Umar Saif has just been included in the World’s top 500 most influential Muslims along with Prime Minister Imran Khan and Maulana Tariq Jameel.
Umar Saif is an award-winning scientist, entrepreneur and innovator. Now he is also of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world. He opened Pakistan’s first IT-centered university (Information Technology University), in Punjab. This university is premised on the same model as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, of which he is an alum. In 2011, he was included in Technology Review’s World’s Top Young Innovators, and has been awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz for his work.
This is a moment of pride for Pakistan as he is one of the very Pakistanis who is recognized for his contributions in science and technology. He was Chairman of Pakistan Information Technology Board, and is lauded by all for his tireless efforts in education and technology.
PM Imran Khan made it to the list at number 29. He has influenced many through cricket and his political career. He has been making waves for his policies that cut government expenditure, and hopes to pay off some of the foreign loans during his tenure. He is also a renowned social worker. Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital is the first hospital in Pakistan that offers cancer treatment, and was made in memory of his mother in 1994. Recently, another hospital opened up in KPK so patients do not have to travel far for their treatment.
A leader who exuberates confidence and versatility, the current PM of Pakistan is considered a cricket legend by many. His 22 years of cricketing career, Captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team, Imran Khan always showed the qualities of a leader, he’s considered as one of the best all-rounders in the cricketing world.
Islamic Scholar Maulana Tariq Jameel of Faisalabad made it to the list at 23rd. He became famous for his lectures and open seminar because of his liberal Islamic viewpoints. His delivery on Islamic and social teachings are known globally, as he advocates for a just society and opposes all violence. He has a huge following in Pakistan, with more than two million followers on YouTube. Though he represents the Deobandi sect, his messages support ethnic and sectarian harmony and unity.