‘Institutions like SMIU serve as backbone in national development’

Institutions like the Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) serve as the backbone in fulfilling the mission of national development, said Governor Kamran Khan Tessori as the chief guest at the university’s sixth convocation.

Tessori expressed his happiness that the SMIU has entered a new era of academic maturity by awarding its first-ever PhD degree. “PhD is not just about research; it is about challenging boundaries, thinking deeply and adding something new to the world. Today’s milestone is a testament to the university’s progress not just in numbers but in knowledge, seriousness and reputation.”

He congratulated the graduating students, and acknowledged the dedication of the faculty and the sacrifices of the parents. He paid tributes to the teachers who guided the students with sincerity and knowledge, and also praised the parents for their enduring support.

Also speaking as the chief guest, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah noted that the SMIU, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s alma mater, continues to uphold its historic legacy by producing future leaders, promoting research and maintaining the highest academic standards.

Shah congratulated the university on producing its first PhD graduate, Abdullah Ayub, and praised Vice Chancellor Dr Mujeebuddin Sahrai Memon for streamlining postgraduate programmes. “This is a major academic milestone for the institution.”

He stressed the need for public and private universities to uphold rigorous standards in PhD programmes, noting that such degrees reflect both individual merit and institutional credibility. Terming the convocation a moment of pride and achievement, he said: “Today belongs to the students. You have worked hard and made sacrifices to reach this point. Your journey is inspiring, and I wholeheartedly congratulate each graduate.”

Highlighting the SMIU’s illustrious heritage, he described the university as a symbol of national pride, counting among its alumni historic figures such as Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto, Sir Abdullah Haroon, Allama II Kazi and Hanif Mohammad.

He paid tributes to its founder Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi, and said that the university’s 140-year-old legacy continues to shape Pakistan’s intellectual and civic landscape. Praising the university’s recent achievements, he noted that the SMIU had turned its financial deficit into surplus despite economic challenges. “This is a rare accomplishment in today’s inflationary environment.”

He lauded the institution’s rapid growth, including the tripling of student enrolment, and the development of modern academic facilities like a hi-tech computer lab, an AI lab, the Allama II Kazi Library and the Prof Sarosh Hashmat Lodi Youth Development Centre.

Referring to future expansion, he shared that the SMIU’s new Malir campus, situated on 100 acres in Education City, is expected to host up to 40,000 students. “This campus will not only expand access to quality education but also uplift the local economy through employment generation,” he pointed out. He assured full support of the provincial government for the university’s ongoing development.

He urged the graduates to stay curious, compassionate and committed to public service. “Your success is the success of Sindh. Your dreams are the aspirations of Pakistan,” he remarked. He congratulated the graduates and their families, and commended Dr Memon and his team for organising a successful convocation.