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Princess Zahra Aga Khan Steps Up as AKU’s First Pro-Chancellor, Celebrates 461 Graduates
Princess Zahra Aga Khan officially steps up as the first Pro-Chancellor of Aga Khan University (AKU) on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history. The 38th convocation celebrated 461 graduates across eighteen degree programmes, showcasing AKU’s commitment to academic excellence and leadership development.
A Royal Welcome and Graduating Stars
The ceremony welcomed Princess Zahra Aga Khan as she assumed her responsibilities as Pro-Chancellor, guiding AKU in its mission to improve the quality of life across Pakistan. Notably, nearly 70% of this year’s graduates were women, reflecting the university’s emphasis on gender equality and empowering the next generation of female leaders. This inclusivity highlighted AKU’s dedication to nurturing talent and advancing education across the country.
Celebrating Academic and Personal Excellence
During the convocation, exceptional graduates were recognized for their achievements. Noorish Khan, Syeda Tasmiya Moheyuddin, Dr. Hamzah Jehanzeb, and Sara Karim Sadruddin received Best Graduate Awards in Dental Hygiene, Education, Medicine, and Nursing, respectively. Valedictorian Muhammad Taha Nasim emphasized gratitude toward AKU faculty, reminding the audience that “excellence without empathy is empty,” a message that resonated with both students and attendees. Princess Zahra Aga Khan applauded the graduates, reinforcing AKU’s philosophy of combining academic success with social responsibility.
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Beyond the graduation ceremony, AKU continues to make a nationwide impact, addressing critical gaps in healthcare and education. With a nurse-to-population ratio of just 5.2 per 10,000 in Pakistan, AKU alumni are stepping into leadership roles across 80 schools of nursing and midwifery. In 2025, AKU secured over $100 million in research funding, and 27 faculty members ranked among the top two percent of global scientists, according to a Stanford University study. Additionally, 72% of students received financial assistance, ensuring that talent and opportunity are not limited by finances.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan highlighted the university’s nationwide presence: “From Karachi to Matiari, from Lahore to Gilgit, AKU continues to be a part of people’s lives,” emphasizing education’s transformative role.
A Vision for a Connected Future
Chancellor His Highness the Aga Khan addressed graduates, emphasizing the “extraordinary responsibility and opportunity” to improve human life through knowledge. AKU President Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin added that Pakistan’s youth are inclusive, technologically savvy, and aware that shared challenges require collective solutions. Professor Emeritus Mushtaq Ahmed received the prestigious President’s Medal for exceptional service in surgery and academia. The convocation, led by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, reflected pride, promise, and a vision for an empathetic, connected, and knowledgeable future.
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