Rector of the University of Southern Punjab, Multan, Pakistan, Congratulates Ahmed Imran Hunjra on Prestigious French HDR Achievement

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Rector of the University of Southern Punjab, Multan, Pakistan (USP), has extended his warmest congratulations to Dr. Ahmed Imran Hunjra on successfully defending his Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) at Université de Lorraine in France, a distinction widely regarded as one of the highest academic qualifications in the European higher education system.

In his message, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar described the achievement as an exceptional milestone that reflects the growing international stature of Pakistani scholars. He noted that Dr. Hunjra's accomplishment exemplifies academic excellence, intellectual leadership, and an unwavering commitment to advancing research of global relevance. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ahmed Imran Hunjra on attaining this remarkable academic distinction," Prof. Mukhtar said. His success brings pride not only to his family and colleagues but also to Pakistan's higher education community. "It is inspiring to see Pakistani scholars making meaningful contributions to global knowledge through rigorous research and international collaboration."

Dr. Hunjra's HDR dissertation, titled Finance Research on the Spectrum of Sustainable Development Drivers: From Macro to Micro and Future Trends, presents a comprehensive research agenda examining how macro-level institutions, firm-level strategies, and emerging technological trends interact to shape sustainable development. The work introduces an integrated governance-finance-technology framework, offering fresh insights into the evolving relationship among finance, corporate governance, innovation, and sustainability.

Following the successful defense, Dr. Hunjra expressed his sincere gratitude to the distinguished members of his examination committee, including Mohamed Arouri, Julien Chevallier, Meryem Duygun, Sabri Boubaker, Anaïs Hamelin, Jean-Noël Ory, and Loredana Ureche-Rangau, for their thoughtful evaluation, valuable feedback, and scholarly guidance.

He paid special tribute to his supervisor, Souad Lajili, acknowledging her exceptional mentorship, ongoing encouragement, and steadfast support throughout the demanding academic journey. Dr. Hunjra also expressed appreciation for his family, including his father, sister, brother, and wife, whose unwavering support remained a constant source of strength. He thanked his co-authors, colleagues, and friends, and offered special recognition to Maria-Giuseppina Bruna for her continued encouragement.

Dr. Hunjra further acknowledged IPAG Business School for providing a vibrant, intellectually stimulating research environment and expressed gratitude to Université de Lorraine for offering him the opportunity to pursue and complete this significant academic milestone.

Looking ahead, Dr. Hunjra reaffirmed his commitment to advancing research, teaching, and international academic collaboration, emphasizing that the HDR marks the start of a broader scholarly mission to generate impactful knowledge for society.

In a deep personal reflection, Dr. Hunjra dedicated this achievement to his late mother's memory, praying that Allah grant her the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. He said that her prayers, love, and guidance continue to illuminate every step of his academic journey.