Three KU syndicate members oppose honorary PhD for Dr Zakir Naik

KARACHI: Although the University of Karachi has approved the awarding of an honorary PhD degree to Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik, who is currently visiting Pakistan, three syndicate members opposed the decision, citing his views on women..

According to sources, the formal approval for the honorary degree was granted during a syndicate meeting chaired by KU Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Iraqi. However, three members of the syndicate, nominated by the Sindh government, expressed their concerns and opposed the decision.

The dissent from the three members was noted in the minutes of the meeting released after the session.

The KU syndicate had received a letter from the Sindh Governor’s Secretariat on October 1 regarding the awarding of the honorary PhD to Dr Zakir Naik.

Despite the opposition by the three members, the KU syndicate approved the honorary degree by a majority vote.

Those who opposed the decision were Sadia Javed, Shahida Rehmani and Sahibzada Moazzam Qureshi.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tesuri, as a chancellor of public sector universities, had approved the award of the honorary degree to Dr Zaki Naik.

Officials said that the University of Karachi adhered to the 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 officials said.