Islamabad: A condolence reference was held in memory of Professor Khurshid Ahmad at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad.ýSpeakers paid rich tributes to the late scholar, stating that his passing is a monumental loss for the Muslim Ummah. They said that Professor Khurshid Ahmad dedicated his life to Islam and Pakistan with sincerity, laying the foundation for Islamic banking. His contributions will continue to benefit future generations, they added.It was proposed that an annual Professor Khurshid Ahmad Memorial Lecture be instituted, and documentaries be produced by IPS on his work. IPS Chairman Khalid Rahman stated that efforts to preserve Professor Khurshid's work are already underway, including the development of AI bots, which will be launched soon.In his welcome address, Khalid Rahman recalled his first meeting with Professor Khurshid in 1976 and shared that he had a 46-year-long association with him. Just ten days before his passing, they spoke over the phone. Professor Khurshid obse rved all fasts in his final Ramadan and had recently requested books from IPS, demonstrating his lifelong love for reading.ýFormer Senator of PML-N, Mushahid Hussain Sayed, shared that he first met Professor Khurshid Ahmad in London and considered him a hero alongside King Faisal. He admired Professor Khurshid for speaking beyond party lines and working together on parliamentary committees, including one on Balochistan.In video messages, former Senator Javed Jabbar described Professor Khurshid as a great teacher and respected colleague. In video message, Riphah University Vice Chancellor Professor Anis Ahmad highlighted how Professor Khurshid advanced the thoughts of Maulana Maududi and addressed the need for Islamic solutions in economics, society, and politics.Professor Khurshid's son, Haris Khurshid, in video message expressed gratitude to IPS for organizing the reference, sharing that his father worked with people from all walks of life in service of Islam and Pakistan. He described his father as kind, devoted, and patient.Ghulam Muhammad Safi from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference recalled Professor Khurshid's deep concern for Kashmir and his advice to learn from the Palestinian experience. He emphasized that the Kashmir issue should always be addressed from its core.In video message, former Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen Mazari lauded Professor Khurshid's intellectual contributions on global issues and Kashmir, and his establishment of IPS as a leading research institution.Legal expert Ahmer Bilal Soofi called him a guiding light, and former Islamic Ideology Council Chairman Professor Qibla Ayaz said IPS is a living legacy of Professor Khurshid. Khurshid Nadeem, Chairman of the Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Authority, emphasized the need for IPS to create documentaries on his work.Former Foreign Secretary Shamshad Ahmad Khan called Professor Khurshid a global personality who represented Pakistan with distinction.Former diplomat Masood Khalid spoke of his impactful role in research, politics, and economic planning. Former Finance Secretary Waqar Masood Khan highlighted his life-long dedication to Islam and institutions like IPS and the Quran House. He also played a key role in establishing the International Islamic University.Banker Shahid Hasan Siddiqui praised his pioneering work in Islamic banking, and poet Iftikhar Arif described his passing as a great loss.ýIPS Director General Abrar Hussain remarked that the entire Muslim world feels the loss of Professor Khurshid Ahmad and that his institutions are now orphaned. He reminded the audience of Professor Khurshid's last address at IPS on March 23, 2017, which was also played during the event.ýIn his concluding remarks, Khalid Rahman reiterated that Professor Khurshid's life was dedicated to a higher purpose - the service of Islam and Pakistan. He was a giver, not a taker, and a disciplined follower of organizational principles.Former Senate Chairman Wasim Sajjad, former Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami AJK Abdul Rashid Turabi, and ot hers also participated. The event concluded with a prayer led by Islamic scholar Habib-ur-Rehman Asim.