The awarding of an honorary doctorate from Karachi University in Pakistan to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has sparked criticism within Iran, contrasting with the positive portrayal of the event by government media.
The Iranian state news agency, IRNA, claimed that Karachi University, recognized as the largest and one of the most prestigious universities in Pakistan, has granted the honorary title to President Raisi.
The ceremony and its protocols, however, were not without detractors. Mostafa Mirsalim, a hardliner lawmaker, expressed his disapproval on the social media platform X. Mirsalim questioned the dignity of the proceedings, criticizing the decision to have a university deputy, rather than a more senior official, present the degree. His comments underscored a broader concern regarding the respect and honor accorded to the Iranian president during foreign engagements.
The award has also reignited discussions about President Raisi's educational background. During the first presidential debate in 2021, rival candidate Mohsen Mehr-Alizadeh highlighted Raisi's limited formal education, noting that he only completed up to the sixth grade in a standard school setting and then was trained in a Shiite seminary.
Raisi claims he pursued religious studies, although not at the main seminary centers of Qom or Mashhad, and his academic credentials in religious education have been subjects of political scrutiny.
Supporters of President Raisi continue to refer to him as "Dr. Ayatollah."
Meanwhile, debates persist over the validity and appropriateness of such honors and the implications they hold for diplomatic traditions on international stages.
