The 8th World Islamic Economics and Finance Conference (WIEFC 2025), held at Minhaj University Lahore, witnessed a historic moment as Prof. Dr. Aishath Muneeza was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade, the first of its kind at WIEFC, recognizes her outstanding contributions to the development and innovation of Islamic finance across the globe.
Prof. Dr. Aishath Muneeza has made a profound impact on Islamic finance, with her work spanning Asia, Africa, and the GCC. She chaired the Shariah Advisory Council of the Capital Market Development Authority of Maldives from 2011 to 2022, leading transformative governance initiatives. She is also an active member of the Public Interest Monitoring Consultative Committee (PIMCC) of AAOIFI, Bahrain, and an EXCO member of the Association of Shariah Advisors in Islamic Finance (ASAS), Malaysia.
Her pioneering efforts include introducing the first Shariah-compliant microfinance scheme in the Maldives, which has empowered underserved communities with ethical financial access. She also played a key role in structuring the country’s first Islamic treasury bills and its first corporate Sukuk, alongside advising on a Hajj fund management system inspired by Malaysia’s successful Tabung Haji model. Her leadership and contributions have set new standards for governance and innovation in Islamic finance, inspiring professionals around the world.
In the same event, Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwer was also recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his exemplary efforts to align Pakistan’s financial system with Shariah principles. His dedication to fostering Islamic financial practices has been instrumental in transforming the financial landscape in Pakistan. Justice Dr. Anwer’s visionary leadership continues to serve as a beacon for those aspiring to make meaningful contributions to the industry.
The WIEFC 2025, organized by Minhaj University Lahore, brought together global leaders, scholars, and practitioners in Islamic economics and finance. The conference served as a platform to celebrate groundbreaking achievements and explore innovative approaches to fostering ethical and inclusive financial systems.
These awards highlight the transformative impact of both Prof. Dr. Aishath Muneeza and Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwer, honoring their lifelong dedication to advancing Islamic finance and inspiring future generations of leaders in the field.
