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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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
