Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) held its 22nd Convocation at the Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024. A total of 1,450 graduates received their degrees in a ceremony that marked a significant milestone for Pakistan’s first public-sector university dedicated exclusively to women’s higher education.
His Excellency Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Governor of Punjab and Chancellor of FJWU, attended the ceremony as Chief Guest, while Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, was also present. Degrees were awarded to 1,203 undergraduate students, 214 MPhil scholars, 32 PhD recipients, and one master’s graduate. Among the many inspiring moments of the day, a mother-daughter duo— Dr Hina Gul and Ms Nimra Yasmeen—received their PhD and BS degrees together, highlighting the university’s role in intergenerational empowerment.
In recognition of academic excellence, 44 gold medals and 23 silver medals were awarded to top-performing students. Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan praised the university’s leadership and faculty for their contributions to women’s education and urged the graduates to remain adaptive and committed to lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving world.
Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Bushra Mirza, a recipient of the Pride of Performance and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, spoke about the university’s growth and impact. FJWU now hosts over 8,000 students and offers nearly 90 degree programs across 29 departments. Its academic team includes 163 faculty members, 108 of whom hold PhDs. The university’s alumni network has expanded to over 24,000 professionals contributing globally.
Recent academic achievements include the launch of 14 new degree programs, the publication of 278 faculty research papers, and the completion of 172 academic engagements. The university’s BS programs in Computer Science and Environmental Sciences received formal accreditation.
FJWU’s Business Incubation Centre, classified in the X-Category, has supported more than 50 startups and hosted International Women Entrepreneurship Day 2024. It has also attracted PKR 24 million in funding from sources including USAID and HEC. The university signed 15 memoranda of understanding with organizations such as the U.S. Embassy, University of Essex, First Women Bank, NIC Islamabad, and RCCI, aimed at enhancing research collaborations, student mobility, and innovation.
Infrastructure and administrative advancements included the implementation of an Online Management System, a 724 kW solar energy project funded by HEC, and internal restructuring for increased efficiency. Student innovation was also recognized, with projects such as the Speech Enabled Machine Translation System, Echoguide, and the AI-powered Burn Medic app receiving national acclaim.
On the global stage, FJWU secured a ranking of 501–520 in Asia and 34th in Pakistan in the QS Asia Rankings 2025. It was also ranked 401 globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and placed 91st in the 2024 WURI rankings, with notable recognition in gender equality and quality education.
The university further launched new internship initiatives in media, banking, and defense, along with a Digital Pakistan Fellowship in collaboration with Jazz, and the Women Empowerment & Mentoring Program. A dedicated IT Skill Center for Students with Special Needs was established under USAID’s HESSA initiative.
In sports, Ms. Nimra Rafiq from the Education Department led Pakistan’s Women’s Blind Cricket Team in its international debut in Australia, symbolizing FJWU’s broad-based approach to empowerment.
Dr Bushra Mirza concluded the ceremony by applauding the dedication of students, faculty, alumni, and families, emphasizing that the pursuit of knowledge must lead to leadership and meaningful societal contributions. Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan reiterated his congratulations to the graduates and acknowledged the efforts of the university’s leadership in fostering a culture of excellence, resilience, and inspiration.
Related: FJWU Sparks Innovation Dialogue with NIC Islamabad
The 22nd Convocation of Fatima Jinnah Women University stood as a powerful testament to its enduring mission of shaping a progressive Pakistan through the education and empowerment of women.