President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has received an honorary doctorate from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) in recognition of his contributions to national development, political leadership and international relations.
The honorary degree was conferred on Wednesday during a special ceremony held at the official residence of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, where President Muizzu is undertaking a three-day state visit.
Professor Dr Nadeem Ahmad Sheikh, Vice President of the International Islamic University Islamabad, presented the honorary doctorate to the President.
According to the announcement, the university recognised President Muizzu for his work in public service, his contributions to the development of the Maldives and his efforts to represent the country internationally.
The recognition comes as President Muizzu continues a series of diplomatic engagements in Pakistan aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two countries.
It is the second honorary doctorate awarded to the President by an international Islamic university.
During his official visit to Malaysia in 2025, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) conferred on him an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Leadership and Civil Development.
That recognition also acknowledged his contributions to leadership and development, adding to the academic honours he has received during his presidency.
Honorary doctorates are awarded by universities to recognise achievements or contributions in particular fields and do not require recipients to complete the academic research and coursework normally associated with an earned doctoral qualification.
The latest honour was presented during a significant diplomatic visit, with the Maldives and Pakistan marking six decades of formal diplomatic relations in 2026.
President Muizzu arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday alongside First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, following an invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The visit marks his first official trip to Pakistan since assuming office in November 2023 and the first visit by a Maldivian head of state to the country in 11 years.
Earlier on Wednesday, the President was formally welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at his official residence, where a ceremonial guard of honour was presented and a commemorative tree-planting ceremony was held.
The two leaders also held engagements focused on strengthening the longstanding relationship between the Maldives and Pakistan.
As part of the visit, the two governments signed agreements covering 20 areas of bilateral cooperation, according to information released during the visit.
The agreements are intended to broaden collaboration between the countries in sectors including economic development, education, healthcare, defence and other areas of mutual interest.
The Maldives and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1966, and their partnership has developed through cooperation in education, professional training, defence and diplomatic affairs.
The current visit seeks to build on those ties through new agreements and closer engagement between government institutions and the private sectors of both countries.
President Muizzu is accompanied by a senior Maldivian delegation, including Cabinet ministers and government officials, as the two countries pursue further opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
The honorary doctorate ceremony adds an academic recognition to the President’s official engagements in Islamabad, taking place alongside the wider diplomatic programme marking the 60th anniversary of Maldives-Pakistan relations.
