Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, renowned scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani, and several other prominent Pakistanis have been recognized in the 2025 edition of The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims.
This annual publication, launched in 2009, highlights the achievements and impact of influential Muslim figures worldwide. It is curated by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center based in Amman, Jordan.
The selection criteria focus on individuals who have made substantial contributions to the Muslim community, whether culturally, politically, ideologically, financially, or otherwise, leaving a lasting impact on the global Muslim population.
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The 2025 edition features Pakistanis excelling across diverse fields, including leadership, philanthropy, and social influence. From civilian leaders to military officials and advocates of education and social justice, their inclusion reflects the breadth of Pakistan’s contribution to the Muslim world.
Regarding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the publication noted, “Shehbaz Sharif assumed office as the 24th Prime Minister of Pakistan in March 2024, following his prior tenure as the 23rd Prime Minister (2022-2023) after a no-confidence motion led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.”
Army Chief General Asim Munir also earned a spot on the list. The publication highlighted his unique background, stating, “A descendant of a religious and scholarly family, Asim Munir holds the distinction of being the first Hafiz of the Qur’an to serve as Pakistan’s army chief. He has previously led both of Pakistan’s premier military intelligence agencies.”
This acknowledgment underscores the global influence of Pakistanis in shaping ideologies, governance, and social progress within the Muslim community.