KUALA LUMPUR / ISLAMABAD — October 7, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership and Governance by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) during a special ceremony in Kuala Lumpur. The recognition highlights his decades-long commitment to public service and nation-building.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receives an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Leadership and Governance from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
The distinguished degree is conferred by Her Majesty Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, the Queen of Pahang… pic.twitter.com/EqIFEDmCtw
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 7, 2025
Key Highlights
- PM Shehbaz Sharif receives honorary PhD in Leadership and Governance from IIUM
- Ceremony attended by Queen of Pahang, IIUM’s Constitutional Head
- PM calls leadership a “sacred trust” requiring honesty and accountability
- Visit expected to deepen Pakistan–Malaysia academic cooperation
The ceremony, held on October 6, 2025, brought together academic leaders, dignitaries, and officials. Dressed in a ceremonial blue gown, Shehbaz Sharif called it a “great privilege and honour” to receive this distinction from “a revered seat of learning in the Muslim world.”
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Honouring Leadership and Public Service
According to Bernama, Malaysia’s state news agency, IIUM conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Governance to recognize Shehbaz Sharif’s outstanding leadership and contributions to nation-building.
The Queen of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who serves as IIUM’s Constitutional Head, presented the honorary degree. Shehbaz expressed deep gratitude for her presence and acknowledged the university’s role in integrating knowledge, ethics, and faith.
Reflecting on his public career, he said:
“For over four decades, I have devoted my humble services to the people of Punjab, the largest province of Pakistan. As Prime Minister, despite human failings, I have tried my best to serve with sincerity of purpose and unwavering commitment.”
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“Leadership is a Sacred Trust”
In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized that leadership is not merely a privilege but a sacred trust (amanah). He underscored the values of honesty, justice, sincerity, and accountability before Allah, stating that Muslim societies historically thrived when these principles were upheld.
“History bears testimony that whenever Muslims held firmly to these glorious principles, they flourished themselves and became a source of guidance for humanity,” he said.
He also spoke about the formidable challenges facing the Muslim world, including conflict, poverty, and disunity, urging collective efforts guided by shared values to reclaim a meaningful place in the global community.
Strengthening Pakistan–Malaysia Academic Ties
Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that his visit would strengthen academic partnerships between IIUM and Pakistan’s leading universities, paving the way for joint initiatives, research exchanges, and collaborations in higher education.
The honorary PhD ceremony was part of his official trip to Malaysia, where a day earlier, he met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Both leaders agreed to revitalize bilateral cooperation, explore economic opportunities under the ASEAN framework, and adopt a more forward-looking policy approach.
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