Karachi, Pakistan
On Saturday, 17 January 2026, Princess Zahra Aga Khan was formally installed as Pro-Chancellor of Aga Khan University (AKU), a landmark in the history of the University, at its Karachi campus Convocation. Mawlana Hazar Imam Aga Khan V had appointed Princess Zahra as Pro-Chancellor in February 2025.
At the Karachi campus, as well as campuses in East Africa, graduands, faculty, and well-wishers convened to celebrate AKU’s Class of 2025.
In a special video message, Mawlana Hazar Imam, AKU’s Chancellor, congratulated the graduating class across the University’s campuses in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Afghanistan and Pakistan. He also spoke of the power and potential of education to respond to global challenges and uplift humanity.
“Never before have we known so much about nature and humanity,” he said. “Never before have the tools of scholarship and science been so powerful—from gene editing to artificial intelligence, and from climate science to data-driven innovation. This moment therefore places upon the Aga Khan University and its graduates both an extraordinary responsibility and an extraordinary opportunity: to create, to disseminate, and to apply knowledge in ways that improve the quality of human life.”
Speech by Mawlana Hazar Imam
Video
At the ceremony, President Sulaiman acknowledged the assembled graduands and thanked the University’s faculty, staff, trustees, donors, friends, and well-wishers. He also spoke of the high honour of formally investing Princess Zahra as AKU’s first-ever Pro-Chancellor, a landmark in the history of the University. The installation was officially performed by Chair Zakir Mahmood, on behalf of Hazar Imam.
“Princess Zahra’s appointment demonstrates His Highness’s deep commitment to the University and strong determination to build on its legacy of impact, quality, relevance, and access,” said President Sulaiman. “AKU is extremely fortunate and honoured.”
In her remarks, Princess Zahra reminisced on her memories of, and involvement with the University, dating back to its founding by Mawlana Shah Karim in 1983.
“My AKU journey started when this campus was first conceptualised so I guess I was a little girl. I discussed it very often during family meals and throughout my childhood, and [my father] was so proud, so very proud when the charter was signed.”
Princess Zahra also reflected on the forward progress, geographic expansion, and vital contributions of the University over time, all driven by collective effort. She concluded with a special tribute to graduands, who she called on to lead with conviction and compassion.
“Today, I am reminded of how much the Aga Khan University’s many past achievements—and its future promise—depend on its graduates,” she said. “Our alumni have carried AKU’s name far and wide, strengthening its reputation for excellence. And now, the Class of 2025 stands ready to follow in their footsteps.”
“Our hopes for the University rest in our faith in you. You have learned to seek knowledge actively and creatively, to value pluralism, to serve others with purpose, and to make ethical conduct the foundation of your professional lives.”
“For these reasons, we believe that your aspirations will become realities.”
The University’s 38th Convocation was an opportunity to recall the ways in which it is fulfilling its mission. This year saw the graduation of the first cohort from the Institute for Educational Development’s Bachelor of Education programme—a rigorous blend of academic and field-based learning that prepares graduates to teach effectively in diverse school contexts.
In 2025, AKU secured more than USD$100 million in research funding, a sign that leading global institutions hold its research capabilities in high regard. Across AKU, 27 faculty members were ranked among the top two percent of scientists globally in a well-known study conducted at Stanford University.
To ensure talented students with limited financial means are able to attend and flourish, the University provides financial assistance to a large portion of the student body. In the last academic year, it offered assistance to 72 percent of students across all classes and programmes in Pakistan.
Class Valedictorian Muhammad Taha Nasim looked back on their journey, which began in the shadow of the covid-19 pandemic, and looked forward to the duty of AKU graduates to share their knowledge in areas of need.
“As physicians, nurses, researchers, educators, and other valuable health care professionals,” he said, “we carry with us more than our degree, we carry the responsibility of the Aga Khan University seal. Its circle reflects the breadth of the world we are now called to serve upon. And at its heart lies Nur, the light of knowledge. A reminder that this light of education was never meant to be kept to ourselves, it was meant to illuminate and to serve wherever there is need.”
Source: The.Ismaili
Ismailimail 