KARACHI: As many as 473 students graduated from the Aga Khan University (AKU) in Pakistan were awarded degrees in the annual convocation on Wednesday.

According to a press release, students earned bachelor`s, master`s and doctoral degrees in 16 different fields in nursing, medicine and education. More than 70 per cent of the graduates are women.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan attended the event, as the university paid tribute to its late founder and first chancellor Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

`Our founding chancellor once said that the cornerstone of his vision was opportunitythe opportunity to build a better life for oneself and one`s family,` said AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin. `Looking out at the Class of 2024 today, I see women and men who are, without question, ready to play their part in creating a world that is rich in opportunity.

The longest-serving member of AKU`s Board of Trustees, Princess Zahra, wasappointed by Prince Rahim Aga Khan V to serve as the university`s pro-chancellor and act on his behalf. Her appointment was announced by the chair of the Board of Trustees Zakir Mahmood.

He cited Princess Zahra`s deep understanding of AKU`s plans, programmes and founding vision, and her close involvement in its growth and evolution over two decades.

`It brings me much happiness that mybrother, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, in accordance with my father`s wishes and the founding charter of AKU, has become Chancellor, she said, adding that she was deeply honoured on her appointment as AKU`s prochancellor.

`...Together in our respective roles we may continue to sustain and strengthen this remarkable institution, remaining true to our father`s vision for the university,` she said.

Valedictorian Mustafa Saiyoum said. `As graduates of AKU, we are charged with the responsibility to carry this vision forward to bridge gaps, create solutions and be agents of positive change.

Saira Parveen received the School of Nursing and Midwifery`s Outstanding Graduate Award, and Shahnoor Ahmed received the Medical College`s Best Graduate Award.

Associate Professor Shabina Ariff and Professor Sarah Saleem received the Award of Excellence in Research, Dean Adil Haider received the Award of Distinction and Professor Muhammad Rizwan Khan received the Award of Excellence in Teaching.