KARACHI: More than 1,450 graduates were conferred degrees at the 23rd convocation of Iqra University (IU) on Wednesday evening.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori was the chief guest at the event held at the PAF Museum. The ceremony was also attended by prominent personalities from government, academia and the corporate sector, said a press release.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor emphasised the pivotal role of youth in national development, stating “youth skills must be harnessed effectively to tackle the country’s challenges and drive sustainable progress.”

He encouraged graduates to transform their education into innovation, ethical leadership, and meaningful contributions to society.

IU Chairman Naveed Lakhani congratulated the graduating class and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to expanding access to quality education, strengthening industry relevance, and nurturing future-ready leaders for Pakistan and beyond.

In his address, IU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nassar Ikram highlighted the university’s continued growth and academic advancement, noting the expansion of new campuses, the launch of market-driven programmes, and the institution’s strong standing in international rankings.

He stated that the university remains focused on quality, relevance, and excellence, with innovation and academic integrity as its guiding principles.

Highlighting the university’s academic depth and research culture, the vice chancellor shared: “Over 300 research articles were published during the past year, reflecting an 11 per cent increase over the previous year, while research citations grew by 15pc.”

He added that the university views such progress “not as destinations, but as checkpoints on our continuous journey toward excellence”.

Speaking directly to the graduates, the VC underscored the realities of a highly competitive, AI-driven global environment, emphasising that future success would require more than technical competence.

He urged graduates to uphold strong values, ethical character, continuous learning, and adaptability, stating that true success lies in combining professional excellence with integrity, humility, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

The convocation concluded with the distribution of degrees and gold medals, marking a proud milestone for graduates, faculty, and families, and reaffirming Iqra University’s role in shaping responsible, skilled, and future-ready contributors to society.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2026