It was a moment of immense pride for the 43 students and their parents as they gathered at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) to receive their Merit Certificates. The ceremony, held in the presence of IoBM’s esteemed leadership, celebrated the academic excellence and dedication of these outstanding students. Present on the occasion were Mr. Talib S. Karim, President of IoBM; Mr. Bashir Janmohammad, Chancellor; Ms. Sabina Mohsin, Vice President of the Foundation for Higher Education (FHE) and Chief Advisor of IoBM; Dr. Muhammad Kashif, Dean of CBM; Dr. Nadia Ayub, Dean of CESD; along with Heads of Departments (HoDs), faculty members, and management.
During his address at the ceremony, Mr. Talib S. Karim paid tribute to the vision of IoBM’s Founder President, late Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to women’s empowerment. He encouraged women to break barriers and pursue challenging and unconventional fields, highlighting how this vision is being actively realized at IoBM. President IoBM proudly noted that female graduates are increasingly stepping into leadership roles across diverse industries, reflecting the institution’s dedication to fostering equality and opportunity.
Mr. Talib S. Karim expressed pride in IoBM’s dual mission of not only imparting education but also fostering character development through mentorship. He stressed the importance of instilling a strong value system in students, ensuring they carry these principles into their professional lives. Addressing the unique challenges of educating Generation Z, he acknowledged that students today are digital natives, born with smart devices in hand. He emphasized the need for educators to adopt innovative pedagogical methods to ensure effective communication and learning. President IoBM offered heartfelt advice to the students, urging them to spend quality time with their parents and learn from their insights and experiences, respect their teachers and mentors and cultivate a love for their country. He described the youth as Pakistan’s greatest asset and called the students the future of Pakistan, expressing confidence in their ability to drive the nation forward.
The President’s Merit Scholarship Ceremony for the academic year 2023-24 was a meticulously planned event, led by Ms. Sabina Mohsin, Vice President of the Foundation for Higher Education and Chief Advisor of IoBM. Under her leadership, and with the unwavering support and coordination of the Admissions Department and the Financial Assistance and Scholarship Department, the ceremony achieved success. This event not only celebrated the outstanding achievements of IoBM’s brightest students but also underscored the institution’s commitement to fostering academic excellence and recognizing merit. By honoring these high-achieving individuals, IoBM reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing future leaders and creating opportunities for lifelong learning and growth.
Earlier, during his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kashif expressed immense pride in the achievements of the meritorious students, calling it a moment of hard work and academic excellence. He emphasized that the Merit Certificates are not just a financial reward but a testament to the perseverance and intellectual rigor of the students. He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the proud parents for their unwavering support and encouragement. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kashif highlighted that the President’s Merit Scholarship is designed to support students, with stringent eligibility criteria ensuring that only the most dedicated and high-achieving individuals are recognized. He added that IoBM’s mission aligns seamlessly with the scholarship program, as the institution strives to foster a culture of merit, innovation, and excellence.
Ammar Shahkar Sayied (BBA Honors) shared that the Merit Scholarship not only recognizes excellence but also nurtures it, providing students with the resources and motivation to excel further. Naval (BBA Honors), during her speech, expressed her gratitude to IoBM for being her pathway to achieving her goals. She acknowledged the guidance of her teachers, the support of her friends, and the sacrifices of her parents. She stated, “This moment reflects the unwavering support of my parents and teachers. What I have gained goes far beyond academics—it reflects IoBM’s commitment to acknowledging hard work and dedication.”
Shayan Khan (BBA Honors) described IoBM as more than just an institution—it has been a place of learning, growth, and transformation. He credited the faculty for instilling values of perseverance and excellence and praised IoBM for creating an environment where students can thrive. He added, “I strive to contribute meaningfully to the community that has given me so much.” Asma Ghani (BS Psychology) emphasized that her achievement was made possible through the continuous support of her parents, teachers, and friends. Areej Mazhar (BS Computer Science) reflected on the significance of the recognition, stating, “This is not just a personal achievement but a recognition of the efforts of my parents and faculty. My academic journey has taught me time management, teamwork, and the importance of supporting one another. Success comes when you work with those who uplift you. Hard work does pay off. This is not just an award but a responsibility—a commitment to continue striving for excellence.”
Sidra Khanum (B.Ed) described the recognition as proof of collective mentorship and support. She appreciated the efforts of the senior management for cultivating an environment conducive to student growth. She said, “Every milestone I have achieved is because of the sacrifices made by my parents. Excellence must be pursued with purpose, and knowledge should be imparted to cultivate change.” Syed Saaid Ali (BS Media Studies) shared how IoBM has added immense value to his academic journey, enabling him to become an effective contributor to the media landscape. He stated, “The experiences I have gained here will serve as the foundation for my career.” Asra Khan (MSc Organizational Psychology and HRM) described IoBM as a launchpad for dreams, where challenges are turned into lessons and students evolve into game-changers and leaders. She expressed gratitude to her teachers for igniting curiosity and to her father for his silent sacrifices. She advised students, “Circumstances do not define us; our response to them does. Stay dedicated and stand strong when life presents challenges.”
The President’s Merit Scholarship at IoBM is deeply rooted in the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a strong focus on SDG 4: Quality Education. It champions inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education while fostering lifelong learning opportunities for all. By recognizing and supporting academically outstanding students, the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) is not only nurturing the next generation of leaders but also advancing gender equality (SDG 5) and promoting sustainable economic growth (SDG 8).
Furthermore, IoBM’s financial assistance programs are designed to break down barriers caused by economic inequalities, directly contributing to reducing inequality (SDG 10) and alleviating poverty (SDG 1). These initiatives underscore IoBM’s steadfast dedication to driving societal progress and building a more just, inclusive, and prosperous future for all.
The master of ceremonies was Dr. Falak Shad Memon. Assistant professor and MBA program coordinator. The event concluded with the revealing of the plaque with the names of the meritorious students.
Click below to view the list of meritorious students awarded the President’s Merit Scholarship for 2023-2024