The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) celebrated the achievements of its Class of 2026 by awarding degrees to more than 1,500 graduates during four convocation ceremonies held over two days.
Students from the university’s five schools crossed the stage to receive their degrees after completing years of academic study, research and personal development. The graduating class represented the Suleman Dawood School of Business, Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, and the School of Education.
Read More: China Is Killing Thousands of University Degrees. Here’s Why
Families, faculty members, alumni and university leaders attended the ceremonies. Among those present were Pro Chancellor Abdul Razak Dawood, Rector Shahid Hussain, Vice Chancellor Dr. Ali Cheema, members of the Board of Trustees, deans and senior faculty members.
This year’s convocation also coincided with LUMS’ 40th anniversary, highlighting four decades of academic excellence and leadership. Since its establishment in 1984, LUMS has grown into one of Pakistan’s leading higher education institutions, with graduates serving in business, government, technology, law, academia and entrepreneurship across the world.
Vice Chancellor urges graduates to create opportunities
Addressing the graduating class, Vice Chancellor Dr. Ali Cheema encouraged students to use their education to make a lasting impact on society.
“As we celebrate forty years of LUMS, it is worth remembering that institutions are ultimately judged by the people they send into the world,” he said.
Dr. Cheema stressed that universities should do more than award degrees.
“As you leave LUMS today, I hope you will carry that purpose forward: by realising your own potential, helping others discover theirs, and expanding opportunities for generations to come.”
Read More:Â New Study Reveals Why Older Adults Tire Faster While Walking
The university also recognised students who demonstrated exceptional academic performance and leadership throughout their studies.
This year’s valedictorians included Ali Abbas Gilani from BA LL.B (Hons), Ahmad Ashraf from BS Computer Science, Hiba Humayun from BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance, and Maheen Mashhood from BA (Hons) History.
During their speeches, the graduates reflected on their years at LUMS and shared stories of resilience, personal growth and lifelong friendships. They also thanked their parents, faculty members, mentors and classmates for supporting them throughout their academic journey.
Distinguished speakers inspire graduates
The convocation featured keynote speeches by four prominent professionals from different fields.
Neha Mankani, founder of the Mama Baby Fund and a LUMS alumna, encouraged graduates to remain curious, lead with empathy and use their education to solve complex social challenges.
Zia Akhter Abbas, President and CEO of The Citizens Foundation, urged students to embrace humility, welcome different perspectives and approach life’s challenges with courage and responsibility.
Renowned artist and curator Salima Hashmi encouraged graduates to lead with creativity, compassion and courage. She highlighted the importance of dialogue, respect for diverse opinions and the freedom to imagine a better future.
Read More: Free Care for 200,000 Patients a Year: Inside Karachi’s New University Medical Complex
Entrepreneur, artificial intelligence expert and author Amir Husain advised graduates to embrace lifelong learning and remain adaptable in a rapidly changing world. He also encouraged them to face the future with optimism, resilience and a commitment to creating positive change.
The two day celebration concluded by formally welcoming the Class of 2026 into the global LUMS alumni network. As graduates begin new careers and academic pursuits, university leaders expressed confidence that they would continue contributing to Pakistan and the international community through innovation, leadership and public service.
