President Asif Ali Zardari has officially appointed Dr. Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naeemi as the new Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII). This significant appointment was confirmed through an official notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Tuesday.
A Prestigious Appointment for a Renowned Scholar
Dr. Raghib Naeemi, a respected Islamic scholar and the custodian of Jamia Naeemia in Lahore, will lead the influential constitutional body for a term of four years. The Council of Islamic Ideology plays a crucial advisory role, providing guidance to the parliament and provincial assemblies on ensuring laws align with the teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
The notification, bearing the signature of Section Officer Muhammad Arshad, formally appoints Dr. Naeemi under Article 228 of the Constitution of Pakistan. His extensive theological background and leadership at one of the country's prominent Islamic institutions position him as a key figure for this role.
Background and Predecessor
Dr. Naeemi is the son of the late renowned scholar Mufti Muhammad Hussain Naeemi and has long been associated with religious education and scholarship. His appointment follows the tenure of Dr. Qibla Ayaz, who served as the CII chairman from 2017 until recently. The position had been vacant, awaiting this presidential decision.
The Council of Islamic Ideology, established under the constitution, comprises members who are well-versed in Islamic law and jurisprudence. Its primary function is to review legislative proposals and existing laws, offering recommendations to ensure their conformity with Islamic principles.
Implications and Future Role
This four-year appointment places Dr. Raghib Naeemi at the helm of the nation's top Islamic advisory body during a period of significant legal and social discourse. The CII's opinions, while not legally binding, carry substantial weight in parliamentary discussions concerning Islamic law.
Observers within religious and political circles will be keenly watching the direction and focus of the Council under its new leadership. Dr. Naeemi's scholarly interpretations and the guidance provided by the CII on contemporary issues are expected to influence future legislative processes.
The appointment underscores the government's ongoing engagement with religious scholarship in the framework of state policy and lawmaking, reaffirming the CII's constitutional mandate as a bridge between Islamic jurisprudence and modern governance.
