ISLAMABAD, Oct 21 (APP): The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) on Wednesday conferred an honorary doctorate in Politics and International Relations on President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, in recognition of his distinguished public service, leadership, and socio-economic advancement of his country, besides his contributions to the Muslim Ummah.
The honorary doctorate was conferred on the Maldivian president at the 13th Special Convocation held at the Prime Minister’s House, following the delegation-level talks and exchange of MoUs between the two sides to deepen bilateral ties across multiple sectors.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Muizzu is undertaking a three-day state visit to Pakistan accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, and a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior officials. This is the first visit by a Maldivian President to Pakistan in eleven years, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1966.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, members of the federal cabinet, delegation members of the Maldivian President, Rector of IIUI Professor Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, and senior government officials.
The degree was awarded on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari, in his capacity as Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the IIUI.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, accompanied by the IIU Rector, presented the honorary degree to President Muizzu.
Reading the citation for the conferment, Vice President Academics Dr. Nadeem Ahmed Sheikh said that the degree was conferred in recognition of President Muizzu’s distinguished public service, leadership, governance reforms, institutional development of his country, and his dedication to upholding Islamic values, promoting justice and equality, and his contributions to the Muslim Ummah.
In his remarks, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recalled receiving his doctorate 17 years ago, stating that receiving this recognition from IIUI was beyond anything he could have envisioned at the time.
“This honorary doctorate in Politics and International Relations is deeply meaningful… It matters because, although it has been given to me, it is the people of the Maldives who have earned it. And it is the friendship of your great nation that has conferred it. I receive this honour, and through it, you honour my people, my country, and the friendship we share,” he remarked.
He said that in an era of extraordinary technological advancement, the world continued to face conflict, injustice, and human suffering, making moral responsibility paramount.
He praised IIUI for representing the ideal that faith and knowledge must advance hand in hand to serve humanity.
The Maldivian president said that his country also stood for some important ideals.
“Although we may be a small island nation, we believe firmly that dignity is not measured by landmass, nor is integrity determined by economic or military strength… We believe that every nation deserves respect. We believe that every people deserves dignity. And we believe every generation deserves the opportunity to inherit a more peaceful and just world,” he said, expressing the hope for the continued strengthening and flourishing of the brotherly ties between Pakistan and the Maldives.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
