Pakistani Leaders Among the 500 Most Influential Muslims of 2025

Islamabad:Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani, and several other prominent Pakistani figures have been included in the prestigious *Muslim 500* list for 2025. This annual compilation, first published in 2009, recognizes the top 500 Muslims worldwide who have had a significant impact on the global Muslim community across various sectors such as politics, culture, finance, and social causes.

The *Muslim 500* list is curated by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center (RISSC) in Amman, Jordan, and evaluates the influence of Muslims whose actions and decisions shape the Muslim world in notable ways.

**Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Influence:**
The list highlighted that Shehbaz Sharif took office as Pakistan’s 24th Prime Minister in March 2024, after previously serving as the 23rd Prime Minister from 2022 to 2023. He is the brother of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and has had a long political career. Shehbaz Sharif has also served three terms as the Chief Minister of Punjab, the largest province of Pakistan, and was the President of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz).

**General Asim Munir’s Historic Achievement:**
General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s current Army Chief, was noted as the first-ever *Hafiz-e-Quran* (one who has memorized the Quran) to hold the position. His career includes leadership roles in two of Pakistan’s most critical military intelligence agencies, making him a key figure in the country’s defense and strategic operations.

**Imran Khan’s Enduring Popularity:**
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was included due to his strong political influence in Pakistan. Khan became Prime Minister in 2018, bringing hopes of reform, governance improvements, and a crackdown on corruption. Despite being ousted in April 2022 via a no-confidence motion, Imran Khan remains immensely popular among Pakistanis, further solidifying his place as one of the most influential figures in Pakistan.

**Other Notable Pakistani Figures:**
The list also includes several influential religious and social leaders, such as Mufti Taqi Usmani, renowned Islamic scholar and jurist; Maulana Tariq Jamil, a prominent Islamic preacher; and Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadri, founder of the Dawat-e-Islami movement.

**Global Muslim Icons:**
Other than Pakistani leaders, the list features Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, who continues to be a global advocate for girls’ education, renowned filmmaker and journalist Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Sufi singer Abida Parveen, and the famous Naat reciter Owais Raza Qadri. Additionally, Professor Dr. Adibul Hassan Rizvi, a leading philanthropist and founder of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, is recognized for his significant contributions to health care, providing free medical services to thousands across Pakistan.

**Significance of the List:**
The inclusion of these individuals reflects their deep influence in shaping public opinion, societal values, and global perceptions of Islam. Through their leadership, service, and actions, they continue to inspire positive change and contribute to the betterment of Muslim communities both within Pakistan and across the world.