Karachi, The Aga Khan University celebrated a significant milestone on Saturday, marking the graduation of more than 730 students across four countries. The ceremonies, attended by Princess Zahra Aga Khan and other dignitaries, and watched by supporters globally, both in-person and online, highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering a pluralistic and peaceful world through education.
According to The Aga Khan University, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, speaking on behalf of the university’s founder and Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, in Nairobi, emphasized the vast opportunities awaiting the graduates in serving their communities. In Pakistan, 391 students, over 70 percent of whom are women, graduated with degrees in nursing, medicine, and education, reflecting the university’s focus on critical healthcare and educational sectors. Sabina Khatri, the founder of the Karachi-based Kiran Foundation and the chief guest at the Pakistan graduation ceremony, lauded the graduates for their potential to achieve great things with the knowledge and skills acquired at AKU.
The university also commemorated its 40th anniversary, underscoring a year of notable achievements, including the introduction of four new academic programs and the construction of a new campus in Uganda. These expansions are part of AKU’s ongoing efforts to enhance its educational and healthcare contributions in the regions it serves. Princess Zahra detailed the university’s initiatives, such as East Africa’s first integrated electronic health records system and the launch of the Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre in Tanzania, showcasing AKU’s role in addressing contemporary challenges.
President Sulaiman Shahabuddin described the graduation as a “crowning moment” and outlined the university’s future plans, which include launching new degree programs, enhancing research capacity, expanding the AKU health system, and deepening partnerships globally. He attributed the university’s achievements to the vision and support of His Highness the Aga Khan, emphasizing the continued inspiration drawn from his guidance.
The School of Nursing and Midwifery and the Medical College recognized outstanding graduates Zehra Amanullah and Alizah Pervaiz Hashmi for their academic excellence, underscoring the high standards of achievement AKU promotes among its students.