Historic Princess Zahra Aga Khan installed as first Pro-Chancellor today during the historic 38th Convocation of Aga Khan University in Karachi.”.
KARACHI – In a ceremony defined by academic excellence and a historic transition in leadership, the Aga Khan University (AKU) celebrated its 38th Convocation on January 17, 2026.
The highlight of the event was the formal installation of Princess Zahra Aga Khan as the University’s first-ever Pro-Chancellor, a move that signals a profound commitment to the institution’s future growth and its mission to improve the quality of life across the globe.
The Installation of a Global Leader
Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a long-standing member of the AKU Board of Trustees and a key figure in the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), has now taken on the mantle of Pro-Chancellor. In this new role, she will provide strategic guidance to the university as it continues its geographic and academic expansion.
Addressing the graduates and guests, Princess Zahra highlighted the university’s deep-rooted presence in the country. “The University’s geographic expansion has seen AKU’s presence extend across Pakistan, into more cities and villages than ever before,” she remarked.
From the urban landscape of Karachi to the remote regions of Gilgit and Matiari, AKU’s impact is now woven into the very fabric of society.
Academic Excellence: 461 Lives Transformed
The convocation saw 461 students graduate from 18 different degree programs. This year was particularly significant as it included the graduation of the first cohort from the Institute for Educational Development’s Bachelor of Education (BEd) program.
This program is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and field-based teaching, ensuring that educators are prepared for diverse and challenging school environments.
A standout statistic from the 2026 class is that nearly 70 percent of the graduates are women. In a country where gender disparity in education remains a critical challenge, AKU continues to lead by example, empowering women to take on leadership roles in healthcare, education, and research.
The Chancellor’s Vision: Knowledge with Empathy
His Highness the Aga Khan, Chancellor of the University, sent a powerful message to the graduating class. He noted that AKU graduates carry “both an extraordinary responsibility and an extraordinary opportunity” to apply knowledge in ways that uplift human life.
This sentiment was echoed by the Class Valedictorian, Muhammad Taha Nasim, who expressed gratitude to the faculty for teaching the students that “excellence without empathy is empty”. This philosophy of compassionate service remains the cornerstone of the AKU experience.
Bridging the Workforce Gap: The Role of AKU Alumni
Pakistan faces a staggering shortage of healthcare professionals, with a nurse-to-population ratio of only 5.2 per 10,000. AKU is actively working to solve this crisis.
Currently, AKU alumni hold high-level leadership positions in approximately 80 schools of nursing and midwifery across the country, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare workers is trained to international standards.
A Research Powerhouse: Global Recognition
The university’s commitment to innovation is reflected in its recent financial and academic milestones:
- Research Funding: In 2025, AKU secured over USD $100 million in research funding, a testament to its global standing.
- Global Rankings: 27 faculty members were recently ranked among the top two percent of scientists globally in a study conducted by Stanford University.
- Awards of Distinction: The university conferred the President’s Medal, one of its highest honors, upon Professor Emeritus Mushtaq Ahmed for his legendary service as a surgeon and academic leader.
Financial Accessibility: Excellence for All
To ensure that financial constraints do not hinder talent, AKU provided financial assistance to 72 percent of its student body in Pakistan during the last academic year.
This commitment ensures that the university remains a merit-based institution accessible to students from all socio-economic backgrounds.
