Our Story
The story of the Aga Khan University is the story of an ambitious vision inspiring people
around the
world; of perseverance and success in the face of immense challenges; of the difference that
the
pursuit of knowledge and excellence makes in the lives of millions.
On March 16, 1983, our founder and Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, accepted AKU's
Charter
from the Government of Pakistan. Ever since, we have been striving to make AKU a university,
in his
words, “on the frontiers of scientific and humanistic knowledge, radiating intelligence and
confidence,
research and graduates, into flourishing economies and progressive legal and political
systems.”
Today, AKU is deeply rooted in six countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. It is home to 3,400
students and its nearly 17,000 alumni hold leadership positions in locally and globally
renowned
institutions from Karachi to New York City. With seven hospitals and 350 outreach clinics,
it cares
for more than 2 million patients annually,
making it one of the largest private health care providers in Pakistan and East Africa. In
recent
years, it has been ranked among the leading universities in Asia, Africa and, in some
subjects,
the world. Its work in marginalized communities has not only saved thousands of lives, it
has
generated knowledge that government and non-governmental organizations can use to improve
the public
welfare.
But it was not always thus. Just a few decades ago, this continent-spanning institution was
only an
idea. How did we build such a university? And how will we create an even more radiant AKU in
the
years to come? This website tells the story. It will be updated throughout our 40th year,
from March
16, 2023 to March 16, 2024.