Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was conferred an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Leadership and Governance by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in recognition of his “outstanding leadership and contributions to nation-building.” The award was presented during a special ceremony held at IIUM’s Kuala Lumpur campus during his three-day official visit to Malaysia, which began on October 5.
The event was graced by Queen of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who serves as the university’s constitutional head. Wearing a blue academic gown, PM Shehbaz called it a “great privilege and honour” to receive the degree from one of the Muslim world’s most prestigious institutions.
“For over four decades, I have devoted my humble efforts to serving the people of Punjab and now, as Prime Minister of Pakistan, I have continued that mission with sincerity and commitment,” he said in his address. “Leadership is not a privilege but a sacred trust—an amanah—that must be exercised with honesty, justice, and accountability before Allah.”
The Prime Minister praised IIUM’s commitment to integrating faith, ethics, and knowledge, noting that the university’s values resonated deeply with his own philosophy of governance. He expressed hope that his visit would open new avenues of academic collaboration between IIUM and leading universities in Pakistan.
Reflecting on the challenges facing the Muslim world, Shehbaz urged unity and ethical leadership. “At a time when our ummah faces conflict, poverty, and disunity, it is imperative that we hold fast to our values and reclaim our rightful place in the community of nations,” he said.
Addressing the Pahang queen, Shehbaz commended Malaysia’s youthful population and emphasized the duty of leaders to create opportunities for young people to serve humanity with compassion and dedication. He also recited verses from Allama Iqbal, highlighting the shared cultural and intellectual heritage of Pakistan and Malaysia.
In her remarks, Queen Tunku Azizah praised Shehbaz Sharif’s “vision, discipline, and compassion” throughout his career. “From your leadership in Punjab to your role as Prime Minister, you have shown that true leadership is not about power but about purpose—about uplifting communities through education, healthcare, and opportunity,” she said.
She lauded initiatives such as the Punjab Education Endowment Fund, which she said “opened doors of higher learning to thousands who might never have dreamt of university education.” The queen also reflected on the shared history between Pakistan and Malaysia, recalling Pakistan’s role as a founding partner of IIUM and the continued contribution of Pakistani students and alumni to the university’s mission of serving the Muslim ummah.
Touching upon the situation in Palestine, she expressed hope for “peace on earth and harmony among all mankind,” calling it the need of the hour in the face of global unrest.
Following the ceremony, PM Shehbaz posted on X (formerly Twitter), describing the recognition as a “truly humbling experience.” He added, “With great humility, I accepted this honour on behalf of the people of Pakistan as a symbol of the deep-rooted intellectual and cultural ties between our two nations.”
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The conferment marks a significant moment in Pakistan-Malaysia relations, underscoring shared values of faith, education, and public service, while honouring a leader who has spent decades in the pursuit of governance rooted in integrity and progress.