ISLAMABAD, Monday, July 13, 2026 (WNP): The National University of Modern Languages (NUML) on Monday conferred the prestigious Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree upon Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Dr Mohammad AbdulKarim Al-Issa, in recognition of his exceptional global contributions to humanity, peacebuilding, interfaith harmony, moderation, education, and the promotion of knowledge.
The honour was bestowed during NUML’s 3rd Special Convocation 2026, attended by senior government officials, diplomats, academics, scholars, students and distinguished guests.
Among those present were Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Dr Wajiha Qamar, Rector NUML Major General Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI(M) (Retd), Director General NUML Brigadier Muhammad Rafiq Khan, Pro-Rector Research and Strategic Initiatives Dr Safeer Awan, deans, faculty members and a large number of national and international participants.
Receiving the honorary doctorate, Dr Al-Issa described the award as both a profound honour and a solemn responsibility, expressing heartfelt gratitude to NUML for recognizing his efforts toward promoting peace, moderation and dialogue among civilizations.
He said it was a privilege to visit Pakistan and praised the warmth, generosity and hospitality extended by the university community and the people of Pakistan.
Dr Al-Issa commended Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional and international peace, describing the country’s efforts as a source of pride for the entire Muslim world. He also appreciated Pakistan’s leadership, including the Field Marshal and the country’s political leadership, for their commitment to peace, stability and national unity.
Expressing his gratitude for the distinction, he prayed for Pakistan’s continued peace, progress and prosperity.
Addressing the convocation, Rector NUML Major General Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI(M) (Retd) congratulated Dr Al-Issa on receiving the honorary doctorate, describing him as a globally respected advocate of moderation, dialogue and humanitarian values.
“Universities are not merely centres where knowledge is transmitted; they are institutions where civilizations preserve their wisdom, societies cultivate their conscience, and future generations discover their purpose,” the Rector said.
He emphasized that academic cooperation, scholarly exchanges, language education and intercultural understanding remain among the most effective instruments for strengthening international relations and fostering mutual respect among nations.
The Rector observed that Dr Al-Issa’s presence at NUML reflected the enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and symbolized a shared commitment to education, moderation, intercultural dialogue and constructive global engagement.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State Dr Wajiha Qamar lauded NUML for honouring Dr Al-Issa’s outstanding services to humanity, interfaith harmony and global peace through the conferment of the Honorary PhD degree.
She praised his unwavering efforts to promote unity across the Muslim world, encourage dialogue among different faiths and cultures, and advance the values of tolerance, coexistence and mutual understanding.
The Minister also highlighted NUML’s pivotal role in promoting languages, cultures and intercultural engagement, noting that the university continues to serve as an important bridge connecting nations through education and academic collaboration.
She reaffirmed the longstanding fraternal relationship between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that both countries remain committed to strengthening cooperation in education, peacebuilding, regional stability and sustainable development.
Following the convocation, Dr Al-Issa recorded his remarks in the university’s Visitors’ Book, appreciating NUML’s academic excellence and hospitality, before joining dignitaries for an official group photograph marking the occasion.
The special convocation underscored Pakistan’s commitment to recognizing international leaders whose contributions have advanced peace, moderation, education and interfaith understanding while further reinforcing the deep-rooted and multifaceted partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
