Aga Khan University Convocation
Karachi, Pakistan, November 3, 2001

Chairman and Members of the Board of Trustees
Keynote Speaker Sahabzada Yaqub Khan
Faculty and Staff
Distinguished guests
Respected Parents
Ladies and Gentlemen
And finally, the students, especially those who are graduating in whose honour we have gathered here today:

It is a great honour and privilege for me to preside over the 14th Convocation of Aga Khan University. Indeed I would like to thank Ambassador Saidullah Khan Dehlavi, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the invitation.

I am impressed to note that the management has not allowed the critical events that are impacting Pakistan and the world at large to deter it from its goals or slow down its momentum. This is also evidenced by the facility under construction, which I noticed on my way here. I am told this project, and others, which are coming up, are donor-funded ventures to meet the emerging needs of the University, including enhanced patient health care services.

I have carefully listened to the illuminating and thought-provoking speech delivered by Sahabzada Yaqub Khan. I agree with his noble ideas. The education system of a country requires constant review and reformation in order to improve the quality of education and in particular to gear the education system towards achieving the more desirable goals and objectives in a given time. Education in the civilized world is at the apex of all plans and philosophies of survival. In Pakistan, we are still passing through an era to combat the menace of illiteracy. I am sure, His Highness will continue to take all steps necessary to augment the cause of education.

On this momentous occasion, I see before me in the graduates, a range of emotions, exhilaration and gratitude for the opportunities they have been given. And they rightly deserve felicitation from us for successfully completing the rigorous curriculum of Aga Khan University and for pushing themselves to the limit, and stepping into the world today eager to use their training, talent and education. It is very fulfilling to observe the younger generation, involved in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, so as to prepare themselves for future responsibilities of leading the nation and serving the humanity. My heartiest congratulations to all of you on your high achievements.

I also commend the invaluable contribution of their families, especially of their parents, whose encouragement and support made it possible for these young people to succeed in their academic endeavours. I offer the proud parents my felicitations, together with my admiration for their patience and guidance to their sons and daughters. Equally deserving, and perhaps more, are the faculty and teachers of this Institution, whose commitment and dedicated service, made it possible for the students to attain laurels and get good grades.

You graduates are indeed fortunate, as you have been provided with an enabling environment at Aga Khan University, which has encouraged you, motivated you, and guided you towards learning and developing the expertise that will help you in your careers and in serving your country.

You have received an education comparable to the best in the world, in an institution dedicated to excellence and founded on meritocracy and relevance to the Muslim world. It is a matter of pride for us all, that Aga Khan University is not only considered the citadel of education within our borders, but far beyond. Students from Africa, Central Asia and even USA come to this institution to receive knowledge on how to serve humanity. I am very much impressed with the quality and range of education provided by the University in various disciplines.

May I recall the leadership role of His Highness, Prince Karim Aga Khan, who is the repository and expression of human kindness. His efforts have always been directed towards the improvement of the quality of life of not only his own community, but of everyone, especially of those in need.

I am happy to see His Highness's vision realised year after year, as graduates from this Institution step into new and challenging lives, wherein every act of theirs is a reflection of the rigorous training this University has imparted to them.

Recognising the educational needs at the postgraduate level in Pakistan, Aga Khan University has initiated its first structured, Postgraduate Medical Education programme in 23 clinical disciplines. These include Pakistan's first training programmes in the field of Family Medicine and Community Medicine. I was very pleased to learn that out of 245 graduates from Aga Khan University programmes, 68% are working within the country. The experience of postgraduate programmes in this University confirms that good quality programmes in the private sector can play a significant role in reducing the brain drain to the West, and contributing towards improving health delivery in the country.

It is indeed a moment of pride for all of us to note that having subsequently expanded to a PhD programme, Aga Khan University currently has nine students working towards their doctorate degrees.

I am very pleased to learn that Aga Khan University continues to focus on research. Research indeed is critical for the emancipation and uplift of the academic stature of a country. Although Pakistan has a long way to go in the field of research, I am delighted to know that a large number of research papers emanate from Aga Khan University. Your ability to attract and maintain an outstanding faculty, capable of guiding and conducting scientific research, is highly commendable.

It is also heartening to learn that an increasing number of Aga Khan University alumni are returning to Pakistan to serve their nation. Their presence not only raises the standard and quality of education in Pakistan but also goes a long way in developing our human resources.

I am particularly impressed with the underlying principles which guide Aga Khan University operations: meritocracy; needs-blind admission process and accessibility.

Through its educational support programme, Aga Khan University provides financial assistance to meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds who are unable to meet the cost of their education. Similarly, the patient welfare programme allows Aga Khan University Hospital to reach out to those who might not otherwise have access to quality secondary and tertiary health care services, due to a lack of resources.

I was both satisfied and delighted to learn that the University is reaching out beyond the borders of our country and is the first University in Pakistan to establish campuses in East Africa where a programme in advanced nursing studies has been initiated. The recognition that has been given to this University in this region is indeed unique. It reaffirms the confidence of the governments of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in Aga Khan University's ability to introduce educational programmes of the highest quality.

I am pleased to see that the journey of Aga Khan University School of Nursing, which began in 1980 with a diploma programme, has now grown into several advanced programmes in nursing. These include the BSc N. degrees. It is also exciting to note that the University has also started its Masters in Nursing - the first of its kind in Pakistan. This School is indeed a role model in Pakistan has succeeded in elevating the status of nurses on a national level.

I also remember from last year's convocation speech of His Highness the Aga Khan that the University also plans to establish a campus in London, UK, where its "Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations" will be located. I am told that the Institute will soon be established. It is indeed a great honour for our country that Aga Khan University will be hoisting our academic flag in a First World country renowned for its high academic standards.

The professional development of teachers and improving the quality and efficiency of the national educational system go hand in hand. Aga Khan University through its Institute for Educational Development has played a major role in addressing the needs of professionally trained teachers in our country. Forty per cent of the teachers receiving professional development at the aforesaid Institute are government schoolteachers and headmistresses. The Institute is an excellent example of how a private institute can work effectively with the public sector.

Dear graduates, you began the studies that you have now completed because you had a dream. Don't stop dreaming. Societies change and they undergo hard times and wonder what the future holds for them - our society needs visionaries, for they are the architects of the future. You have a major role to play. Your undertakings in the field of medicine, nursing and education, will never be easy, but I can assure you that there is no role that is finer, or more rewarding, or more important. Enter into your new lives with passion and conviction.

Dear students, the intellect must function and flourish under the strictest control, if it is to do any real work. A man who accepts discipline in his intellectual pursuits, is sure to accomplish some work of noble note. Self-restraint, single-minded devotion to duty, willingness to offer sacrifice, are the values and virtues fostered by a sense of discipline. Without maintaining discipline and behaving in a dignified manner, we cannot be called a civilized country in the comity of nations.
I also like you to inculcate a few qualities in you that will steer you to success, both here and in the hereafter. Be honest to your profession and with those with whom you interact. Let truthfulness dominate your every action. Be dedicated to your calling in life. Apply yourself to whatever you do and, last but not the least, be thankful to the Almighty for the opportunity He has bestowed upon you - to serve humanity. I recall a quote by late Martin Luther King: "Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve."

I am sure quite a few of you will be proceeding abroad for higher education; it is a noble cause, no doubt, but I would urge you to remember your country when your training is complete, and play your roles in your nation's development and growth. You will be in our prayers wherever you are.
We see you as our future leaders who will steer the country in the right direction, with courage, fortitude and honesty. I am extremely proud, as I see that in the near future decisions that have to be made will be made with your guidance and expertise, and that the oath that you take today will be fulfilled in full measure. Pakistan needs your competence, your character and your experience.

Congratulations, good luck, and Godspeed.

Pakistan Paindabad.