Saturday 24 Oct, 2026
Metro53 - Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider on Thursday conferred honorary Doctor of Philosophy degrees on three prominent business leaders and philanthropists in recognition of their contributions to education, healthcare, social welfare and national development.
The recipients were Pakistani-American entrepreneur and philanthropist Tanweer Ahmed, business leader Abdul Karim Paracha and textile industrialist S.M. Tanveer. The ceremony was held at Governor House, Lahore.
According to the University of Lahore (UOL), the honorary degrees were recommended by its Board of Governors and approved by the governor in his capacity as the university’s patron under Section 6(3) of the University of Lahore Ordinance, 2002.
Mr Ahmed, a Houston-based Pakistani-American businessman and philanthropist, was recognised for his contributions to education and youth development. He is also a recipient of the Hilal-i-Imtiaz.
The university highlighted his recent contribution of $11.5 million to a private-sector university to support 400 students annually, describing the initiative as part of his efforts to expand educational opportunities.
Mr Paracha was recognised for his contributions to healthcare and his long-standing service in Pakistan’s maritime and logistics sector. He has served as a trustee of the Indus Hospital and Health Network since 2007 and as its chairman since 2020. He received a lifetime achievement award from the prime minister in 2015, according to the information provided by the university.
Mr Tanveer, a prominent textile industrialist, was honoured for his contributions to Pakistan’s business and industrial sectors. He has held leadership positions in the All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Punjab Small Industries Corporation and Millat Tractors. He has also served as provincial caretaker minister for industries and commerce.
Speaking at the ceremony, University of Lahore Board of Governors Chairman Awais Raoof said the institution had so far conferred seven honorary doctoral degrees on distinguished personalities in recognition of their contributions to society and the country.
He said the university remained committed to promoting research, innovation and commercialisation alongside educational excellence, adding that recognising individuals who had contributed to social welfare and national development could inspire others to serve their communities.
