KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) conferred Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to nation-building and global Islamic governance.
The conferment took place during a Special Convocation Ceremony held at the ISTAC-IIUM, Kuala Lumpur Campus today, officiated by its Constitutional Head the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
The Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Governance was presented by Her Royal Highness, in conjunction with Shehbaz's three-day visit to Malaysia, which began yesterday.
In the royal address, Tunku Azizah said that for more than four decades, Shehbaz has served with vision, discipline, compassion, and true leadership, building lives and uplifting communities through education, healthcare, and opportunities.
“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.
“At a time when the world often prizes image over integrity, His Excellency (Shehbaz) reminds us that good governance is about sincerity, service, and steadfastness,” said Her Royal Highness.
Tunku Azizah also commended Pakistan’s longstanding friendship with Malaysia, noting that under Shehbaz’s leadership, the relationship has grown even stronger.
“Today, our Pakistani students, academics, and alumni continue to enrich the university and uphold our shared mission of serving the ummah. This conferment is more than a recognition of achievement.
"It is a celebration of the values we hold dear: justice, service, and excellence guided by faith,” said the Tengku Ampuan.
Currently, 89 Pakistani students are enrolled in various programmes at IIUM, while 321 alumni from Pakistan have graduated from the university.
Meanwhile, in his acceptance address, the Prime Minister described the recognition as a great privilege and honour, humbly received in the presence of scholars and students from one of the leading institutions of the Muslim world.
Reflecting on his years of public service, he said that leadership, for him, has always been about serving the people of Pakistan with sincerity, discipline, and an unwavering sense of duty.
“I hope that my presence here today will further strengthen the bonds of academic partnership and collaboration between the IIUM and Pakistan's leading institutions of higher learning,” Shehbaz said, adding that leadership was not a privilege, but a sacred trust that demands honesty, justice, and accountability.
Addressing the broader challenges facing the Muslim world, he also called for unity, compassion, and moral integrity among leaders and nations, urging the Muslim ummah to remain steadfast in upholding Islam's values and ethics to overcome conflict, disunity, and poverty.
He added that both Malaysia and Pakistan are blessed with young populations, and that it is the responsibility of leaders to provide platforms that empower the youth to serve humanity with commitment and compassion.
Also present at the ceremony were Communication Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, IIUM President Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain, IIUM Rector Prof Emeritus Datuk Osman Bakar, and the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shah.
Shehbaz’s visit to Malaysia was at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and serves as a reciprocal gesture to Anwar’s official visit to Pakistan in October last year, reflecting the deepening ties between the two nations.
