ISLAMABAD – The 25th cultural week and silver jubilee celebrations of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) kicked off Tuesday at the New Campus (Male). The theme of the event is “Youth and National Leadership”. The event aims to highlight lifestyle and traditions of different Islamic and non-Islamic students of IIUI belonging to different countries. The students of above 42 countries have been taking part in these activities.They have tried to highlight the culture and traditions of their country with the help of dresses, poetry, painting, photography, cooking and literature. In particular, students from Saudi Arabia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, China, Afghanistan, Africa, SAARC countries and ASIAN countries have setup stalls to highlight their culture. The university has invited different brands and traders to advertise their products also.Besides, the celebrations include seminars, lectures, conferences and competitions of Qirat, Naat, debates, essay writing, Arabic Calligraphy exhibition and book fair for male and female which have already been started in both campuses. The Grand Mushaira will be held on April 05, 2013, in which renowned poets of the twin cities will recite their poetry. Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan Burhan Mohammad speaking at the inaugural ceremony said IIUI is one of the unique centers of learning in the world and playing a vital role to bring the courtiers of Ummah together. ‘There is dire need of vast educational ties between Muslim countries because survival of developing countries now relies upon education’. He also assured all possible support from Indonesia to IIUI.Ambassador of Sudan in Pakistan Al-Shafey Ahmed Mohammed, IIUI Rector Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, IIUI President Dr. Ahmad Yousif Al-Draiweesh, Vice President (Academics) Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed, AJK Education Minister Matloob Inqalabi, Students Advisor (Male) Dr. Safeer Awan, diplomats and delegations from various countries were also present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion in his welcome remarks, Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said that ‘IIUI is playing a key role in promotion of education with a unique vision among 130 universities of the country. Muslim Ummah has a great power of youth and if we put them on right track according to our religious values and current needs then this power can change the world’. He urged Muslim countries that education of youth should be their top priority.  Dr. Masoom said IIUI keenly focuses to create an environment according to teachings of Islam and contemporary needs and this unique objective lets the institution to develop skilled, professional personalities who own appropriate knowledge of Islamic values as well. He added that IIUI equally gives opportunities of learning and education to male and female students and particularly appreciates participation of the female students to give them proper chance for development of society. Earlier, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Yousif Al-Draiweesh while addressing the inaugural ceremony of cultural week said IIUI is devoted to promote peace and brotherhood and its doors are open for all. “Along with Islamic education, IIUI is giving education in all fields including math, social sciences, science subjects and computer technology”.He stressed upon the students to refrain from violence and extremism and adopt the way of moderation as it leads to the right path, a path which is given by the Almighty.  He termed it is a positive sign by watching students of Muslim countries under one roof and together.The opening ceremony of the cultural week in the female campus will be held on Wednesday (today). The students “Cultural Evening” and “Dress Show” in this connection will be held on March 28 while prize distribution ceremonies for male and females for position holders will be held on March 29 and April 05 respectively.