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.
The “Grand Halal Bangkok-2026” exhibition, dedicated to showcasing halal products, services, and innovations, was held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), reports Dunyo IA.
The event became one of the largest international gatherings in the halal industry in Southeast Asia.
Around 600 companies from more than 25 countries took part in the exhibition. Participants included manufacturers of food products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and Islamic clothing, as well as travel agencies, hotels, retail chains, investors, importers, distributors, halal logistics and certification organizations. According to official data, the exhibition attracted around 15,000 visitors.
Representatives of the Consulate General of Uzbekistan organized the country’s participation through a dedicated national pavilion. Visitors were presented with information materials highlighting Uzbekistan’s tourism potential.
Special interest among guests was generated by Uzbekistan’s historical and cultural attractions, including preserved Buddhist heritage sites in the Surkhandarya region. Visitors received information about ancient Buddhist temples, monastic cells, and Buddha statues dating back to the period of the Kushan Empire, with banners displaying images of these sites also presented at the exhibition.
The exhibition also featured materials about prominent figures and thinkers of the Uzbek people, including Amir Temur, Alisher Navoi, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, Abu Ali ibn Sina, Abu Rayhan Beruni, and Imam al-Bukhari, as well as video presentations about the new Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent.
Guests of the event also had the opportunity to learn about Uzbek national costumes, culture, and traditions.