Director Iqbal Chair

Engr. Abdul Sattar Naeem

Engr. Abdul Sattar Naeem serves as the Director of the Iqbal Chair at Riphah International University, Faisalabad. A distinguished scholar of Iqbaliyat, he is widely recognized for his remarkable contributions in the fields of poetry, fiction, and research. His academic leadership combines scholarship with cultural revival, making him a key figure in advancing the intellectual and spiritual legacy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

Through his work, Engr. Naeem has dedicated himself to reviving Iqbal’s thought in the context of modern education, inspiring students, faculty, and society at large. His role at the Iqbal Chair underscores Riphah’s commitment to nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and national consciousness rooted in Islamic values.

Director Iqbal Chair – Introduction

Riphah International University holds a unique distinction among private universities of Pakistan by establishing the Iqbal Chair at its Faisalabad Campus in Fall 2023. This academic platform was founded to promote the intellectual and spiritual legacy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938) — the poet-philosopher who inspired Muslims of South Asia with his unmatched vision of independence, Islamic revival, Qur’anic wisdom, and devotion to the Holy Prophet ﷺ.

The Directorate of Iqbal Chair, under the leadership of Prof. Engr. Abdul Sattar Naeem, provides a vibrant academic and cultural forum where Iqbal’s philosophy is studied, celebrated, and applied to contemporary challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large.

Vision

To revive, preserve, and promote the intellectual, spiritual, and philosophical legacy of Allama Iqbal, empowering future generations with Islamic values, national consciousness, and a vision for global leadership.

Contributions

  1. o promote and integrate Iqbal’s thoughts and philosophy across various disciplines of education.
  2. To promote research, dialogue, and publications on Iqbal’s philosophy and its application to modern challenges.
  3. To strengthen students’ connection with the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the mission of Iqbal in shaping Muslim identity.
  4. To nurture creativity, critical thinking, and national spirit in light of Iqbal’s vision.
  5. To celebrate national and historical occasions that highlight Iqbal’s role in the Pakistan Movement.

Vision

  1. Since its establishment, the Directorate of Iqbal Chair has actively contributed by:
  2. Designing introductory courses on Iqbal Studies for students of every level.
  3. Republishing two important Urdu books authored by Engr. Abu Junaid Inayat Ali:
  4. Iqbal, Syed Maududi, and Quaid-e-Azam
  5. Quaid-e-Azam for Youngsters and the Youth
  6. Organizing an International Conference on Allama Iqbal and Syed Maududi (November 2025).
  7. Celebrating the centennial anniversary of Bang-e-Dra through intellectual interviews on Faisalabad TV and Naba News.
  8. Hosting student-oriented ceremonies on Independence Day, Iqbal Day, Quaid-e-Azam Day, Defense Day, and other national events.
  9. Conducting a weekly Qur’an Class (Bazm-e-Qur’an) for HODs and senior faculty members.
  10. Initiating several upcoming academic and cultural programs inspired by Iqbal’s vision.