Islamabad: Professor Khurshid Ahmad, a distinguished scholar, Islamic economist, reformer, and statesman, consistently sought to build bridges among people of diverse ideological backgrounds. This commitment to inclusivity is evident in the wide spectrum of individuals influenced by his ideas, his body of work, and the institutions he founded.
Speakers observed this at a condolence reference held at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, to honor the life, work, and enduring legacy of Prof Khurshid Ahmad, also the founding chairman of IPS, who passed away on April 13. The event brought together a diverse gathering of policymakers, scholars, students, colleagues, and admirers. Speakers remembered Prof Khurshid as a trailblazer who championed Islamic economics, founded transformative institutions, and helped shape intellectual discourse in Pakistan and beyond.
Mushahid Hussain Syed, former senator, fondly recalled that Prof Khurshid had a remarkable ability to connect with people, embracing individuals regardless of background or age. He rose above party lines and always spoke from the heart – as a Muslim and a Pakistani. He underscored the enduring relevance of his values, vision, scholarship, and devotion as a statesman, having served in the Senate for nearly 22 years.
Adding to this, Farhatullah Babar and Javed Jabbar, veteran parliamentarians, cherished Prof Khurshid’s wisdom, diligence, and commitment to the common good, which characterized his role in the Parliament.
Ahmer Bilal Soofi, renowned lawyer and former federal minister, commented that his intellectual presence extended beyond the Senate, impacting global debates and movements across Muslim and non-Muslim lands. His body of work is a lasting legacy and will continue to inspire future generations.
Emphasizing the lasting impact of Prof Khurshid’s intellectual contributions, Dr Qibla Ayaz, member Shariat Appellate Bench, Supreme Court of Pakistan, described him as a scholar of future studies who accurately anticipated the trajectories of Islam, Pakistan, and the Muslim Ummah. It was this vision, he said, that led Prof Khurshid to establish enduring institutions, ensuring that his ideas continue to live on.
Echoing these sentiments, Dr Shireen Mazari, former minister, noted that Prof Khurshid Ahmad considered the establishment of IPS as an independent think tank among his most enduring legacies. Under his leadership, IPS became a vibrant hub for intellectual discourse, particularly on Kashmir, on which the institute produced some of the most comprehensive research unmatched by any other Pakistani think tank.
Maulana Zahid-ur-Rashidi, a religious scholar and editor of Al-Sharia, said Prof Khurshid dedicated his life to advancing education, enriching intellectual discourse, and contributing meaningfully to the national landscape. His contribution to the movement to eliminate interest-based financial systems demonstrated wisdom, profound insight, and technical acumen.
Dr Anis Ahmad, vice chancellor, Riphah International University and brother of Prof Khurshid, said Prof Khurshid actively promoted the political, economic, and social thought of Maulana Maududi with deep dedication and clarity. The organizations he founded continue to carry out scholarly work, highlighting the solutions that Islam offers in the realms of politics, economics, and society.
Haris Ahmad, the son of Prof Khurshid, reflected that his father had a deep love for Islam and Pakistan, and in service of both, he was always willing to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.
In closing remarks, Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, reflected on his long association with Prof Khurshid, describing him as a personification of timeless values that serve as guiding principles for future generations. He highlighted that Prof Khurshid lived a life driven by purpose and vision, beyond the pursuit of wealth, power, or status, dedicated wholly to Islam and Pakistan. Known for his steadfastness, he often said, “There are no vacations in Islam,” reflecting his lifelong commitment to his vision.
On the occasion, a video clip of Prof Khurshid was played in which he reflected on his life’s journey and aspirations. Participants were also introduced to a chatbot being developed at IPS to answer queries based on curated content from Prof Khurshid’s works. #
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