Lahore: (Tuesday, October 28, 2025): Punjab University’s Urdu Daira-e-Maarif-e-Islamia, in collaboration with the Institute of Islamic Studies and Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre, organized the launching ceremony of the book “Tareekh Urdu Daira-e-Maarif-e-Islamia” at the auditorium of Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre here on Tuesday. On this occasion, PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, former Dean Faculty of Islamic Studies Prof Dr Muhammad Hammad Lakhvi, Professor Emeritus Dr Jameela Shaukat, former Principal Oriental College Dr Mazhar Moeen, former Director Institute of Islamic Studies Dr Muhammad Saad Siddiqui, author of Tareekh Urdu Daira-e-Maarif-e-Islamia Zakariya Rafiq, members of the Islamic Ideological Council, faculty members, scholars, and a large number of students attended the event. Addressing the ceremony, PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that the role of universities is to promote knowledge in science, social sciences, culture, Islam, arts, and technology. He added that if everyone’s focus remains solely on learning technology, the balance of society will be disturbed. He appreciated the compilation of Tareekh Urdu Daira-e-Maarif-e-Islamia consisting of 28 volumes, terming it a remarkable scholarly achievement. He further said that everyone who contributed to this noble cause deserves appreciation. Dr Muhammad Hammad Lakhvi praised the commendable work being carried out by the Urdu Daira-e-Maarif-e-Islamia team and said the book would serve as a valuable resource for understanding history. He also thanked Major (r) Zubair Qayyum for donating one thousand copies of the book. Author Mr Zakariya Rafiq stated that Tareekh Urdu Daira-e-Maarif-e-Islamia is not a commercial venture but a unique scholarly contribution. He expressed gratitude to PU for its full support at every stage. Prof Dr Jameela Shaukat remarked that the book reflects outstanding work by scholars deeply rooted in both knowledge and faith. Prof Dr Mazhar Moeen emphasized that researchers engaged in serious academic and intellectual pursuits should be recognized and awarded certificates of appreciation. Dr Muhammad Saad Siddiqui noted that research begins with a question, and then the quest for answers follows.