GILGIT, Oct 30 (Wealth Pakistan) – The Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB) celebrated the outstanding achievements of students from Gilgit-Baltistan at its High Achievers 2025 ceremony held under the inspiring theme “You Are a Drop in the Ocean.”
The theme highlights that every student — like a single drop — holds the power to shape a larger wave of change. It reflects AKU-EB’s belief in collective responsibility, sustainability, and environmental awareness. The event celebrated young learners who have shown excellence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose — qualities that define the spirit of AKU-EB students nationwide.
Welcoming the guests, Dr. Naveed Yousuf, Chief Executive Officer of AKU-EB, congratulated the high achievers for their exceptional results. He said that since its inception in 2002, AKU-EB has produced over 80,000 graduates under its SSC and HSSC qualifications.
“You are the new chapter in AKU-EB’s story — a story of fairness, innovation, and hope,” Dr. Yousuf said. “Our vision goes beyond access. We are building an education system that connects ethics with innovation and purpose. We want every AKU-EB graduate to be ready not only to succeed but also to make a difference.”
Mr. Imtiaz Momin, Chief Executive Officer of the Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan (AKESP), attended as the Guest of Honour. He reaffirmed AKESP’s strong partnership with AKU-EB and announced that all AKESP schools will affiliate with AKU-EB within the next two years.
“Eighty percent of AKESP schools already affiliated with AKU-EB achieve A+ results,” he said. “This shows AKU-EB’s leadership in promoting higher-order thinking, quality assessment, and authentic preparation for higher education. AKU-EB also ensures fairness and equal access through scholarship opportunities for deserving learners.”
He added that the theme “You Are a Drop in the Ocean” holds deep meaning. “It reminds us that success extends beyond grades — it includes our duty to society and our planet.”
Renowned mountaineer Samina Baig, the first Pakistani woman to scale Mount Everest, attended as the Chief Guest. She praised the AKU-EB and the wider Aga Khan Development Network for redefining education across Pakistan.
“No mountain is too high and no dream is too far,” she said. “Great goals require patience and persistence. Challenges will come, but faith and support will always help you rise again. Every success begins with purpose — and AKU-EB helps you find that purpose.”
Student representative Shuja spoke on behalf of the achievers, calling for urgent climate action in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. “Each of us is a drop — small, maybe even fragile — but together we form an ocean of hope and strength,” he said. “Let’s make sure no drop dries. Together, we can build a better tomorrow.”
The AKU-EB High Achievers Ceremonies 2025 began in Karachi for Sindh, Punjab, and AJK students, continued in Chitral for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and concluded in Gilgit, symbolizing a nationwide celebration of learning and excellence.
According to AKU-EB’s University Destination Survey, 92% of its graduates secure admission to universities, with half enrolling in the top 15 HEC-ranked institutions in Pakistan. Many also join over 200 international universities, representing Pakistan with pride and contributing globally.
Each story from the ceremony reflects AKU-EB’s mission — to connect intellect with empathy, learning with action, and personal achievement with the collective good.