French Government Honours AKU President for Contribution to Pakistan and Education 

President Jacques Chirac of France honoured the President of AKU, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, by conferring the title of Officier de l'Ordre National du Mérite (Officer of the National Order of Merit).  One of the highest civil awards of France, the title recognised Dr. Kassim-Lakha's "extraordinary eminent and meritorious services to the cause of education and improvement of mankind.”

The French Ambassador, His Excellency Yannick Gerard, with Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, S.I., President, AKU, and Khadijah Kassim Lakha, during the French award investiture ceremony in Islamabad.

At a formal ceremony at his official residence in Islamabad,  the French Ambassador, His Excellency Yannick Gerard, presented the award on behalf of President Chirac, stating that it was a prestigious honour granted very occasionally to citizens of Pakistan. Dr. Kassim-Lakha is only the fourth recipient of the award since 1968.  Referring to his accomplishments, Ambassador Gerard recognized Dr. Kassim-Lakha's "selfless services which have been nationally and internationally recognised. Symbol of hope, relief and life for the suffering humanity, Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi is testimony to the vision, the determination and the dedication to mankind of His Highness the Aga Khan and all those who work under his direction for social welfare."

Addressing an audience of federal and provincial ministers, diplomats and leading academics, industrialists and opinion  makers, Dr. Kassim-Lakha acknowledged the award as an  honour to the people of Pakistan. He said, "It is an honour for my  country that France, with its strong tradition of culture and heritage, and its important and central position in Europe, should recognise the efforts of those who strive to enhance the quality of life in Pakistan, often under trying conditions."

In 1998, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan awarded Dr. Kassim-Lakha the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, one of the country's highest civil awards, in recognition of his sustained and eminent services in the fields of education and health care.  Earlier, Canada's McMaster University recognised his contributions to health education with the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.