Islamabad University Awards Honorary Doctorate to President

The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) has awarded President Dr Mohamed Muizzu an honorary doctorate in Politics and International Relations during his state visit to Pakistan.

The degree was conferred on Wednesday at the university’s 13th Special Convocation, held at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presented the award on behalf of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, who serves as the university’s Chancellor and Chairman of its Board of Trustees.

According to the university’s citation, the honorary degree recognises Muizzu’s public service, leadership, governance reforms, contributions to the Maldives’ socio-economic development and service to the Muslim Ummah.

Speaking at the ceremony, Muizzu said the recognition was meaningful not only to him but also to the Maldivian people, whose achievements he said the award represented.

He also highlighted the importance of faith and knowledge advancing together in the service of humanity, and called for a world where nations and people are treated with dignity and respect.

The ceremony followed bilateral talks between the Maldives and Pakistan and the signing of 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

Muizzu is visiting Pakistan from October 20 to 22 at the invitation of Prime Minister Sharif. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Pakistan.