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.
Embassy of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the Center, organized Japan’s first large-scale presentation of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tokyo, reports Dunyo IA.
Event was attended by representatives of Japanese educational and cultural institutions, private companies, tourism organizations, diplomats from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, researchers, media representatives, as well as Uzbek compatriots and students residing in Japan.
During the presentation, it was highlighted that the Center of Islamic Civilization, established at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, will serve as an international platform for studying Islamic enlightenment, science, and culture, as well as for fostering dialogue among civilizations.
Event showcased comprehensive materials on the rich historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, the foundational contributions of great scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi and Imam al-Maturidi to the development of Islamic jurisprudence and science, as well as the significant role of Amir Temur and the Temurid dynasty in world history.
Professor Tursunali Kuziev, Advisor to the Director of the Center, delivered a keynote address entitled “Toward the future through enlightenment”, detailing the significance of preserving cultural heritage, restoring historical memory and strengthening international dialogue.
Professor Manabu Shimizu of the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) in Japan underscored the importance of Uzbekistan's Third Renaissance concept and the advancement of cooperation among diverse civilizations, including Japan.
Within the framework of the event, a promotional documentary on the Center of Islamic Civilization was screened, alongside video presentations on Uzbekistan's prominent scholars and a photographic exhibition dedicated to the country's cultural heritage and architectural monuments.