Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Awarded Honorary PhD in Leadership and Governance by IIUM 🎓

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – October 7, 2025 — The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) today conferred anHonorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Governance on the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in recognition of his significant contributions to national development and upholding the principles of good governance.

The prestigious ceremony, held at the ISTAC-IIUM Kuala Lumpur Campus, was officiated by the Constitutional Head of IIUM, Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. The award was presented on the final day of Prime Minister Sharif’s three-day official visit to Malaysia.

Recognition for Visionary Leadership

In her address, Tunku Azizah commended Prime Minister Sharif’s long-standing dedication to public service, highlighting his four decades of “vision, discipline, compassion and true leadership” in uplifting communities through initiatives in education and healthcare. She specifically noted his pioneering effort, the Punjab Education Endowment Fund, as a transformational project that opened doors for thousands of students to pursue higher learning.

PM Sharif Emphasizes Leadership as a Sacred Trust

In his acceptance speech, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his deep gratitude for the honor, describing it as a “great privilege.” He spoke on the importance of leadership as a sacred trust, which must be exercised with integrity, justice, and transparent accountability.

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to call for greater unity and moral integrity among the Muslim Ummah (global community), stressing the need to adhere firmly to Islamic values and ethics to overcome challenges like conflict, disunity, and poverty. He further expressed confidence that his visit would strengthen academic partnership and collaboration between IIUM and Pakistan’s leading higher education institutions.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Sharif’s visit, a reciprocal gesture following an earlier visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan, underscores the deepening bond between Malaysia and Pakistan. The conferment celebrates the strong bilateral friendship and the shared commitment to Islamic values in governance and education.