Sultana Siddiqui receives honorary doctorate from UK university

KARACHI: HUM Network President Sultana Siddiqui was awarded an honorary doctorate by Buckinghamshire New University in recognition of her contributions to media, women empowerment, and society.

The award was presented to Siddiqui by Dr Christopher Lewis, Associate Dean (Education) at Buckinghamshire New University, during a ceremony held at the university.

Dr Lewis said: “I am delighted to present Sultana Siddiqui for the award of an Honorary Doctorate from Buckinghamshire New University. Sultana is a pioneering media entrepreneur, award-winning creative director, cultural ambassador, and a champion of women’s empowerment. She exemplifies bold vision, innovative leadership, and profound social impact.”

“Her career started as a television producer and director, where her early work earned wide acclaim for its cultural insight and storytelling craft. Over time, she became a leading voice in shaping public broadcasting content that engaged audiences across generations. Two decades later, she made the bold decision to leave state television and carve a new path as an independent leader in Pakistan’s evolving media industry,” Dr Lewis said.

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He noted that she founded a television network, later renamed HUM Network, and launched HUM TV — becoming the first woman in South Asia to establish a television network.

Under her leadership, the network grew into a major international broadcaster, reaching audiences in over 100 countries through multiple channels and platforms.

He said that her creative output includes some of Pakistan’s most celebrated dramas. Most recently, she returned to production with Mann Jogi, a poignant miniseries tackling issues of social injustice. Her career has had a transformative cultural impact, helping to bring people together across borders.

Dr Lewis said HUM Network, under her direction, has become a values-driven company focused on diversity, opportunity, and innovation. She has consistently promoted women into leadership roles and has served as a visible and influential role model for aspiring female entrepreneurs in Pakistan and globally.

He added that Siddiqui’s connection with Buckinghamshire New University is already well established. She hosted academic staff in Karachi and has contributed to entrepreneurship initiatives, generously sharing her insights and inspiring a philosophy of cross-cultural engagement.

“Her commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and creative excellence aligns perfectly with our values at Buckinghamshire New University,” Dr Lewis said. “We are thrilled to welcome and honour such a powerful advocate and ambassador for the university.”

In her speech, Sultana Siddiqui said: “I’m delighted to accept this award and look forward to being part of the university’s community of students and staff, and to supporting its long-held mission to transform the lives of its students at Buckinghamshire New University. I accept this honorary doctorate not just for myself, but for every woman who dared to dream when the world told her not to.”

She said: “Many years ago, in the conservative society of Pakistan, I found myself at a crossroads. As a young divorced mother with three kids, living in a country where women — especially single women — were expected to stay invisible and unheard. I chose the path least travelled and entered television. Not because it was easy or accepted, but because I believed in the power of stories to change minds and touch hearts.”

Sultana Siddiqui said, “There was resistance, but I had something stronger resilience. Over the years, with the blessing of God and the support of those who believed in me, I founded HUM Network — the first media company in Pakistan led by a woman and now a global platform with over one billion viewers. But my proudest achievement is not the scale of the network, it is the shift we created in how women are portrayed, how their stories are valued, and how the screen can become a space for expression and empowerment.”

She said: “This honour comes not just as a recognition, but as a responsibility — to speak about what truly transforms a society. No mission can progress when half its population is held back. The economic empowerment of women is not charity — it is a necessity. Through my journey, I have learned that financial independence is the foundation of dignity. A woman with her own income has a voice and a choice. The question before us is: who will shape the future? If we want to build a more peaceful and empathetic and sustainable world, we need more women at the table, in boardrooms, in parliaments, in production houses, research labs, and yes at universities like this one.”

Sultana Siddiqui thanked Dr Sarah Williams, the team and faculty, guests and members of Buckinghamshire New University for this incredible honour