ISLAMABAD, June 22: Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong has said the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) is a great seat of learning with a modern touch and a combination of attraction for people having interest in Islam and Muslims.

He expressed these views during a visit to the new campus of the university along with a 22-member delegation, which included Lee Yock Suan, second minister for foreign affairs, Wong Kan Seng, minister for home affairs, Dr N. Hen, minister for manpower and officials from various ministries of Singapore.

The visiting dignitary expressed deep interest in Islamic learning and said he had visited Al-Azhar University in Egypt before coming to the IIUI. The differences between the two institutions, he added, was ancient Islamic touch in Al-Azhar and a modern touch in the IIUI.

He said a large segment of his country's population was Muslim and "we are looking for modern Madressahs in Singapore." He also appreciated the objectives, standard and quality of education at the university.

Welcoming the guests, Justice (retired) Khalilur Rehman, the Rector of the university, said IIUI was a leading educational institution in the Muslim world and had successfully integrated modern learning into Islamic thought.

"Our aim is to produce harmonious personalities with capabilities of dealing with the challenges faced by the Muslims." He said the prevailing wave of terror and disparity should be addressed collectively.

Talking about the achievements of the university, Justice Rehman said the graduates of the IIUI were playing leading role in the affairs of their respective countries.

Dr Mahmood Ahmad Ghazi, President of the IIUI, talked about the history, objectives, organizational structure and quality of education and future plans of the institution.

He said the university would be producing 100 PhDs yearly in the near future. After completion of the planned construction, the university will be hosting more than 30,000 students.

He said with the visit of the Singapore prime minister and the induction of Rizwan Abdullah Ho, a Muslim scholar, into the board of trustees, the number of students from Singapore would increase. Both the sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of higher learning and exchange of students and faculty members.

APP adds: The Singapore prime minister planted a sapling at Shakarparian. He was received by Interior Minister Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat at the picturesque viewpoint.