmad Nawawi; Deputy CEO, Dr Ahmad Badri bin Abdullah; Dr Abdul Latiff bin Mohd Ibrahim, head of Research and Publication Division; and Mohd Faiz bin Md Nawi, special officer (international affairs), Strategic Unit. IPS was represented by Chairman Khalid Rahman; Vice Chairman Syed Abrar Hussain; Abdul Rashid Turabi, Kashmir affairs expert; Shafaq Sarfraz, head of operations; and Nadeem Farhat, research fellow.

The delegation noted that the Muslim world was facing a range of complex challenges amid significant changes in the international system. It emphasized the importance of closer interaction among Muslim countries, particularly in Asia, given their substantial populations, economic potential, and strategic significance. Greater coordination, information-sharing, and institutional linkages were viewed as important for developing a more informed and proactive response to global and regional developments.

The discussion also covered Palestine, Occupied Kashmir, Afghanistan, Sudan and other conflict-affected regions, with participants stressing the importance of developing a deeper understanding of the political, social and geopolitical factors shaping these crises. The participants observed that longstanding conflicts require sustained attention rather than being treated only as short-term crises.

Geostrategic experts from both institutions exchanged insights and perspectives on current geopolitical conditions that are severely impacting Muslim populations worldwide. While the genocide in Palestine and pervasive human rights violations in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir received specific attention, the constructive role of Pakistan and Malaysia in diplomatic realms to mediate for peace also got specific mention. The experts at IPS apprised the visiting delegation of the geostrategic challenges Pakistan faces because of its commitment to global peace and regional harmony.

Particular emphasis was placed on the changing international system and the need for Muslim countries and institutions to examine how they can contribute to emerging debates on global governance. Participants also discussed contemporary social and intellectual issues, including the decolonization of Muslim thought, Islamophobia, family and social systems, and the need to strengthen intellectual engagement on issues affecting Muslim societies.

The delegation exchanged experiences of effective engagements with different government entities and lessons learned for constructive strategic communication with policymakers and sensitizing through facts on issues related to Muslim societies and their common concerns. The discussion highlighted the importance of understanding developments on the ground and maintaining direct interaction with policymakers, governments, and other relevant stakeholders alongside academic and research work.

In this context, the MoU between IPS and IAIS provides a framework for cooperation in policy-oriented research, dialogue, and advocacy on global Muslim affairs, international relations, governance, and mutual understanding.

The two sides identified several areas for practical collaboration, including joint seminars and conferences, the exchange of research and policy briefs, scholars’ participation in each other’s programs, and possible joint research and publications. The visiting delegation presented a set of publications that have translated the works of the poet-philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal into Malay. Paying tribute to the founder of IPS and renowned scholar Prof. Khurshid Ahmad, they also agreed to translate some of his books into Malay.

Concluding the interaction, Khalid Rahman underscored that sustained intellectual exchange, research sharing, and direct engagement among institutions could help develop a better understanding of contemporary challenges and contribute to more informed policy responses.