ISLAMABAD: Former senator Professor Khurshid Ahmad, who was also a prominent economist, philosopher, and ex-Naib Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), passed away on Sunday in Leicester, United Kingdom, at the age of 92.
His political career included multiple terms as a Member of the Senate in 1985, 1997, and 2002, and he held the position of Federal Minister for Commerce and Planning in 1978. Additionally, he served as the deputy chairman of the Planning Commission.
A distinguished academic, Ahmad was the founding chairman of the Institute of Policy Studies in Islamabad and the Islamic Foundation in Leicester. He authored an impressive 70 books in both English and Urdu, and was the editor of JI’s monthly ‘Tarjamanul Quraan’.
He 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 the 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 was 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 to the foundation.
A visionary Islamic economist, scholar, and thought leader, Professor 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 Ahmad got his Master’s Degrees in Economics and Islamic Studies with distinction.
Professor Ahmad, who was also the elder brother of a senior educationist Dr Anis Ahmad, joined Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba in 1949 and later joined Jamaat-e-Islami 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 the 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.
