Prof Khurshid Ahmad passes away

ISLAMABAD: Ex-senator Professor Khurshid Ahmad, an economist, philosopher, politician and former Naib Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) passed away in Leicester, UK on Sunday. He was 92.

Besides being elected as Member of the Senator in 1985, 1997 and 2002, Professor Khurshid Ahmad also acted Federal Minister for Commerce and Planning in 1978. He also served as Deputy Chairman Planning Commission.

He was founding chairman of Institute of Policy Studies Islamabad and The Islamic Foundation in Leicester, UK. He was also author of 70 books in English and Urdu languages. He was also Editor of Jamaat-e-Islami’s monthly ‘Tarjamanul Quraan’.

Professor Khurshid was also conferred with Nishan-e-Imtiaz and Saudia Arabia’s Shah Faisal Award, Islamic Development Bank’s award, Islamic Bank award and many other honours in recognition of his services.

Besides serving in many other institutes, he also remained chairman of International Institute of Economics of the International Islamic University from 1984 to 1992 and Vice President of Shah Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah.

Professor Khurshid also helped to develop Islamic economic jurisprudence as an academic discipline and one of the co-founders (along with Khurram Murad) of The Islamic Foundation in Leicester, UK. Till the time of his death, he was attached with the foundation.

A visionary Islamic economist, scholar, and thought leader, Professor Khurshid Ahmad dedicated his life to intellectual excellence, policy development, and the service of knowledge rooted in Islamic values. His contributions to education, economics, and public discourse have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

Born in New Delhi on March 23, 1932, Professor Khurshid Ahmad was got his Masters Degrees in Economics and Islamic Studies with distinction.

Professor Khurshid who was also elder brother of a senior educationist Dr. Anis Ahmad, joined Islami Jamiat-e-Taluba in 1949 and later joined Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) in 1956.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman and Deputy Chairman, National Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, JI Ameer Hafiz Naeemur and others have condoled death of Professor Khurshid Ahmad.

He was also paid homage for his services in the field of Islamic research, economy and as a politician and Member of the Senate.