Shehbaz Sharif Urges Muslim Unity, Receives Honorary PhD from IIUM Malaysia

Muslim Ummah can regain its lost glory by adhering to Islamic values and principles: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses honorary degree ceremony in Malaysia
 

Kuala Lumpur, October 7, 2025 Ali Imran Chattha 

Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that the Muslim Ummah can regain its lost position among the nations of the world by upholding its values and practicing true Islamic principles. He emphasized that leadership is not a privilege but a sacred trust that must be carried out with honesty, sincerity, justice, and accountability.
The Prime Minister expressed these views while addressing the honorary PhD degree awarding ceremony in Leadership and Governance at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

The event was attended by Her Majesty Tengku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, Queen of the Malaysian state of Pahang and Constitutional Head of IIUM, Minister for Higher Education Dato’ Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Minister of Communications Dato’ Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil, President Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain, Rector Professor Osman Bakar, and members of the Pakistani delegation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said it was a great honor for him to receive an honorary doctorate from such a prestigious seat of learning. He described IIUM as a beacon of knowledge, faith, and morality that continues to combine intellectual and spiritual growth for the progress of the Muslim world.
The Prime Minister reflected on his over four decades of public service, first dedicating himself to the people of Punjab and now to the entire nation as Pakistan’s Prime Minister. He said he has always served the people with integrity, sincerity, and steadfast commitment.
Highlighting the challenges facing the Muslim world — including poverty, internal conflicts, and disunity — he stressed the need for Muslims to hold firmly to the values and ethics taught by Islam to regain their rightful place among the global community.
The Prime Minister expressed his desire to strengthen educational collaboration between Pakistan and Malaysia. He said both countries have a young and dynamic population, and it is the duty of their leaders to provide opportunities for youth to serve humanity with compassion and determination.
Quoting the great philosopher-poet Allama Iqbal, he said:
“Read again the lesson of truth, justice, and courage —
For you are destined to lead the world to its spiritual rebirth.”
Shehbaz Sharif prayed for continued success of the International Islamic University Malaysia and for stronger bonds of friendship, brotherhood, and prosperity between Pakistan and Malaysia.
During the ceremony, Her Majesty Tengku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah conferred the honorary doctorate on the Prime Minister. She praised his four decades of visionary, disciplined, and compassionate public service, noting that his leadership demonstrates that true power lies not in authority but in purpose.

She cited his establishment of the Punjab Education Endowment Fund, which opened the doors of higher education for thousands of underprivileged students, and described his leadership as one that “touches hearts and builds futures.”
Her Majesty added that in an era when the world often values grandeur over morality, Shehbaz Sharif’s example reminds us that good governance is rooted in sincerity, service, and strength of character.
She concluded with a prayer that the honorary award serves as a source of divine blessings and guidance for peace and harmony among humanity.