A sense of excitement and limitless vision beamed in the eyes of the 1,591 graduates as they received their degrees at the 27th Convocation of the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) on Saturday. Aspiring entrepreneurs and future leaders were jubilant as they celebrated this milestone with their proud parents. Among the graduating class, 24 distinguished students were awarded gold medals, while 44 received merit certificates. Degrees were awarded in various programs including BBA, BS, MBA, MS, MPhil and PhD.
The event was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori as the Chief Guest; Dr. Gohar Ejaz, former caretaker Federal Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Production, as the Guest of Honor; and former caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaarul Haq Kakar.
The Keynote Speaker was Yasmin Fasih, an IoBM alumna from the first batch (1997), currently serving as the Regional Human Resource Manager for Operations Execution in the Asia-Pacific region at Maersk, Singapore.
Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, in his address, encouraged the graduates to reflect on the day their parents accompanied them on their first day of school and how their unwavering support has guided them to this significant milestone.
He praised the visionary leadership of IoBM’s late Founder President, Shahjehan Syed Karim, for establishing this prestigious institute of higher learning. Tessori called upon the youth to raise their voices, take initiative, and work toward creating a brighter and more promising future for themselves and the nation.
The Governor also highlighting the invaluable contributions of IoBM’s late Founder President, Shahjehan Syed Karim, to the field of education, announced his intention to recommend to the President of Pakistan that he be posthumously honored with the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz.
Dr. Gohar Ejaz highlighted that the seats occupied by the graduates today represent less than one percent of all graduates, emphasizing the exclusivity and privilege of their achievement. He noted the immense opportunities available in Pakistan and presented an economic overview of the country, illustrating how graduates can contribute to various sectors. “We have immense potential to grow, and what we need today is you!” he concluded.
IoBM President Talib Karim presented the Institute’s Progress Report, underscoring IoBM’s dedication to achieving AACSB accreditation, expanding global partnerships for alumni, and integrating advanced technology into the curriculum to enhance the learning experience. He also highlighted the efforts of IoBM’s Center for Islamic Business and Finance, which is actively aligning its initiatives with the broader developmental goals set by the government.
In his Welcome Address, IoBM Chancellor Bashir Janmohammad advised the graduates to always respect their parents. He encouraged them to dream big and develop entrepreneurial skills to add value to their lives and careers. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of parents in helping students achieve their dreams.
Anwaarul Haq Kakar expressed his excitement about being among the youth, stating: “I feel energized when I am surrounded by young minds brimming with vigor. A formal education helps channel this energy toward meaningful objectives.” He encouraged the graduates to actively contribute to building an egalitarian society where everyone fulfills their role according to their abilities, describing it as the Pakistani dream we must collectively strive to achieve. He also urged the graduates to embrace new aspirations, emphasizing that creativity is deeply connected to the essence of life.
During her keynote speech, Yasmin Fasih remarked: “Today, we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in your lives.” She commended the graduates for their hard work and perseverance, reflecting on her own journey at IoBM and how it played a pivotal role in her success. “Remain deliberate and purposeful in your approach, embrace lifelong learning, and don’t hesitate to take chances in life,” she encouraged.
Valedictorian Rida Asif, the proud recipient of the Shahjehan Syed Karim Gold Medal, highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility in her address. She encouraged her fellow graduates to utilize their education and skills to drive meaningful change and make a positive impact on society.
IoBM’s 27th Convocation celebrated a diverse cohort of graduates, each with a unique academic journey, now poised to embark on their professional endeavors and contribute meaningfully to Pakistan. The ceremony marked a pivotal moment, ushering in a new chapter filled with promise and the potential for significant societal impact.
As they step into the world, these graduates carry the values and knowledge instilled by IoBM, well-equipped to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. This Convocation, much like its 26 predecessors, has produced graduates who now hold key positions across various sectors, including corporate, banking, and entrepreneurial ventures, both within Pakistan and internationally.
Since its inception in 1995, IoBM has become a hub of academic excellence. It comprises four constituent colleges: the College of Business Management (CBM), the College of Computer Science and Information Systems (CCSIS), the College of Engineering and Sciences (CES), and the College of Economics and Social Development (CESD). These colleges offer a diverse range of degree programs, encompassing disciplines such as business management, accounting and finance, entrepreneurship, computer science, data science, software engineering, technology management, engineering management, psychology, economics, and media studies among others.
Across over thirty disciplines offered, IoBM emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum that extends beyond traditional learning. Students explore core areas while cultivating essential skills like leadership, social awareness, and innovation. Experiential learning is central to the academic experience, fostering teamwork, interpersonal communication, foreign language proficiency, and the ability to navigate diverse work environments.
The Institute of Business Management (IoBM) was the vision of its late Founder President, Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim, who envisioned establishing an institution of higher education in Pakistan. Since 1995, IoBM, under the leadership of President Mr. Talib Syed Karim, Vice President of the Foundation for Higher Education and Chief Advisor to IoBM Ms. Sabina Mohsin, along with the Rector, Deans, and Heads of Departments, have been striving to pursue and uphold the standards and principles set forth by its late Founder President.
The 24 recipients of the gold medals at the IoBM Convocation were: Fatima Sarwar (BBA (Honors) – Janmohammad Dawood), M. Mohib Zafar (BBA (Honors) – Meezan Bank), Laiba Gul Durrani (BBA (Honors) – Ghulam Faruque), Tahreem d/o Aqeel Ahmed Shaikh (BBA (Honors)- Shan Foods), Maaha Jetha (BBA (Honors) – Mondelez Pakistan), Sandesh Kumar (BS (Honors) Accountancy, Management and Law – Faizan Steel), Muhammad Faizan Abid (BS (Actuarial Science and Risk Management) – EFU Life Assurance), Simran Ashok (BS (Computer Science- PayPak), Yameena Nasir (BS (Honors) Accounting and Finance – EFU Life Assurance), Syeda Manahil Amin (BS (Honors) Accounting and Finance – Westbury Group of Companies), Madiha Zehra Misri (BS (Data Science) – Dr. Ahmer Syed Karim), Aiyza Ahmed (BS (Mathematics and Economics) – Imam Ali Kazi Memorial), Maira Rais (BS (Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership) – Management Association of Pakistan), Zulekha Adnan (BS (Industrial Management) – Upfield Pakistan), Siddiqa Asim (BS (Entrepreneurship) -Tufail Industries), Alishba Khursheed (BS (Economics, Law and International Relations) – S. H. Hashmi Memorial), Laiba Adnan (BS (Honors) Business and Psychology – DVAGO), Eisha Wahid (BS (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) – Afeef Packages), Rida Asif (BS (Honors) Economics and Finance – Shahjehan Syed Karim), Alifya Tinwala (BS (Education) – Dr. Essa’s Laboratory), Ursalan Ilyas (MBA (Industrial Management) – President IoBM), Lalit Kumar (MBA (Weekend) – Orient McCann), Yaseen Raza Haider (MBA (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) – Jubilee General Insurance) and Muhammad Abbas (MSc in Organizational Psychology and HRM – Tabba Foundation).
Merit certificates were awarded to students across various degree programs, as follows: BBA (Honors): Ayesha Khan, Haris Muhammad Shahid, Fiza d/o Imtiaz Hassan, Amina Butt, Maria Nisar, Zainab d/o Muhammad Javed, Shamikh Pervez, Humza Ahmed Khan, Bushra Nadeem, Haya Khan, Mohammad Hamza Brohi, Ayesha Abdul Samad, Khadija Siddiqi, Aimen Adnan, Unzilla Shaikh, Farzeen d/o Karim, Maham Saqib, Tooba Najm-ul-Hasan, Sara Ghani, Umm-e-Abiha Ameer and Saad Iftikhar. BS (Honors) Accountancy, Management and Law: Areeba d/o Muhammad Jawaid and Minahil Fakhir. BS (Computer Science): Mubashir Bhania. BS (Honors) Accounting and Finance: Rizwan Abbas, Muhammad Ali Imran Mamsa, Syed Mohammad Saud Tauqir and Daniya Nadir Merchant. BS (Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership): Hira Sohail and Asma d/o Abdul Hafeez. BS (Honors) Business and Psychology: Manal Tariq, Ayesha Tariq Khan, Sania Khalid, Fatima Ahmed, Aqsa d/o Muhammad Shahid and Rihab Khalid Khan. BS (Honors) Economics and Finance: Ramsha Shaikh. BS (Education): Arwa Abbas. B.Ed.: Eman Sadiq, Hira Ahmed and Maria Ahmed. M.Phil (Organizational Psychology): Tayyiba Imtiaz. PhD (Education): Diana Louisa Ambrose and Dania Shoaib Khan.
The 27th Convocation of IoBM was not just a celebration of academic achievements but a testament to the unwavering support of parents and the faculty members. This convocation was more than just a graduation ceremony; it was a celebration of triumph, a testament to the dedication and hard work of the graduating class, and a reminder of the bright future that awaits them.