The University's special lecture series features talks by prominent personalities, with the aim of providing students with a broad-based education to enrich their understanding and appreciation of the humanities and social sciences. Faculty, staff and the general public also benefit from this interaction with personalities of international repute.

Jamsheed Marker: Pakistan and the UN

In January 2003, Ambassador Jamsheed Marker spoke on "Pakistan and the United Nations". During his distinguished career, Ambassador Marker has served as the Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General and Pakistan's ambassador to USA, Russia, Japan, Germany and Scandinavia. In his speech, he dwelt on the current political and social situation across the globe and elaborated on the UN's workings and structure, as well as its peacekeeping function.

Surrounded by students and art enthusiasts, Gulgee signs autographs after his slide lecture titled "Art and an Artist".

Ismail Gulgee: An Artist’s Tribute to God

At the following lecture in the series, held in March 2003, renowned Pakistani artist Ismail Gulgee spoke on the creative process and his own work as an artist's tribute to God. The audience, visibly moved by the artist's sincere passion and love for his work and all creative endeavours, enjoyed viewing Gulgee's prolific work through a slide presentation. His works ranged from formal portraits of well-known personalities in lapis lazuli to free flowing calligraphic expressions.

Mushtaq A. Yusufi: A Blend of Humour and Wit

Mushtaq Ahmed Yusufi being greeted upon arrival by (L to R): Munnawar Hamid, member of AKU Board of Trustees; Ambassador Saidullah Khan Dehlavi, Chairman Board of Trustees, AKU; and Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, President, AKU.

More recently in June 2003, well-known humorist Mushtaq Ahmed Yusufi entertained over 700 appreciative listeners with his talk, "Dialogue on Humour". Delivering his lecture in Urdu, the wit and natural charm of Yusufi's oration and the immortal punch lines delivered in the form of conversations with colleagues, as well as well-known characters from his book, kept the audience in continuous fits of laughter.