The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and the Indus Cultural Forum (ICF) have forged a partnership to champion the revival of mother languages across Pakistan, announcing a formal collaboration for the upcoming Pakistan Mother Languages Festival in 2026.
According to the university’s report today, the agreement was reached during a meeting at the university’s Old Campus, where a delegation from the cultural forum met with IIUI President, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed. Discussions centred on creating a sustainable partnership aimed at serving the nation”s linguistic diversity.
Both parties deliberated on the preservation and academic promotion of indigenous and regional languages, acknowledging them as an essential part of the country’s cultural heritage and social identity.
The ICF delegation included Chairman Naseer Memon, former Chairperson Munawar Hassan, and Dr. Ghulam Raza Bhatti, a former Vice Chancellor of Shaikh Ayaz University. The representatives briefed the university head on the Forum’s ongoing initiatives in cultural preservation and language advocacy at a national level.
Prof. Dr. Alahmed commended the efforts of the Indus Cultural Forum, emphasising the vital role universities play in safeguarding mother tongues through research, documentation, and academic collaboration. He assured the delegation of IIUI”s firm support for initiatives aligned with this vision.
The two organisations mutually resolved to work together on the Pakistan Mother Languages Festival, scheduled for February 2026. The collaboration will feature joint academic and cultural activities designed to create awareness about the importance of mother languages among students, researchers, and the wider community.
Symbolising Pakistan’s rich local traditions and cultural harmony, the ICF delegation presented the IIUI President with a traditional Sindhi Ajrak and a handmade cap as cultural souvenirs at the conclusion of the dialogue.
The meeting ended on a positive note with a shared commitment to strengthen institutional linkages for the promotion of languages, culture, and national cohesion.