Shehbaz, Imran, Gen Munir, and other Pakistanis named in The Muslim 500

Several prominent Pakistanis, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, and religious scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani, have been featured in the 2025 edition of The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims.

This annual publication, initiated in 2009 by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center in Amman, Jordan, celebrates individuals who have significantly impacted the global Muslim community.

The list acknowledges influential figures across various domains such as politics, culture, religion, and philanthropy.

Political Leaders and Military Figures Honored Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was recognized for his political career, including his tenure as Pakistan’s premier (2022–2023) and multiple terms as Chief Minister of Punjab, where he played a pivotal role in development initiatives. General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s current Army Chief, was acknowledged for his unique achievement as the first military leader in the country to have memorized the Qur’an and for his leadership in military intelligence.

Enduring Influence Amid Challenges Despite his imprisonment, former Prime Minister Imran Khan was noted for his continued popularity and influence in Pakistan’s political landscape.

Contributions from Religious, Social, and Cultural Icons Religious scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani was included for his significant contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and interfaith harmony.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai was lauded for her advocacy for girls' education worldwide.

Other notable mentions included filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and healthcare visionary Dr. Adibul Hasan Rizvi for their societal contributions.

Since its inception, The Muslim 500 has been a benchmark for recognizing Muslim leaders whose work and influence transcend borders, shaping communities and global narratives alike.