Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Conferred Honorary Doctorate by International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6:  Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership and Governance by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in recognition of his exemplary leadership, public service, and contributions to national development and global Islamic governance.

The Special Convocation Ceremony was held at the Istac-IIUM Campus in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, officiated by IIUM’s Constitutional Head, Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. The event coincided with Shehbaz’s official three-day visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In her royal address, Tunku Azizah praised Shehbaz for his four decades of visionary and compassionate leadership, highlighting his efforts to improve education, healthcare, and social welfare in Pakistan.

“His initiatives, such as the Punjab Education Endowment Fund, have opened the doors of higher learning to thousands who might never have dreamed of university education. That is leadership that touches hearts and transforms futures,” she said.

She added that in an era where “image often overshadows integrity,” Shehbaz exemplifies the values of sincerity, service, and steadfast governance.

Tunku Azizah also commended the longstanding friendship between Malaysia and Pakistan, noting that the relationship has flourished under Shehbaz’s leadership.

“Today, Pakistani students, academics, and alumni continue to enrich IIUM and uphold our shared mission of serving the ummah. This conferment is not just recognition of achievement, but a celebration of shared values  justice, service, and excellence guided by faith,” she said.

According to IIUM, 89 Pakistani students are currently enrolled across various programs, while 321 Pakistani alumni have graduated from the institution.

In his acceptance speech, Shehbaz described the honorary degree as a “great privilege and honor,” saying he was humbled to receive it in the presence of scholars, educators, and students from one of the Muslim world’s most respected universities.

Reflecting on his decades of public service, he said:

“Leadership, for me, has always been about serving the people of Pakistan with sincerity, discipline, and an unwavering sense of duty. It is not a privilege, but a sacred trust that demands honesty, justice, and accountability.”

He expressed hope that his visit would further strengthen academic collaboration between IIUM and Pakistan’s leading universities, promoting exchange in education, research, and Islamic governance.

Addressing the broader challenges facing the Muslim ummah, Shehbaz urged leaders and nations to uphold unity, compassion, and moral integrity, stressing the need to remain guided by the principles of Islam to overcome conflict, disunity, and poverty.

He also emphasized that both Malaysia and Pakistan, with their young and vibrant populations, share a responsibility to empower youth through education and leadership opportunities that promote service to humanity.

Among those present at the ceremony were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd. Kadir, IIUM President Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain, IIUM Rector Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar, and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah.

Shehbaz’s visit to Malaysia serves as a reciprocal gesture to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official trip to Pakistan in October 2024, symbolizing the deepening partnership between Kuala Lumpur and Islamabad in education, trade, and diplomacy.