28/01/2026
Lahore, January 26, 2026:
The Department of Arabic & Islamic Studies, Government College University (GCU), Lahore, successfully organized an 1st International Quran Conference on the theme “The Quran and Contemporary Challenges,” on 26 January 2026, reflecting the department’s sustained academic commitment and tireless organizational efforts to promote Quranic scholarship at national and international levels.
The inaugural session was moderated by Dr. Hafiz Sfarish Ali (Assistant Professor). The session formally commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by Naat and the national anthem.
The welcome address was delivered by the Chief Organizer, Chairperson, Department of Arabic & Islamic Studies, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Farooq Haider, who warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed gratitude for their participation. While elaborating on the theme of the conference, he discussed various tafsir trends and highlighted the preservation of the Holy Quran. He emphasized that the Quran remains the ultimate source of guidance and the most effective response to contemporary intellectual and moral challenges. He also extended his sincere gratitude to the worthy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Omer Chaudhry, for his continued support, guidance and expert patronage, which played a pivotal role in the successful organization of the conference.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq (Vice Chancellor, University of Narowal). He discussed the phases of Quranic revelation in the context of evolving media landscapes, including print, electronic, and digital media. He stressed the need to integrate Madaris students into the mainstream education system and emphasized that promoting anti-extremism through education rooted in authentic Quranic teachings is essential for societal harmony.
Prof. Dr. Israr Ahmad Khan (Director, Institute of Quranic Wisdom, Ankara, Turkey) participated online as a keynote speaker. He highlighted the Quranic moral framework as the pathway to eternal success, emphasizing ‘Adl (Justice) and Ihsan (Benevolence), along with complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah.
Qari Sohaib Ahmed Mir Muhammadi (Founder, Quran College, and Vice Chairman, Paigham Group of Channels) delivered a comprehensive address on the preservation of the Holy Quran and the concept of Sab‘ah Ahruf. He elaborated on the three historical phases of Quranic compilation and concluded with an insightful discussion on the various recitations of Surah Al-Fatihah.
Prof. Dr. Jameela Shoukat (Professor Emeritus, Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore) spoke on the responsibilities of parents in raising children in accordance with Quranic guidance. She emphasized that mere memorization or recitation is insufficient, and that practical implementation of Quranic teachings is essential for moral development and societal betterment.
Dr. Khurshid-ul-Hassan Rizvi (Distinguished Professor, GCU Lahore) stated that the Holy Quran itself is not facing challenges; rather, the Quran is a challenge, as its wisdom and depth are inexhaustible. He urged scholars to engage in deep reflection and intellectual inquiry, and to study the Quran as a source of enduring knowledge.
Prof. Dr. Akram Rana (Dean, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Shariah, Minhaj University, Lahore), highlighted the importance of moral and societal ethics grounded in Quranic teachings. He reflected on the metaphysical dimensions of human life as illuminated by the Quran and emphasized the need to address contemporary intellectual doubts among youth.
Prof. Dr, Ahmad bin Mishaal bin Aziz Al-Ghamdi (Prof. & M***i of al-Masjid al-Haram, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah Al-Mukarramah) emphasized the timeless relevance of the Holy Quran and described it as a healer of the human mind and spirit in every age and place. He highlighted that sincere engagement requires recitation (Tilawah), integrating Qira’at, Tadabbur, Amal, and Tartil, along with proper recitational etiquettes, which together unlock the Quran’s transformative power for personal development and societal well-being.
Prof. Dr. Abdul Quddus Suhaib (Dean, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Languages, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan) emphasized the character development of students, highlighting the role of Quranic teachings in nurturing moderation, integrity, and ethical conduct.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akram Chaudhary (Meritorious Professor, Faculty of Islamic & Oriental Learning, University of the Punjab, Lahore) emphasized the miraculous nature of the Holy Quran and the importance of Tadabbur (deep reflection), stressing that recitation should be accompanied by a profound understanding connecting Quranic insights with contemporary knowledge.
The inaugural session concluded with special prayers for the security and prosperity of the country and the nation. Shields and certificates were presented to the distinguished guests and keynote speakers.
Following the inaugural session, a lunch was hosted for the participants. Subsequently, seven parallel academic sessions were held, in which approximately 140 national and international scholars, researchers, and academicians presented their research papers. The wide participation and scholarly depth of the sessions reflected the success of the conference and the dedicated efforts of the organizing committee. Certificates were distributed among all presenters.
The conference concluded with a formal closing ceremony, marking the successful culmination of a well-organized, intellectually enriching, and impactful international academic event.
