Kuala Lumpur, October 7, 2025: The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) on Tuesday conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Governance upon Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, recognizing his distinguished public service and leadership in nation-building.
The conferment ceremony was held at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC-IIUM) in Kuala Lumpur and officiated by the university’s Constitutional Head, Her Majesty Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Prime Minister Shehbaz is currently in Malaysia on a three-day official visit at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. During the visit, he held delegation-level talks, met senior Malaysian officials, and addressed an investment conference.
In his acceptance address, Shehbaz Sharif said he was deeply humbled by the recognition, calling it a “great privilege and honour” to be associated with an institution that upholds the integration of knowledge, faith, and ethics. Reflecting on his four decades in public service, including his multiple terms as Chief Minister of Punjab, he reaffirmed his commitment to serving Pakistan with “sincerity, dedication, and transparency.”
“Leadership is a sacred trust that must be exercised with honesty, justice, and accountability,” the prime minister said. He emphasized the importance of educational collaboration between Pakistan and Malaysia, expressing hope that his visit would pave the way for greater academic and institutional partnerships.
Addressing the challenges confronting the Muslim world, Prime Minister Shehbaz urged unity, compassion, and adherence to Islamic values to regain strength and dignity in the international community. Calling Pakistan’s youth a “blessing,” he stressed the need to empower them with education and opportunities to serve humanity.
In her remarks, Her Majesty Tunku Azizah praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s “visionary leadership, discipline, and compassion,” lauding his contributions to education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
“For over four decades, Prime Minister Shehbaz has exemplified leadership that transforms lives. Initiatives like the Punjab Education Endowment Fund have opened doors of higher learning to thousands who might never have dreamed of university education,” she said. “At a time when the world prizes image over integrity, His Excellency reminds us that true governance is built on sincerity, service, and steadfastness.”
She also commended Pakistan’s longstanding friendship with Malaysia, noting that the bilateral relationship had deepened under Shehbaz’s leadership. “This conferment is not just recognition of achievement; it celebrates shared values of justice, service, and excellence guided by faith,” she added.
Later, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Shehbaz described the honorary degree as “a symbol of deep-rooted intellectual and cultural ties” between Pakistan and Malaysia.
“With great humility, I accepted this honour on behalf of the people of Pakistan, reflecting our enduring friendship and shared values,” he wrote.
