The University of Karachi (KU) has approved an honorary PhD in Islamic Studies for Dr. Zakir Naik, a well-known Islamic scholar. The decision came during a special syndicate meeting chaired by KU Vice Chancellor Prof. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, following a recommendation from Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, who also serves as the chancellor of public universities in the province.
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Dr. Naik, who is currently visiting Pakistan, has made significant contributions to the study of Islam. However, the decision to grant the honorary degree faced opposition from some syndicate members, including MPA Sadia Javed, MNA Shahida Rehmani, and Sahibzada Moazzam Qureshi, all affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). They raised concerns over some of Dr. Naik’s views, particularly on women’s issues, and voiced their disagreement with the decision.
Despite the objections, the majority of the syndicate members supported the move, leading to the approval of the honorary degree. A KU spokesperson clarified that the special session was convened at the governor’s request, emphasizing that the honorary PhD recognizes Dr. Naik’s scholarly work in Islamic Studies.
