Raza Nazar, a student from Karachi, has made history by becoming the first Pakistani to be elected as President of the graduate community (Middle Common Room – MCR) of Oxford University’s prestigious Trinity College. This significant achievement marks a new milestone for Pakistani students in the academic world, highlighting the growing influence and presence of Pakistanis in top global institutions.
Distinguished Academic Journey
Raza’s academic journey began at Karachi Grammar School, one of Pakistan’s most renowned educational institutions. He later attended the United World College (UWC) in Singapore, further broadening his academic and cultural horizons. His father, Yousuf Nazar, is an economist who frequently appears on Geo News as an analyst, providing insights on the economy. Following his time at UWC, Raza pursued a degree in law at the London School of Economics (LSE), where he quickly distinguished himself as a leader, serving as President of the LSE Law Society.
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During his time at LSE, Raza co-founded the LSE Future of Pakistan conference, an annual forum that brings together students, experts, and ministers to discuss Pakistan’s future. His dedication to his field and his country earned him a place among the Top 5 Future Lawyers (One’s To Watch) by Bright Network. He later trained as a lawyer at Slaughter and May, one of the world’s leading law firms.
Excelled in Bachelor of Civil Laws at Oxford
At Oxford, Raza read for the Bachelor of Civil Laws (BCL), a degree described by the University of Oxford as “the most highly regarded taught masters-level qualification in the Common Law world”. His performance was outstanding; he ranked second in Jurisprudence and Political Theory, a testament to his intellectual prowess and dedication. Raza is among a select few Pakistanis to have completed the BCL, joining the ranks of notable figures such as former prime minister Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy and former president Wasim Sajjad.
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Raza’s academic excellence and leadership were recognized through several prestigious scholarships, including the 3 Verulam Buildings Chambers Scholarship, the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) Scholarship, and the Jeffrey Abbott Scholarship. These accolades underscore his remarkable capabilities and potential as a future leader.