KU syndicate members 'oppose' honorary PhD degree for Zakir Naik

The University of Karachi has approved an honorary PhD degree for Dr. Zakir Naik, a renowned Islamic preacher currently visiting Pakistan. However, three syndicate members - Sadia Javed, Shahida Rehmani, and Sahibzada Moazzam Qureshi - 'opposed' the decision.

According to media reports, three syndicate members of KU cited concerns over Dr. Naik's views on women. These members were nominated by the Sindh government.

The approval was granted during a syndicate meeting chaired by Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalid Iraqi, despite the opposition.

The decision was made after receiving a letter from the Sindh Governor's Secretariat on October 1 regarding the honorary degree .

Sindh Governor Kamran Tesuri, as chancellor of public sector universities, had already approved the award.

It's worth noting that the University of Karachi followed established protocols and sought permission from the Department of Universities and Boards of the Government of Sindh before approving the decision . After receiving the department's consent, a meeting of the syndicate was convened.

The dissenting members' concerns highlight the importance of considering diverse perspectives in academic decisions.