Jinnah Antarctic Research Station, operational since 1991, emerges as likely site of inaugural salah in Antarctica amid Pakistan’s polar scientific missions.
The Jinnah Antarctic Station, Pakistan’s permanent research facility established in 1991, is recognized as the first confirmed location where Islamic prayers (salah) were performed on the Antarctic continent.
Situated in the East Antarctic region, the station has served as a scientific and logistical base for decades.

Operated by Pakistan’s National Institute of Oceanography, the station conducts year-round studies in glaciology, marine biology, and climate science.
Since its inauguration, Muslim members of winter-over teams have maintained prayer routines within designated spaces at the base, despite extreme cold, months-long darkness, and isolation.
While informal worship likely occurred earlier during transient expeditions, documented communal prayers began with the station’s continuous operation.

A small musallah (prayer area) was established inside the main living module, oriented toward Mecca using calculated qibla directions specific to the Antarctic region.
Antarctic Treaty protocols respect all forms of religious observance across research stations. The Government of Pakistan confirmed the station remains active today, with ongoing research and religious accommodation for personnel.
The station is named for Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan.
On August 24–29th, the capital of Uzbekistan will host the International Media Forum on the topic “Islamic Civilization: New perspective, new discoveries”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.
The main part of the event will take place at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, bringing together representatives of international media outlets, global experts and media professionals.
Forum programme will include an official opening ceremony, plenary sessions, thematic media exhibitions, press briefings, and bilateral meetings. The sessions will address documentary filmmaking and historical memory, publishing projects, modern technologies, as well as the development of international media projects.
In addition, masterclasses will be organized for students from Uzbekistan with the participation of leading professionals from the global media industry. Participants will exchange experience in modern journalism, media production and effective engagement in the international information space.
On August 27th, forum participants will travel to Samarkand. As part of the programme, guests will visit the Imam al-Bukhari Complex and explore the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage. A special media tour for international media representatives is also planned in Tashkent.
On August 28th, the forum will conclude with a final plenary session and an official closing ceremony. International guests will also take part in events dedicated to the 35th Anniversary of the State Independence of Uzbekistan.