IBA Karachi awards 1,184 degrees at Convocation 2023

First cohort of MS Finance Program graduates

December 02, 2023: The Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi held its convocation for the Class of 2023 at the Main Campus. It marked a momentous occasion as 1,184 graduates were conferred degrees in several disciplines. The graduating batch included 776 graduates from six undergraduate programs, 403 graduates from ten postgraduate programs, and five graduates from three PhD programs.

The Chief Guest of the ceremony was Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh and Patron IBA, Justice (Retd.) Maqbool Baqar. Dr. Azra Raza, Chan Soon-Shiong Professor of Medicine and Clinical Director, Edward P. Evans Foundation MDS Center, Columbia University in New York attended as Guest of Honor.

The Executive Director, IBA Karachi, Dr. S Akbar Zaidi congratulated the graduating students and said, “I applaud each one of you for reaching this significant milestone in your educational journey as your hard work has come to fruition. Graduation is a time of celebration and reflection and signifies the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. I encourage you all to excel in your selected walks of life and continue the legacy of excellence that is the hallmark of IBA.”

“I am delighted to share that almost 40% of our graduates are young women and this year almost half the PhD graduates are females, which is a proud moment for the Institute as IBA takes immense pride in empowering our women in every field”, said Dr. Zaidi.

Dr. Zaidi emphasized IBA's transition and said, “We are more than a business school as we have expanded our disciplines and today, I extend my heartiest congratulations to the first cohort of MS Finance for excelling in their academic pursuits and expect the same commitment from them in their professional paths.” He also highlighted IBA's commitment to diversity and inclusivity by enrolling students from all socioeconomic backgrounds with currently 30% of the IBA students receiving some form of financial assistance.

Dr. Raza congratulated the graduates and said, “You are now entering a world where things are uncertain and unpredictable. But having said that the future is open to possibilities and as young, competent, empowered individuals, it is your duty to fight all the challenges for a fabulous future.”

Speaking about the immense capabilities of a human brain, she quoted renowned American poet Emily Dickinson and likened the human brain to a sponge ready to soak up knowledge. She urged the graduates to be consistent in the pursuit of their conquests and encouraged them to never give up on their dreams, even if it meant making sacrifices to reach their potential.

Narrating Pakistan’s Founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s exemplary characteristics of honesty and delivering results, she urged the young graduates to learn from his life of numerous phenomenal achievements and to emulate him in all walks of life. She also quoted famous poets, Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Mir Taqi Mir to reiterate that one must make life meaningful. She urged the graduates to be proactive in life’s journey and to ask questions and make the most of every available opportunity.

Justice (Retd.) Baqar stated that he was honored to celebrate the graduation day of the country's future leaders. He emphasized the transformative power of education at IBA, urging graduates to embody patriotism, discipline, and responsible citizenship. He stated, “Just as your IBA journey exposed you to a diverse academic environment, remember to carry the same spirit of acceptance and respect into your interactions with the world”. Highlighting the responsibility of IBA graduates as future leaders, he encouraged them to contribute responsibly to the society and towards Pakistan’s progress by embracing and celebrating diversity as Pakistan is a nation of various cultures, languages, and traditions.

The convocation ceremony featured the position holders in various degree programs who were awarded medals, shields and certificates of merit. Swimming champion, Ali Raza Khan (Class of 2024), was awarded the 'Excellence in Sports' award.