University of Karachi Approves Honorary PhD for Dr Zakir Naik

The University of Karachi (KU) has approved an honorary PhD in Islamic Studies for renowned scholar Dr. Zakir Naik. The decision was made during a special syndicate meeting on Tuesday, chaired by KU Vice Chancellor Prof. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi.

The session was called following a recommendation from Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, who serves as the chancellor of public universities in the province. Dr. Naik, currently visiting Pakistan, is an Islamic scholar known for his contributions to the study of Islam.

However, the decision was not without opposition. According to sources, three members of the syndicate — MPA Sadia Javed, MNA Shahida Rehmani, and Sahibzada Moazzam Qureshi, all from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) — voiced their concerns during the meeting.

They expressed reservations about Dr. Naik’s views, particularly those related to women, and disagreed with the move to confer the honorary degree. A KU spokesperson confirmed that the special meeting was convened in response to the governor’s letter and that the recommendation for Dr. Naik’s honorary PhD had been put forward by the governor’s office.

Despite the dissent, the syndicate ultimately approved the decision to honor Dr. Zakir Naik with the degree, recognizing his scholarly work and influence in Islamic Studies.