KARACHI: The Aga Khan University (AKU) graduated 461 students from 18 degree programmes at its 38th Convocation in Pakistan and formally installed Princess Zahra Aga Khan as the University’s first Pro-Chancellor. In her new role, Princess Zahra will guide AKU in its continuing efforts to improve quality of life.
In his message, AKU’s Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, highlighted the responsibility and opportunity of the University and its graduates to “create, disseminate, and apply knowledge in ways that improve the quality of human life.”
This year marked the graduation of the first cohort from the Institute for Educational Development’s Bachelor of Education programme, which combines academic and field-based learning to prepare graduates for diverse teaching contexts.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan noted the University’s expanding reach across Pakistan, saying, “From Karachi to Matiari, from Lahore to Gilgit, the University’s health care professionals, educators, and researchers are part of the fabric of people’s lives.”
Nearly 70 percent of this year’s graduates were women, reflecting AKU’s efforts to reduce the gender gap in education.
Valedictorian Muhammad Taha Nasim thanked AKU faculty for challenging graduates to “reach our highest standards while teaching us that excellence without empathy is empty.”
AKU alumni are contributing to key workforce needs, particularly in nursing and midwifery, where graduates now hold leadership positions in around 80 schools. In 2025, AKU secured over USD 100 million in research funding, and 27 faculty members were ranked among the top two percent of scientists globally in a study conducted by Stanford University.
Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of AKU, highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s youth, describing them as inclusive, digitally fluent, and ready to apply knowledge and skills to practical challenges.
The University continues to support students with financial need, providing assistance to 72 percent of its student body in the last academic year.
Best Graduate Awards were presented to Noorish Khan (Dental Hygiene), Syeda Tasmiya Mohiuddin (Education), Dr Hamzah Jehanzeb (Medicine), and Sara Karim Sadruddin (Nursing). Awards of Distinction were also given to faculty and staff for their contributions to research, innovation, and leadership. Professor Emeritus Mushtaq Ahmed received the President’s Medal, one of AKU’s highest honours, for his service as a surgeon and academic leader.
The ceremony was also attended by Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Founding President of AKU and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Central Asia.
