Published by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center in Amman, Jordan, the list evaluates influential figures based on their cultural, ideological, political, or financial impact. Since its inception in 2009, it has highlighted prominent Muslim personalities shaping the world.
The 2025 list features a range of Pakistani leaders, philanthropists, and cultural icons.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was acknowledged for his rise to power as Pakistan’s 24th Prime Minister in March 2024. The publication also highlighted his earlier tenure as the 23rd Prime Minister (2022-23) following a no-confidence motion against Imran Khan. Additionally, his three terms as Chief Minister of Punjab and leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League were noted.
Army Chief General Asim Munir was recognized for his scholarly and religious background, being the first Hafiz Qur’an to serve as Pakistan’s army chief. His previous leadership roles in the country’s top military intelligence agencies were also highlighted.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan received an honorary mention. Several prominent Pakistani religious scholars were included, such as Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, Maulana Tariq Jameel, Maulana Nazur ur-Rahman, and Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadri, for their contributions to religious education and global influence.
Cultural and humanitarian icons also made the list. Malala Yousafzai, Nobel laureate and education activist, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, an award-winning filmmaker, were celebrated for their international achievements. The list also included Abida Parveen, revered as the “Queen of Sufi Mystic Singing,” and Na’atkhuwan Owais Raza Qadri for their cultural impact.
In the healthcare sector, Dr. Adibul Hasan Rizvi was honored for his leadership at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT). Since its founding in 1971, SIUT has become Pakistan’s largest free healthcare organization, offering advanced services in urology, nephrology, transplantation, and liver diseases.
This year’s publication reflects Pakistan’s diverse contributions to politics, culture, religion, and humanitarian work.
