Islamabad, Oct 9: University of Karachi Grants Honorary PhD to Dr. Zakir Naik. Renowned academic Dr. Zakir Naik has been granted an honorary PhD in Islamic Studies by the University of Karachi (KU). Provost Khalid Mahmood Iraqi of KU presided over a special syndicate meeting on Tuesday during which the decision was taken.
The governor of Sindh, Kamran Tessori, who also acts as the chancellor of the public universities in the province, recommended calling the meeting. Known for his contributions to the study of Islam, Dr. Naik is an Islamic scholar who is currently in Pakistan.
Opposition to the decision did exist, though. Three syndicate members, Sahibzada Moazzam Qureshi, MPA Sadia Javed, and MNA Shahida Rehmani, all from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), reportedly expressed their concerns during the meeting.
A KU spokesperson confirmed that the special meeting was called in response to the governor’s letter and that the governor’s office had recommended Dr. Naik be awarded an honorary PhD. In spite of the opposition, the syndicate finally approved the decision to award Dr. Zakir Naik with the degree, recognizing his scholarly work and influence in Islamic Studies. They expressed reservations about Dr. Naik’s views, particularly those related to women, and disagreed with the move to confer the honorary degree.
