University of Karachi Awards Over 7,200 Degrees at 33rd Convocation Ceremony

An impressive 244 gold medals were presented

to top-performing students. Hafiza Aqsa Anwar

from the ISST secured the overall top position

Staff Reporter

Karachi: The 33rd Convocation of the University of Karachi was held at the Expo Center on Saturday, where Governor Sindh and Chancellor of the University, Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori, served as the chief guest. The Chairman of Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. S. M. Tariq Rafi, attended as the guest of honor.

Over 7,000 Graduates Honored
A total of 7,248 degrees were awarded to graduates of the university’s morning and evening programs from the academic year 2023. These included Bachelor’s, Master’s, MPhil, PhD, and diploma holders across a wide range of disciplines. Around 400 graduates attended the ceremony in person, while the remaining received their degrees in absentia.

An impressive 244 gold medals were presented to top-performing students. Hafiza Aqsa Anwar from the Institute of Space Science and Technology secured the overall top position and was awarded the Martyrs of Army Public School, Peshawar Gold Medal.

Top Students Recognized Across Faculties

• Arts & Social Sciences: Onzila (MA International Relations)
• Education: Rabia Shahbaz (MA Special Education)
• Islamic Studies: Maryam (MA Islamic Learning)
• Law: Alishba Jilani (BA-LLB)
• Management Sciences: Hania Sajid (BBA)
• Pharmacy: Umama (Pharm-D)
• Science: Hafiza Aqsa Anwar (MSc)
• Engineering: Syed Zain Adil (BE Chemical Engineering)

PhD, MPhil, and Research Degrees Conferred
The convocation also saw the awarding of 60 PhDs, 32 MPhils, one Doctor of Science (DSc), and two MS degrees in gynecology and operative dentistry.

• Science: 21 PhDs, 15 MPhils
• Arts & Social Sciences: 11 PhDs, 9 MPhils
• Management Sciences: 10 PhDs, 1 MPhil
• Pharmacy: 7 PhDs
• Education: 6 PhDs, 6 MPhils
• Law: 4 PhDs
  A prestigious DSc degree was also awarded by the Department of Chemistry.

Governor Sindh Addresses Societal Contradictions
Governor Tessori praised the achievements of graduates and their families. He lauded the exceptional performance of female students, some of whom secured three gold medals each. However, he raised a societal concern: “While mothers want their daughters to succeed, the same women often don’t wish the same for their daughters-in-law. This mindset must change.”

He also called on the youth to reject envy, embrace positivity, and take up the responsibility of building the Pakistan envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal.

Sindh HEC Chairman Emphasizes Holistic Education
Dr. Tariq Rafi noted that 62% of Pakistan’s population comprises youth and highlighted the critical role of universities in character building. He stated that Sindh has allocated Rs50 billion—Rs42 billion for higher education and Rs8 billion for development—more than any other province.

He praised the University of Karachi for being the only Sindh institution in the QS Rankings, attributing this success to the visionary leadership of Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi.

KU VC Urges Graduates to Serve Society
Vice Chancellor Dr. Iraqi told graduates that their degrees are not just academic documents, but symbols of their dedication. He urged them to apply their knowledge for societal progress and the nation’s benefit.

Dr. Iraqi addressed economic uncertainties faced by youth and outlined KU’s efforts in modernizing education, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting students’ mental well-being. He mentioned KU’s collaboration with Ulm University (Germany) on building a football stadium and the recent launch of online classes for Evening Program students.

He also shared updates on scholarships, global partnerships, and the successful launch of a Physical Therapy Center at the KU Medical Center, benefiting both students and the public.

Future Goals: Technology Park and SDGs
Highlighting future ambitions, Dr. Iraqi announced plans for a Technology Park aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university is also working to expand the Girls’ Hostel and further its impact on mental health through the Institute of Clinical Psychology.