Karachi: Ziauddin University (ZU) and Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (ICCIA) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch Green Waqf Initiative project of ICCIA.

Project aims to provide practical Islamic solution to tackle climate change, preserve biodiversity and combat poverty by reviving historical concept of waqf. MoU was signed by Yousef Hasan Khalawi, Secretary General of ICCIA and Vice Chancellor of Ziauddin University Prof. Dr. Syed Irfan Hyder on behalf of their respective organisations.

Green Waqf Initiative is unique initiative that seeks to revive a historically proven model that caters to cultural and religious sensitivities and seeks to promote practical solutions not just within 57 Muslim-majority countries of OIC but beyond. As part of MoU, ZU's Faculty of Law, Politics and Governance Centre for Human Rights will lead research around waqf legislation in Pakistan, working in collaboration with ICCIA to assist launch of first pilot project. Initial phase of project will focus on Pakistan's legal landscape around waqf, but it is projected to expand to other jurisdictions, including Mauritania, Morocco and other OIC member states. Syed Muaz Shah lead researcher at Centre for Human Rights will coordinate with Saad Pasha from ICCIA to oversee study, with students expected to contribute to research.

In addition to Green Waqf Initiative, ICCIA and ZU have also agreed in principle to expand further linkages and collaborations to engage students and faculty.

Talking at signing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Syed Irfan Hyder said, "We are honoured to partner with Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture to launch Green Waqf Initiative, which seeks to provide practical solution to tackle climate change and promote sustainability. We look forward to working together to develop innovative ideas that can make a real impact on world."

Yousef Hasan Khalawi Secretary General of ICCIA said, "We are delighted to partner with Ziauddin University on this important initiative. Green Waqf Initiative aligns with our vision to promote sustainable development and we are confident that this partnership will contribute to advancing our common goals." Khalawi recognised preliminary research done by two students, Alishba Fazal and Areeba Qureshi under supervision of Shah at Faculty of Law, Politics and Governance on waqf and carbon credits.

He subsequently invited them to Al-Baraka Symposium 43, "Sustainability Authenticity in Islamic Economy" happening this month in Madinah, Saudi Arabia and to also perform Umrah on fully sponsored trip.

He expressed, "Young people like these two young women have to carry on spirit of research and innovation for next generation and that is what this Green Waqf Initiative and various activities at ICCIA is all about-true sustainability for future generations to come."

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 03 2023

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