Aga Khan University celebrates 38th convocation, appoints Princess Zahra Aga Khan as Pro-Chancellor
KARACHI: The Aga Khan University (AKU) celebrated a momentous occasion with the graduation of 461 students across 18 degree programs during its 38th Convocation ceremony. The event also marked the formal appointment of Princess Zahra Aga Khan as the university’s first Pro-Chancellor. Princess Zahra’s appointment comes at a critical time as AKU continues its mission to improve the quality of life through education, research, and healthcare initiatives.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan appointed as AKU’s first Pro-Chancellor
Princess Zahra Aga Khan’s appointment as Pro-Chancellor is a testament to the ongoing commitment of AKU to providing high-quality education and healthcare solutions. As Pro-Chancellor, Princess Zahra will guide the university’s efforts to further elevate the standards of healthcare and education globally. Her leadership is expected to drive the university’s initiatives to new heights, ensuring that AKU remains at the forefront of academic excellence.
A historic graduation ceremony for AKU
The convocation saw the graduation of students from a variety of disciplines, including the first cohort from the Institute for Educational Development’s Bachelor of Education program. This marks a milestone in AKU’s effort to empower the next generation of educators with a rigorous blend of academic and practical knowledge, ensuring they are equipped to teach effectively in diverse environments. The convocation also recognized AKU’s success in expanding its reach to new cities and regions within Pakistan, with health care professionals and educators making an impact from Karachi to Gilgit and beyond.
Addressing the graduates: A message from AKU’s Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan
In his address, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, AKU’s Chancellor, emphasized the “extraordinary responsibility and extraordinary opportunity” that AKU graduates carry. He stressed the importance of creating, disseminating, and applying knowledge in ways that improve the quality of human life. His message underscored AKU’s mission to improve health outcomes through education, research, and community involvement.
Empowering women, addressing the gender gap
A noteworthy aspect of this year’s graduation was the significant representation of women, with nearly 70% of the graduating class being female. AKU continues to address the gender gap in education, especially in Pakistan, where millions of girls remain out of school. The university’s commitment to gender equality in education is evident in its efforts to provide opportunities for women to excel in various academic fields, including medicine, nursing, and education.
AKU’s growing impact on Pakistan’s healthcare sector
AKU’s alumni are making significant contributions to Pakistan’s healthcare system. For example, in the nursing sector, AKU graduates hold leadership positions in nearly 80 schools of nursing and midwifery across the country. Furthermore, AKU’s research capabilities continue to receive global recognition. In 2025, AKU secured more than USD $100 million in research funding, cementing its position as a leading institution in health research.
Graduates recognized for excellence
During the convocation, special awards were presented to graduates who demonstrated exceptional academic performance. Noorish Khan, Syeda Tasmiya Mohiuddin, Dr. Hamzah Jehanzeb, and Sara Karim Sadruddin received Best Graduate Awards in their respective programs, including Dental Hygiene, Education, Medicine, and Nursing.
Commitment to access and excellence
Aga Khan University remains committed to providing world-class education and healthcare. The university offers financial assistance to 72% of its student body to ensure that talented students, regardless of financial means, can access its programs. Through this initiative, AKU is helping bridge the gap in access to higher education, ensuring that future generations of healthcare professionals and educators are equipped to tackle Pakistan’s pressing challenges.
Looking ahead: The future of AKU and its global impact
As AKU continues to expand its influence across Pakistan and the world, the university’s leadership is focused on furthering its mission of providing excellent education and healthcare. The appointment of Princess Zahra Aga Khan as Pro-Chancellor marks the beginning of a new era at AKU, one in which the university’s global impact will continue to grow, providing world-class education and healthcare solutions for generations to come.
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