International Waqf and Zakat Conference 2026

Prof Khurshed Ahmad International Conference 2026

Mobilizing Waqf and Zakat for Socio-Economic Empowerment

Policy Perspectives on Entrepreneurship and Sustainability

Jointly Organized by Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, & Allama Iqbal Open University

Venue: Central Auditorium, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad
Date: 2,3 April, 2026

About the Conference

The International Waqf and Zakat Conference 2026 aims to bring together scholars, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and development professionals to explore the evolving role of Waqf and Zakat in addressing contemporary socio-economic challenges.

The conference seeks to examine how Islamic social finance instruments, particularly Waqf and Zakat, can be mobilized to promote entrepreneurship, sustainability, welfare, and inclusive development, while remaining aligned with Shariah principles and modern governance frameworks.

Call for Papers

Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit original research papers that engage with theoretical, empirical, policy, and practical dimensions of Waqf and Zakat. Interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives are especially encouraged.

Languages Accepted:

• English
• Urdu
• Arabic

Themes and Sub-Themes

1. Shariah Foundations and Historical Evolution of Waqf and Zakat

• Shariah and governance guidelines and principles of Waqf
• Evolutionary record of Waqf since early Islamic history
• Intervention points for Waqf in socio-economic development
• Waqf and institutional development processes
• Zakat: Shariah foundations, contemporary needs, practices, and challenges

2. Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Frameworks of Waqf

• Waqf, trust, and endowment structures: differences and similarities
• Ethical, regulatory, and managerial frameworks of Waqf
• Waqf, FinTech, and AI-based models: legal and ethical dimensions
• Decentralized financing, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and Waqf
• Interconnectivity of Waqf with other charitable instruments (e.g., Zakat and voluntary donations)

3. Global Efforts for Institutional Transformation of Waqf and Zakat

• Waqf and Iranian Practices
• Malaysian models of Waqf
• Indonesian contributions towards practical efforts of Waqf institutionalization
• Türkiye and Waqf practices
• Implementation of Waqf dimensions in Pakistani society
• Zakat contemporary practical models in different countries

4. Waqf as Sustainable Solutions for Welfare and Development

• Waqf as a sustainable form of charity (Sadaqah Jariyah)
• Waqf in socio-economic welfare, public–private partnerships, and towards promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation
• Waqf’s contribution to education, skills development, capacity building, and community support
• Waqf as a model for financial institutions
• Zakat as a tool for socio-economic development

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: Feburary 25, 2025

Registration Fee

• Participants: PKR 1,000
• Local Presenters: PKR 2,500
• Foreign Presenters: USD 50

Submission & Contact Information

Abstract & Paper Submission

Email: conference@ips.net.pk

Registration & General Inquiries

Dr. Asim Ehsan
📧 asim@ips.net.pk
📞 +92 333 5083076

Dr. Syed Muhammad Abdul Rehman Shah
syed.rehman@aiou.edu.pk

Academic Partners

• Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University
• Zakat Foundation of America
• Al-Sadiq (A.S.) Institute
• Riphah International University
• Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
• Security and Exchange Commission
• AAOIFI Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions

Organizer

Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad
🌐 https://www.ips.org.pk
🌐 https://www.ipsurdu.com

Social Media:

• Facebook: InstituteOfPolicyStudiesPakistan
• X (Twitter): @IPS_1979
• LinkedIn: IPS-Islamabad
• YouTube: IPSTV