MADINAH — The Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) has welcomed and fully supported 31 recommendations issued by an international conference on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to counter intellectual deviations.
The two-day conference took place at the Islamic University of Madinah on September 27 and 28, 2026. Madinah Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz provided patronage for the event.
PUC Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said the recommendations provide a broad framework for strengthening intellectual awareness, promoting moderation and improving education and research.
Focus on Research and Intellectual Awareness
The conference brought together scholars, researchers and specialists from Saudi Arabia and other countries.
It featured nine dialogue sessions and 56 research papers that passed academic review. More than 130 papers were submitted for consideration.
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Ashrafi said the discussions examined modern intellectual challenges and ways to address them through research, education and awareness.
The recommendations also call for greater attention to early identification of emerging intellectual challenges. In addition, they highlight the need to improve youth awareness and responsible use of digital platforms.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Challenges
The conference also examined the role of modern technology in promoting intellectual security.
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The recommendations include proposals for specialised research units and a unified database for studies on intellectual deviation and extremism. They also call for national indicators and digital programmes to strengthen intellectual awareness.
Furthermore, the recommendations propose studying the use of artificial intelligence to monitor intellectual trends and identify potential risks at an early stage.
Education and Training
The recommendations also focus on education and professional training.
They call for the development of educational curricula and training programmes for teachers, scholars and educators. The proposals also encourage initiatives that help young people develop critical thinking and positive attitudes.
Moreover, the conference stressed the importance of reliable religious content online. It called for greater awareness about the risks of sharing religious rulings without their proper context.
International Cooperation
Ashrafi said countries and institutions should share their experiences in addressing intellectual challenges.
He also highlighted the importance of cooperation among religious scholars, universities, researchers, media organisations and technology specialists.
The Pakistan Ulema Council welcomed the conference as a platform for scholarly dialogue and international cooperation. It also praised the Islamic University of Madinah for hosting the gathering.
The council said the recommendations can support efforts to promote intellectual awareness, moderation, education and peaceful coexistence in different societies.
