Akbar Ahmed, a distinguished Pakistani professor, author, filmmaker, and former civil servant, has dedicated an impressive span of over three decades to serving the government of Pakistan in various esteemed positions, showcasing his remarkable career trajectory.
Notably, Ahmed's professional journey began with his appointment as the Political Agent in the Tribal Areas from 1978 to 1980, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience.
Subsequently, he was appointed as Commissioner in Balochistan from 1984 to 1988, a position that further solidified his reputation as a capable and dedicated public servant.
Later, Ahmed's exceptional leadership skills and diplomatic prowess earned him the distinction of serving as Pakistan's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland from 1999, a prestigious role that showcased his ability to navigate complex international relationships.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ahmed has consistently demonstrated his commitment to serving the people of Pakistan, and his numerous accomplishments have earned him widespread recognition and respect.
Ahmed's illustrious academic trajectory has been marked by a series of esteemed visiting professorships at globally renowned institutions, with Princeton, Harvard, and Cambridge being just a few of the notable universities that have had the privilege of hosting his expertise.
As a testament to his exceptional academic standing, Ahmed has been awarded a distinguished appointment, a testament to his remarkable scholarly contributions and achievements. Specifically, he was appointed as the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at the American University in Washington, DC in the year 2001, a prestigious honor that speaks volumes about his profound knowledge and understanding of Islamic studies.
Ahmed's academic endeavors have been accompanied by a concurrent foray into the realm of television production, where he has showcased his versatility by presenting and narrating a three-part British television series, aptly titled The Glories of Islamic Art, which premiered on Channel 5 in the year 2006.