DUHS Convocation 2025 celebrates nearly 2,900 graduates as girls top academic honours

KARACHI: Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) celebrated a major academic milestone at its 15th Convocation, where 2,894 graduates from medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing and allied health sciences formally received their degrees, marking the culmination of years of rigorous training and commitment to healthcare.

The ceremony, held at the Ojha Campus Cricket Ground in Karachi, brought together university leadership, faculty, parents and graduates in an atmosphere of pride and reflection. This year’s convocation stood out not only for its scale, but also for the remarkable academic dominance of female students, who secured the vast majority of top honours.

Navigating healthcare in the age of AI

Addressing the graduating class, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nazli Hossain highlighted the evolving challenges of modern healthcare, particularly in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancement. She stressed that while competition is increasing, long-term success depends on adaptability, ethical values, lifelong learning and perseverance.

She reminded graduates that healthcare remains fundamentally human-centered, emphasizing moral responsibility and compassion as essential qualities for future professionals.

Dow’s legacy and national contribution

Reflecting on the institution’s journey, the Vice Chancellor noted that Dow Medical College has completed 80 years, placing it among Pakistan’s oldest and most respected medical institutions. She recalled Dow’s contributions to landmark achievements in medicine and the pivotal role its alumni have played in strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare landscape.

Today, DUHS comprises more than 20 constituent institutes, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This growth, she said, reflects sustained government support, institutional vision and public trust.

Serving humanity and giving back

Graduates were encouraged to remain connected to their roots and serve the nation. Prof Dr Nazli Hossain urged those pursuing opportunities abroad to return with enhanced skills and contribute to Pakistan’s healthcare system. She also highlighted the unmatched clinical exposure offered through Civil Hospital Karachi and Dow-affiliated hospitals, calling it a training advantage few institutions globally can replicate.

Describing the university as a lifelong support system, she invited graduates to stay engaged through the DUHS alumni network.

Degrees across health disciplines

Degrees were conferred across a broad spectrum of programs, including MBBS, BDS, Pharm-D, DPT, nursing, biotechnology, radiology, optometry, public health and multiple postgraduate pathways such as PhD, MPhil, MD, MS, MDS and MPH.

Graduates represented Dow Medical College, Dow International Medical College, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Dow Dental College, Dow International Dental College, Dow College of Pharmacy and several allied health institutes.

Women dominate medals and awards

A defining highlight of the convocation was the outstanding performance of female graduates. Of the 22 gold medals awarded, 21 were secured by women, with only one going to a male graduate. Women also claimed all 13 Best Graduate Awards, reinforcing their leadership and excellence across disciplines.

The prestigious Best Graduate Award, named after the late Prof Muhammad Shafi Qureshi, was awarded to Tanveer Fatima of Dow Medical College.

Commitment reaffirmed

The ceremony concluded with an oath administered to MBBS graduates, reaffirming their commitment to serve humanity without discrimination and to uphold the ethical standards of the medical profession.

With its 15th Convocation, Dow University of Health Sciences once again underscored its mission to produce skilled, compassionate and globally competent healthcare professionals, prepared to serve both Pakistan and the international community with integrity.