85-year-old earns doctorate from Balochistan University

Haibatullah Halimi – an octogenarian – has completed his doctorate degree in political science from the University of Balochistan proving that nothing is impossible for willing minds.

The 85-year-old, who hails from Mastung, was awarded PhD at the varsity’s convocation last week.

Balochistan Governor Zahoor Ahmed Agha, the chief guest of the occasion, showered praise on Halimi saying pursuing education and earning a doctorate at such an age was an act of encouragement for all.

The governor embraced the octogenarian — who walked with a stick and came up the stage with the help of two people — before conferring him with the degree.

The scholar earlier worked for the police department where he retired as the deputy superintendent.

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He took the path of higher education in 2005, 40 years after he waved goodbye to the department, and based his thesis on conventional and modern policing.

Halimi attained his MPhil in 2011 and earned his PhD in 2019 but was not able to receive the degree as the convocation was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Balochistan University Political Science Department Dean Adil Zaman Kasi appreciated Halimi for his commitment to education.

“Haibatullah Halimi, despite being aged, remained dedicated to achieve his goal. We did not expect him to complete his doctorate but he persevered till the end and succeeded in his mission," Kasi said.

Halimi was the oldest scholar at the varsity.