KARACHI: Vice chancellor of the University of Karachi (KU) Prof Dr Muhammad Ajmal Khan passed away on Saturday morning.
A spokesperson for the varsity confirmed the VC breathed his last at a private hospital. He said Dr Khan, who was suffering from heart ailment, was hospitalised Friday night after his health condition deteriorated.
He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
On Jan 23, 2017, Prof Dr Muhammad Ajmal Khan was appointed the 17th vice-chancellor (VC) of the University of Karachi (KU) for four years.
Dr Khan had spent 40 years in teaching and research and completed his BSc (Hons) in botany from KU in 1973 and MSc in 1974. He was awarded a PhD in botany and ecology in 1985 by Ohio University in the United States and DSc in botany in 2010 by KU.
Dr Khan had also been awarded the Pride of Performance award on August 14, 2001 and Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2007 in recognition of his contribution in the field of science.
The Pakistan Academy of Sciences and the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) had elected him as fellow in 2001 and 2004, respectively.
He was also elected as a fellow of the Islamic Academy of Sciences (IAS) and conferred the title of Distinguished National Professor in 2005 by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. The Pakistan Academy of Sciences had presented its highest award of Distinguished Professor of the Year in 2008 to Dr Khan.
