Islamabad : Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has recently offered certificate courses in “Iman and Khateeb” as well as IFTAA. The purpose of these courses is to train imams and khutba as per modern-day requirements so that they can play a more effective role in society. The duration of the certificate courses is 6 months, while the post graduate diploma in IFTAA lasts for one year. Admissions for these programs are open and can only be applied for online via the university’s website www.aiou.edu.pk. Admission form and prospectus are available on the website.According to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, these courses have been introduced to train and strengthen Imams and Khateebs in their respective domain. These courses aim to make them aware of contemporary religious problems and their solutions. He congratulated Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies on the introduction of these courses.