KARACHI: More than 730 students in four countries graduated from the Aga Khan University (AKU) on Saturday at ceremonies attended by Princess Zahra Aga Khan and other dignitaries and watched in-person and online by people around the world.

A total of 391 students graduated in Pakistan — more than 70 per cent of them women — and were awarded degrees in nursing, medicine and education.

The School of Nursing and Midwifery conferred the Outstanding Graduate Award on Zehra Amanullah for earning the highest cumulative grade point average. She also received the Nursing Practice Award.

For just the 13th time in its history, the AKU Medical College awarded its gold medal to a graduate of the MBBS programme. Alizah Pervaiz Hashmi received the medal for earning the top score on at least three of the four certifying examinations, including the final examination.

Speaking on behalf of AKU’s Chancellor and founder Prince Karim Aga Khan, Princess Zahra urged the graduates to continue their struggle for excellence.

“On graduating, you return to a world that is full of daunting challenges but also of endless possibilities. Continue to strive with courage and optimism to grasp opportunities to serve your communities and contribute to a more pluralistic and peaceful world,” she said.

In her remarks, chief guest Sabina Khatri, founder of the Karachi-based Kiran Foundation, said: “I cannot help but imagine the great things you will achieve with your immense talent and the knowledge and skills developed during your time at AKU. I have no doubt that your accomplishments can surpass anything I have achieved thus far.”

She expressed her gratitude to the Aga Khan for helping countless young people to fulfil their potential, including the Kiran children studying at Aga Khan schools and colleges and also AKU Examination Board-affiliated schools.

AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin called the day a “crowning moment” for the graduates, noting that the university has awarded nearly 20,000 diplomas, degrees and postgraduate certificates since its inception.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2024