On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, NCBA&E (Alhamra University) successfully conducted the second session of its Faculty Development Program, marking a significant step toward academic and spiritual enrichment. The session featured Dr. Ubaid-ur-Rehman Bashir, Head of the Quranic Understanding Section at the Higher Education Commission (HEC), as the keynote speaker.
Dr. Bashir delivered an insightful and thought-provoking lecture titled “The Role of Universities in Promoting Quranic Understanding: In the Light of Recent HEC Policy.” His talk highlighted the growing importance of integrating Quranic comprehension into higher education and emphasized the responsibility of academic institutions in fostering a deeper connection between students and the Holy Quran.
What set this session apart was its dual format: it was not only a seminar but also an interactive training workshop. During this hands-on segment, Dr. Bashir provided practical guidance to both faculty members and students on effective teaching methodologies for Quranic understanding courses. He elaborated on structured teaching patterns, course design strategies, and techniques to ensure impactful learning outcomes.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran and a soulful Naat in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This was followed by a warm welcome address by Professor Dr. Muhammad Hussain Azad, who emphasized the importance of such initiatives in academic institutions. At the conclusion of the event, Professor Dr. Asim Rajwana expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guest for his valuable contribution.
A key takeaway from the workshop was the emphasis on practical application. Dr. Bashir illustrated, through real-life examples, how an effective methodology of Quranic teaching can extend beyond university classrooms and positively influence broader segments of society. His approach demonstrated that Quranic understanding is not merely an academic subject but a transformative tool for personal and societal development.
As a gesture of appreciation, Dr. Bashir presented the Muallim-ul-Quran gift to Professor Dr. Muhammad Hussain Azad (Chairman, Department of Islamic Studies) and Professor Dr. Asim Rajwana (Pro-Rector, NCBA&E).
For NCBA&E, hosting such a distinguished scholar is a matter of great pride. While universities across the country continue to benefit from Dr. Bashir’s expertise, this opportunity allowed the faculty and students of Alhamra University to directly engage with and learn from his vast experience.
The session concluded with a renewed commitment from the university to continue playing a proactive role in promoting Quranic understanding through academic, intellectual, and training initiatives. Under the supervision of Muhammad Ali Hamid, Coordinator of the Department of Islamic Studies, NCBA&E remains dedicated to organizing meaningful scholarly activities aimed at deepening the understanding of the Holy Quran.
This session stands as a testament to the university’s vision of blending academic excellence with spiritual growth, paving the way for a more enlightened and informed society.
