Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Governance by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in recognition of his leadership, public service, and contributions to national development.
The prestigious award was presented during a special convocation ceremony at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation in Kuala Lumpur. The event was officiated by the university’s Constitutional Head, Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who praised the premier’s decades-long commitment to improving lives through education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Acknowledgment of Visionary Leadership
In her address, Tunku Azizah lauded Shehbaz Sharif for demonstrating visionary leadership and compassion over four decades of public service. She highlighted his initiatives, including the Punjab Education Endowment Fund, which expanded access to higher education for thousands of deserving students. She added that his example reflects “leadership that touches hearts and transforms futures.”
Tunku Azizah emphasized that true governance goes beyond appearances. According to her, Prime Minister Shehbaz’s leadership embodies sincerity, service, and steadfastness — qualities essential for building just and compassionate societies.
PM Shehbaz’s Reflections on Leadership and Service
In his acceptance speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz described the award as a “great privilege and honour.” He expressed gratitude to IIUM for recognizing his efforts and reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to serving Pakistan with sincerity and integrity.
He noted that leadership is a sacred trust, one that demands honesty, justice, and transparent accountability. Drawing on his years as Chief Minister of Punjab, he said his guiding principle has always been service to the people.
PM Shehbaz also expressed hope that this recognition would strengthen academic collaboration between IIUM and leading universities in Pakistan. Such partnerships, he said, would help foster innovation and research aligned with Islamic values.
Call for Unity Among Muslim Nations
Highlighting the challenges confronting the Muslim Ummah, the prime minister urged unity, compassion, and moral integrity. He stressed that Muslim societies must remain steadfast to their ethical and spiritual foundations to regain a respected place among nations.
Shehbaz Sharif described Pakistan’s youth as a blessing and emphasized the duty to empower young people through education and opportunities. He encouraged students to serve humanity with empathy, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose.
Strengthening Pakistan–Malaysia Relations
During his official three-day visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister Shehbaz also held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties.
Earlier, the two nations signed six agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in education, tourism, Halal certification, and anti-corruption initiatives. The visit marked a new phase of collaboration built on mutual respect and shared values.
A Shared Vision of Progress and Faith
In concluding remarks, Tunku Azizah highlighted that the Pakistan–Malaysia partnership continues to grow stronger under Prime Minister Shehbaz’s leadership. She said Pakistani students and academics at IIUM exemplify the shared mission of serving the Ummah through knowledge and ethical action.
She added that the conferment was not only a recognition of individual achievement but also a celebration of justice, service, and excellence guided by faith.
The honorary doctorate reflects both the Malaysian university’s appreciation for Shehbaz Sharif’s dedication to governance and his ongoing efforts to promote education, integrity, and development in Pakistan.
