KU awards honourary doctorate to Dr Zakir Naik

KARACHI: The University of Karachi has awarded an honourary doctorate degree (honoris causa) to esteemed Islamic scholar and speaker Dr Zakir Naik in a special convocation ceremony held at Sindh Governor's House, The News reported on Thursday.

The honourary degree was awarded by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, who is also the KU's chancellor, with the government official noting that the honourary degree is a recognition of Dr Naik's services for Islam.

The development comes as the renowned preacher — who is in Pakistan as a state guest — is currently visiting the country on an invitation from the government.

During his stay in Pakistan, which will continue till October 28, Dr Naik will hold public gatherings in multiple cities.

Apart from meeting senior government officials including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the scholar has so far has addressed public gathering in Karachi and is scheduled to take to the stage in Lahore and Islamabad on October 12-13 and October 19-20, respectively.

Expressing his views at the convocation ceremony, Governor Tessori said Dr Naik had successfully participated in several debates on different topics of Islam. He hoped that Dr Naik would continue with his mission to preach Islam with his fullest dedication and commitment.

The ceremony was attended by the consul generals of different countries, the chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission, Dr Tariq Rafi, KU Vice-Chancellor Dr Khalid Iraqi, Mufi Abdul Rahim, deans of faculties, and senior faculty members.

The degree conferment comes after a special meeting of the Syndicate of the University of Karachi approved the conferment of the honourary Doctor of Philosophy in the KU's faculty of Islamic Studies, read the statement issued by the varsity.