Sindh CM Praises AIOU’s Role in Promoting Education

By: Aziz Khatri

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday lauded the role of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in making education accessible to all segments of society, saying the institution has played a pivotal role in overcoming barriers of distance, time and circumstance.

Addressing the 2025 Convocation of AIOU’s Sindh Chapter at Bahria Auditorium, Karsaz, on January 4, 2026, the chief minister, who was the chief guest, reaffirmed his government’s strong commitment to education, terming it the foundation of a balanced society and a strong state.

Speaking to a large gathering of graduates, faculty members and parents, Syed Murad Ali Shah said that the convocation was not merely a degree-awarding ceremony but a celebration of perseverance, hard work and hope. He emphasized that education empowers individuals and enables nations to progress with dignity and purpose.

The chief minister paid rich tribute to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) founder Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for envisioning an educational institution that could reach the common citizen. He described AIOU as a living symbol of that vision, stating that it has become a beacon of knowledge guiding millions of students across Pakistan.

Recalling a historic moment, Shah noted that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had enrolled in a short-term course at AIOU during her first tenure as prime minister, underscoring that true leadership lies in the continuous pursuit of learning.

Congratulating the graduating students, the chief minister termed their degrees as “receipts of success” that reflected their inner strength, determination and sacrifices. He urged the graduates to consider their education not only as a personal achievement but also as a responsibility to promote social justice, tolerance and human dignity.

“Your knowledge must be used to uplift society intellectually and morally,” he said, adding that educated youth play a crucial role in shaping a progressive and inclusive nation.

Syed Murad Ali Shah stressed that the Sindh government views education not as a routine administrative matter but as a guarantee of the country’s future. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of parents, who often set aside their own needs to support their children’s education.

The chief minister praised AIOU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Nasser Mahmood and the university’s faculty for sustaining the mission of knowledge and learning despite numerous challenges. He added that the provincial government is taking serious steps to expand distance education and promote lifelong learning opportunities across Sindh.

The convocation concluded with the distribution of gold medals and degrees among successful students from various districts of the province.