ISLAMABAD: The National University of Sciences and Technology (Nust) has conferred honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy upon Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

According a press release issued by Nust on Friday, the university conferred the PhD degree on the Malaysian prime minister at a special convocation held at the Nust main campus on Thursday. The visiting prime minister returned to Malaysia on Friday after completing his official visit to Pakistan.

At the ceremony, he also delivered a keynote address on Allama Iqbal, demonstrating a deep understanding of Iqbal’s thought, and its continuing relevance to balanced development, inclusive growth, and individual well-being.

“I am sincerely thankful for the warmth and hospitality extended to me by the government and people of Pakistan, and I hope that our two nations will continue to grow even closer, forging stronger ties for the future,’ he said.

Expressing his gratitude upon conferment of the doctorate degree, he said: “With great humility, and in the spirit of Iqbal, I accept this honour on behalf of the people of Malaysia as a symbol of the deep intellectual and cultural connection between our nations.”

He maintained that it was a profound honour to be at Nust, terming the university a beacon of excellence in education, research and innovation.

Addressing the students, he remarked that their presence at Nust was a testament to their intellect, dedication and immense potential. He said, “Just as Iqbal’s philosophy calls for continual self-improvement, your journey here will shape not only your own future but also the destiny of this nation.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, Nust Rector retired Lt Gen Engr Javed Mahmood Bukhari acknowledged the exemplary leadership and meritorious accomplishments of the visiting prime minister.

He also highlighted the strong potential for academic and research collaborations between leading Malaysian and Pakistani universities like Nust.

Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology Sajid Baloch, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, and a few cabinet members of Malaysia were also present.

It was also highlighted during the event that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s book “SCRIPT for a Better Malaysia,” first published in Malaysia in 2022 was being translated into Urdu by a Pakistani university.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2024