Dr Zakir Naik awarded honorary degree by University of Karachi

KARACHI: The University of Karachi (KU) conferred an honorary degree on renowned religious scholar Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik at a special convocation held at Sindh Governor's House on October 9. This recognition acknowledges his remarkable efforts in promoting religious awareness.

The KU syndicate approved the honorary PhD degree (Honoris Causa) in Islamic Studies on October 8, following a recommendation from the Governor of Sindh, the university's chancellor. Dr Naik, born on October 18, 1965, in Bombay, India, is also celebrated for his work on comparative religions. He holds an MBBS degree from the University of Mumbai.

Currently residing in Malaysia, Dr Naik is visiting Pakistan as a state guest, delivering lectures in major cities and meeting dignitaries. The convocation ceremony drew notable attendees, including foreign diplomatic heads, senior education officers, and prominent civil society members and senior KU faculty members.

The chancellor praised Dr Naik's contributions, stating that honoring him was a prestigious moment for KU. Dr Naik was presented with the honorary degree by the chancellor, while KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid M Iraqi draped him with the academic robe.

A senior faculty member, Dr Shumaila Shafkat Ali, read out the citation, highlighting Dr Naik's international recognition as an Islamic public orator and founder of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and Peace TV. His notable works include "The Qur'an and Modern Science" and "Answers to Non-Muslims' Common Questions About Islam." Dr Naik received the prestigious King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam in 2015.

The University of Karachi takes pride in awarding this honorary degree to Dr Naik, recognising his positive impact on society through spreading Islam and clarifying misconceptions. His work significantly contributes to discussions on Islam, interfaith dialogue, and the relationship between religion and science.

--IV Desk

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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