[Press Release]
CHITRAL, October 25, 2025: The Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB) celebrated the achievements of outstanding students at its National High Achievers Ceremony held in Chitral, highlighting the power of education to inspire change and unity under the theme “You Are a Drop in the Ocean.”
The ceremony recognized students who demonstrated academic excellence, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The theme underscored the idea that each learner’s contribution strengthens the collective progress of society, while also reflecting AKU-EB’s dedication to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Naveed Yousuf, Chief Executive Officer of AKU-EB, greeted guests, parents, teachers, and students, emphasizing that the Board’s presence in regions like Chitral represents “the power of education to unite communities and nurture future leaders.”
Chief Guest, Mr. Amir Fancy, Chairman of the Fancy Group, commended AKU-EB and its partner institutions for their transformative work in expanding access to quality education.
“I am thrilled to see the strength of AKDN institutions — the impact in action — and the unity that brings His late Highness the Aga Khan’s vision to life,” he said. “Together, AKU-EB and the Aga Khan Education Service provide an environment where children, even in the farthest valleys, are informed, confident, and ready to lead. From sports to music to education to poetry — this is the spirit of education beyond academics.”
Brigadier (Retd.) Khush Muhammad Khan, the guest of honour, praised AKU-EB’s contribution to Pakistan’s education landscape, calling it “a blessing” for its fair conduct of examinations, teacher support, and academic rigor.
“Our affiliation with AKU-EB is a rigorous process — one that ensures excellence and growth,” he added.
A high-achieving student reflected on the ceremony’s message, sharing gratitude for the Board’s approach to holistic education.
“AKU-EB showed us that education is not the end of learning, but the beginning of lifelong discovery. It reminded us that with learning comes responsibility — to our society and to our country,” the student said.
Earlier this month, AKU-EB hosted a similar ceremony in Karachi, celebrating high achievers from Sindh, Punjab, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The Board also announced several new scholarships, including the Jenabai Scholarship, AKU-EB Meritorious Scholarship, AKU-EB Bridge Scholarship, and AKU-EB Harji Scholarship, furthering its mission to make quality education accessible to all.
In his closing address, Dr. Yousuf reminded students that their success represents not only academic achievement but also character and perseverance.
“Every student of AKU-EB carries more than a result — each is a story of discipline, resilience, and the quiet determination to rise above challenges,” he said. “You stand where thousands once stood, yet your journey is uniquely your own.”
The event concluded with a sense of pride and optimism as students, educators, and families celebrated the growing community of AKU-EB learners — “drops in the ocean” whose collective efforts create ripples of positive change.
The AKU-EB High Achievers Ceremony will next travel to Gilgit-Baltistan to honour outstanding students from the northern regions.