Mr. John Kiser, the American author, historian and interfaith advocate, met with researchers and scholars at the Institute of Regional Studies in Islamabad to share perspectives on moral courage, ethical leadership and interfaith harmony.
During the discussion Mr. Kiser highlighted themes from his acclaimed book Commander of the Faithful, presenting Emir Abdelkader as a model of humanitarian values, spiritual depth and principled leadership in times of conflict.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the Institute, welcomed the delegation and praised Mr. Kiser’s scholarly contributions and efforts to foster interfaith understanding and mutual respect across cultures. Ambassador Saleem emphasized the role of intellectual engagement in promoting global harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The interactive session enabled a meaningful exchange on religious coexistence, ethical traditions within Muslim societies and the practical need to build bridges between civilizations. Mr. Kiser stressed the importance of challenging prevailing stereotypes and advancing a more balanced understanding of Islam and the West through sustained scholarship and dialogue.
The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the need for continued dialogue and collaborative research on ethical leadership, regional stability and inter-civilizational understanding, underscoring opportunities for future cooperation between Pakistani scholars and international voices such as John Kiser.
