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 Universitys first Pro-Chancellor, marking a significant milestone in the institutions history.
In a message to graduates, AKUs Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, highlighted the responsibility carried by the University and its alumni to create, disseminate and apply knowledge in ways that improve the quality of human life. He described this mission as both an extraordinary responsibility and an extraordinary opportunity.
This years convocation was particularly notable with the graduation of the first cohort from the Institute for Educational Developments Bachelor of Education programme. The programme combines rigorous academic study with field-based learning to prepare graduates for effective teaching in diverse school environments.
Addressing the ceremony, Princess Zahra Aga Khan said that AKUs geographic expansion has strengthened its presence across Pakistan. From Karachi to Matiari, from Lahore to Gilgit, the Universitys health care professionals, educators, and researchers are part of the fabric of peoples lives, she said, reaffirming AKUs commitment to national development.
The University continues to address Pakistans critical challenges through access and excellence in education. Nearly 70 percent of this years graduating class were women, reflecting AKUs efforts to reduce the gender gap in a country where millions of girls remain out of school.
Valedictorian Muhammad Taha Nasim expressed gratitude to the faculty, noting that they challenged students to achieve the highest standards while teaching that excellence without empathy is empty.
AKU graduates are contributing significantly to workforce development, particularly in health care. In a country with a nurse-to-population ratio of only 5.2 per 10,000 people, AKU alumni now hold leadership positions in approximately 80 schools of nursing and midwifery.
Highlighting its growing global standing, AKU secured more than USD 100 million in research funding in 2025. Additionally, 27 faculty members were ranked among the top two percent of scientists worldwide in a study conducted by a Stanford University researcher.
AKU President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin noted that Pakistans youth are inclusive, digitally fluent and capable of working across faiths and perspectives. He said they view technology as an opportunity to expand knowledge, build skills and apply learning in practical ways.
To ensure access for talented students with limited financial means, AKU provides extensive financial assistance. During the last academic year, 72 percent of students across all classes and programmes in Pakistan received some form of support.
Best Graduate Awards were presented to Noorish Khan (Dental Hygiene), Syeda Tasmiya Mohiuddin (Education), Dr Hamzah Jehanzeb (Medicine), and Sara Karim Sadruddin (Nursing).
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, a sister institution within the Aga Khan Development Network.
In addition, the University conferred Awards of Distinction on several faculty and staff members for sustained contributions to innovation, research and leadership. Professor Emeritus Mushtaq Ahmed received the Presidents Medal, one of AKUs highest honours, in recognition of his outstanding service as an eminent surgeon and academic leader.
