KMU Holds 7th Convocation; Graduates Urged to Lead Future of Healthcare

The khyber pakhtunkhwa Minister for Health, Khaliq-ur-Rehman, who also serves as Pro-Chancellor of Khyber Medical University (KMU) Peshawar, has stated that the provincial government is implementing a comprehensive health reform agenda in line with the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan. He remarked that today’s ceremony was not merely a convocation for the distribution of degrees but a shining reflection of the hard work, determination, and talent of the younger generation, as well as a testament to the institution’s relentless efforts in advancing medical education, research, and humanitarian service. He expressed these views while addressing the 7th Convocation of KMU as the Chief Guest.
The ceremony was attended by Chairman Board of Governors, Lady Reading Hospital, Professor Dr. Nosherwan Burki, as Guest of Honour. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia ul Haq, Registrar Inam ullah Wazir, members of the Senate and Syndicate, deans, faculty members, administrative staff, parents, and a large number of students were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the graduating students, the health minister said that they were entering a new phase of life. “You are no longer just students but professionals entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding human health, hope, and the future,” he noted. He added that while their degrees reflected years of dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance, they also carried a responsibility to serve humanity, provide healing to patients, and promote innovation and research in medicine—particularly within their own communities. He emphasized that medicine is not merely a profession but a sacred service.
The Minister also congratulated the parents whose prayers, sacrifices, and encouragement enabled the graduates to reach this milestone. He paid tribute to the teachers and mentors for not only imparting knowledge but also shaping the graduates’ character, ethical values, and professional integrity. He remarked that KMU has become a symbol of academic and research excellence in the province, producing doctors, healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators who are serving both nationally and internationally. He highlighted that research, evidence-based medical practice, and high academic standards have become the hallmark of the university, making it not just an academic institution but a strong pillar of the healthcare system and a guarantee of a brighter future.
In his address, Professor Dr. Nowsherwan Burki stated that the convocation marked not the end but the beginning of a new journey—one filled with challenges as well as opportunities to serve humanity and bring positive change to society. He encouraged graduates from the underdeveloped province to consider careers in medical education and research, emphasizing that the investment made in their education carries a responsibility to give back. He added that wealth alone does not define success; the satisfaction derived from serving humanity is incomparable, and he expressed hope that graduates would continue to enhance their professional skills with this mission in mind.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia ul Haq, while addressing the gathering, said that KMU’s successful journey in education and research since its establishment is the result of a clear vision, a strong system, and effective teamwork. Over the past nineteen years, KMU has achieved remarkable success in medical, dental, basic medical sciences, public health, medical education, pharmacy, nursing, DPT, and allied sciences—an accomplishment that reflects exemplary leadership, collective coordination, and the shared commitment of all stakeholders. He added that the university’s 75 PhD faculty members across various disciplines are a valuable asset, and through collaboration with Lady Reading Hospital, KMU aims to establish a model medical college that will serve as a global benchmark in medical education.
Earlier, Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented in recognition of outstanding medical, academic, and research contributions to Professor Dr. Nowsherwan Burki; former Principal of KMC, Professor Dr. Ijaz Hassan Khan; Member of the Planning Commission of Pakistan, Dr. Najeebullah; Chairman of the Social Health Protection Initiative Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Riaz Tanoli; and Principal of KMU Institute of Medical Sciences Kohat, Professor Dr. Musarrat Jabeen. In addition, 30 undergraduate and 33 postgraduate students received gold medals across various disciplines, while degrees—including PhD, MPhil, Master’s, and BS—were awarded to 718 undergraduate and 217 postgraduate students.