Our Team
Our Team is a dedicated group of passionate professionals committed to driving positive change. Together, we bring diverse skills and experiences to achieve our shared goals and create lasting impact.
Saeed Ahmad Taj
Chairman
Saeed Ahmad Taj serves as the Chairman of the Taj Islamic Research Center (TIRC), bringing decades of experience in business leadership, industrial management, and community service. With a strong academic foundation, he holds a BSc and MBA from the University of the Punjab, Pakistan, a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Oklahoma State University, USA, and a Master’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University, USA.
Mr. Taj began his professional career as a management consultant, contributing to industrial development projects, including a World Bank-supported study on industrial capacity utilization in Pakistan. Over the years, he has successfully led several business enterprises, including Taj Impex, Korn Mills (Pvt) Ltd., and National Glucose, earning recognition for his strategic vision and commitment to organizational excellence.
Beyond his corporate accomplishments, he is deeply engaged in philanthropy and public service. As the founder of the Gujranwala Liver Foundation and a leader in various civic, educational, and healthcare institutions, he has made significant contributions to community welfare. Through his leadership at TIRC, he continues to advance research, education, and initiatives that promote knowledge, social responsibility, and sustainable development.
Dr. Muhammad Akram Virk
Director
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akram Virk is the Director of the Taj Islamic Research Center (TIRC) and one of Pakistan’s leading scholars of Islamic Studies, renowned for his expertise in Hadith Studies, Islamic thought, and higher education leadership. He earned his PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, and is widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to the study of the Text of Hadith. His scholarly publications, including several acclaimed books published in Pakistan and abroad, have enriched contemporary Islamic scholarship and academic discourse.
As the founding Chair of the Department of Islamic Studies at GIFT University, Prof. Dr. Virk has made significant contributions to curriculum development, research advancement, and academic institution-building. He has supervised numerous MPhil and PhD researchers and has served in prominent academic leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Islamic Studies and Principal of leading public-sector colleges. He currently serves as Principal of the historic Government Islamia Graduate College (GIC), Gujranwala.
At TIRC, Prof. Dr. Virk provides intellectual leadership for research and educational initiatives that address contemporary ethical, social, and global challenges through the guidance of the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the rich Islamic intellectual tradition. Through his scholarship, mentorship, and public engagement, he continues to make a lasting contribution to Islamic education, research, and community development at both national and international levels.
Dr. H Muhammad Waseem Abbas
Managing Director
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Waseem Abbas is the Managing Director of the Taj Islamic Research Center (TIRC), an HEC-approved PhD Supervisor, and Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies. He is a distinguished scholar, researcher, and educator whose work focuses on Comparative Religion, Qur’anic and Hadith Studies, Seerah and Islamic History, Interfaith Harmony, Religion and Society, and Research Methodology. Holding both PhD and MPhil degrees in Islamic Studies, he is committed to advancing Islamic scholarship and fostering academic excellence.
Dr. Waseem has published extensively in HEC-recognized academic journals and has supervised numerous PhD, MPhil, and undergraduate research projects. His research emphasizes the application of Islamic teachings to contemporary intellectual, ethical, and social challenges, contributing to scholarly discourse at both national and international levels.
As Managing Director of TIRC, he leads research, educational, and outreach initiatives aimed at promoting authentic Islamic knowledge and addressing contemporary issues through rigorous academic inquiry. Beyond academia, he actively contributes to peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and interfaith engagement through various educational and community-based initiatives. A recipient of several prestigious recognitions, including the PEF Media Award and the Salamti Fellowship, Dr. Waseem continues to inspire meaningful dialogue, scholarly advancement, and social harmony through his leadership, research, and public engagement.
Dr. Muhammad Arfan
Director, Research and Publications
Dr. Muhammad Irfan is the Director of Research and Publications at the Taj Islamic Research Center (TIRC) and a distinguished Pakistani Islamic scholar, researcher, author, and educator. He holds a PhD in Islamic Studies and has developed extensive expertise in Islamic thought, Qur’anic studies, Hadith, contemporary Islamic issues, and research methodology. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, he has dedicated his career to advancing Islamic scholarship and promoting meaningful engagement with contemporary intellectual and social challenges.
As Director of Research and Publications, Dr. Irfan plays a leading role in strengthening TIRC’s research culture, scholarly publications, and academic collaborations. He oversees research initiatives, contributes to the development of academic projects, and supports emerging scholars in producing high-quality research that addresses contemporary issues through the lens of Islamic teachings.
Dr. Irfan has authored and contributed to numerous scholarly publications, research articles, and academic projects. He regularly participates in conferences, seminars, workshops, and academic forums, sharing his expertise on Islamic thought and contemporary challenges facing Muslim societies. Through his scholarship, leadership, and dedication to research, he continues to make a valuable contribution to Islamic education, intellectual development, and academic discourse at both national and international levels.
Mr. Saad Arshad
Media & Communications Coordinator
Mr. Saad Arshad serves in a Media, Marketing, and Executive role at the Taj Islamic Research Center (TIRC), where he contributes to the institution’s communication, outreach, and strategic engagement initiatives. He plays an important role in promoting the center’s academic, research, and educational activities through effective media management, digital communication, and marketing support.
At TIRC, Mr. Arshad is responsible for coordinating media relations, managing digital engagement strategies, and supporting promotional campaigns that enhance the visibility and impact of the center’s programs and initiatives. His work focuses on strengthening institutional branding, expanding public outreach, and fostering meaningful engagement with diverse audiences.
In addition to his media and marketing responsibilities, he provides executive support in the planning and implementation of conferences, seminars, workshops, and other academic events. Through his organizational skills, creative communication strategies, and commitment to excellence, he contributes significantly to the professional growth and public presence of TIRC.
His dedication to effective communication and institutional development continues to support TIRC’s mission of advancing research, education, and community engagement at both national and international levels.
Mr. Syed Badar ur Rehman
Research Assistant
Mr. Syed Badar ur Rehman serves in the area of Media, Marketing, and Executive Support at the Taj Islamic Research Center (TIRC), where he contributes to organizational communication, outreach initiatives, and administrative coordination. He plays a supportive role in enhancing the visibility of the center through media engagement, promotional activities, and effective stakeholder communication, helping to strengthen the impact of TIRC’s academic and research programs.
In addition to his responsibilities at TIRC, Mr. Rehman is associated with the WAPDA Town Library, Gujranwala, where he supports library services and academic assistance activities. Through his involvement in educational and knowledge-sharing initiatives, he contributes to creating a productive learning environment for students and researchers.
Mr. Rehman is dedicated to supporting educational, research, and community-oriented initiatives through effective communication, organizational coordination, and teamwork. His commitment to professional excellence and institutional development enables him to contribute meaningfully to the successful implementation of academic programs, public engagement activities, and outreach efforts. Through his work, he continues to support the mission of advancing education, research, and community development.