Stronger strategic ties among Muslim countries urged amid changing global order: IPS-IAIS
The changing international system and growing geopolitical challenges are creating a need for stronger strategic interaction and sustained institutional cooperation among Muslim countries. With the Asia-Pacific region home to some of the world’s largest Muslim populations, greater coordination and knowledge-sharing among countries and institutions in the region could contribute to more informed responses to emerging global and regional developments.
This was highlighted during a visit by a delegation from the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS), Malaysia, to the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, on September 23. The two institutions also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for cooperation in policy-oriented research, dialogue, and advocacy on issues concerning global Muslim affairs, international relations, governance, and mutual understanding.
The IAIS delegation comprised Dr Syed Azman bin Syed Ahmad Nawawi, CEO; Dr Ahmad Badri bin Abdullah, deputy CEO; Dr Abdul Latiff bin Mohd Ibrahim, head of Research and Publication Division; and Mohd Faiz bin Md Nawi, special officer (international affairs), Strategic Unit. IPS was represented by Khalid Rahman, chairman; Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, vice chairman; Abdul Rashid Turabi, Kashmir affairs expert; Shafaq Sarfraz, head of operations; and Nadeem Farhat, research fellow.
The delegation noted that the Muslim world is facing a range of complex challenges amid significant changes in the international system. Participants emphasized the importance of closer interaction among Muslim countries, particularly in Asia, given the region’s substantial Muslim populations, economic potential, and strategic significance. Greater coordination, information-sharing, and institutional linkages were identified as important for developing more informed and proactive responses to global and regional developments.
The discussion covered Palestine, Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, Sudan, and other conflict-affected regions. Participants stressed the need for a deeper understanding of the political, social, and geopolitical factors shaping these crises, noting that longstanding conflicts require sustained attention rather than being treated solely as short-term developments.
Geostrategic experts from both institutions exchanged perspectives on contemporary geopolitical conditions affecting Muslim populations worldwide. The discussion also examined the diplomatic roles of Pakistan and Malaysia in efforts toward peace and highlighted the geostrategic challenges faced by Pakistan in pursuing regional harmony and global peace.
Particular attention was given to the changing international system and the need for Muslim countries and institutions to engage more actively with emerging debates on global governance. Participants also discussed contemporary social and intellectual issues, including the decolonization of Muslim thought, Islamophobia, family and social systems, and the need to strengthen intellectual engagement with issues affecting Muslim societies.
The delegation also exchanged experiences of engagement with government institutions and discussed approaches to constructive strategic communication with policymakers. Participants emphasized the importance of combining academic and research work with an understanding of developments on the ground and direct interaction with policymakers, governments, and other relevant stakeholders.
Under the MoU, the two institutions identified several areas for practical cooperation, including joint seminars and conferences, exchange of research and policy briefs, participation of scholars in each other’s programs, and possible joint research and publications.
The visiting delegation also presented publications translating the works of poet-philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal into Malay. In addition, the delegation paid tribute to the founder of IPS, renowned scholar Prof. Khurshid Ahmad, and agreed to explore the translation of some of his books into Malay.
Concluding the interaction, Khalid Rahman underscored that sustained intellectual exchange, research sharing, and direct institutional engagement could contribute to a better understanding of contemporary challenges and support more informed policy responses.
