KARACHI: The University of Karachi (KU) held its 33rd convocation at the Expo Centre on Saturday, awarding degrees to students who passed their examinations in 2023.

According to university officials, 400 students attended the ceremony in person, while more than 6,800 were conferred degrees in absentia.

A total of 244 students received gold medals for outstanding academic performance. At the convocation, 60 students were awarded PhD degrees, 32 received MPhil degrees, one student earned a Doctor of Science (DSc) and two were awarded Master of Science (MS) degrees.

Hafiza Aqsa Anwar, an MSc student from the Institute of Space Science and Technology (ISPA), secured the overall top position and received the Martyrs of Army Public School, Peshawar, Gold Medal. She also topped the Faculty of Science.

Onzila (International Relations) secured the first position in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Other faculty toppers included: Rabia Shahbaz (Special Education), Maryam (Islamic Learning), Alishba Jilani (Law), Hania Sajid (Business Management and Administrative Sciences), Umaima (Pharmacy) and Syed Zain Adil (Engineering).

Officials say over 6,800 students who passed out in 2023 also conferred degrees in absentia

In his address, Sindh Governor and KU Chancellor Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori said the most honoured guests at the ceremony were the parents, who had waited 16 long years for this day.

“They nurtured their children and supported them until they reached a point where they can now make decisions about their own future,” he said.

The chancellor especially praised the female students for their exceptional achievements and multiple gold medals.

“Yet in our societal system, why do these brilliant girls fade from public life despite their dedication and excellence? The answer lies in a contradiction within our mindset: a mother may want her daughter to thrive and contribute to society, but may not want the same for her daughter-in-law—even if she holds several gold medals. This contradiction must end,” he observed.

Addressing the graduates, he urged them to continue working hard and to think positively.

“Never let envy enter your heart because when jealousy takes root, it’s as if disbelief has entered. Let go of negativity. Embrace and promote a positive mindset,” he said.

Sindh Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Tariq Rafi stressed the importance of equipping youth with the tools they need to succeed in life.

“Youth make up 62 per cent of Pakistan’s population. It is crucial to prepare them for every aspect of life. Universities should not only provide academic education but also focus on character building,” he said.

“As educators, we’ve confined ourselves to textbooks and examinations, assuming our responsibility ends there. But it is equally vital to shape students into not just good scholars but good human beings. That is one of the greatest responsibilities we owe to our nation and society.”

Earlier, KU Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi highlighted the university’s recent progress and urged students to make the most of the knowledge and training they had gained on campus.

“As you receive your degrees, remember—they are not merely pieces of paper. They are powerful symbols of perseverance, time management and your commitment to the pursuit of knowledge. Each certificate bears witness to the journey you have undertaken, the challenges you have overcome and the potential you have cultivated,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2025