Former President Abdulla Yameen has criticised Pakistan for awarding an honorary doctorate to President Mohamed Muizzu, arguing that the president lacks the necessary academic or professional credentials for the honour.
Yameen said the award reduces the standing of the university that conferred it. He added that he would have declined such a recognition himself, citing public dissatisfaction with the current administration's performance.
The honorary degree was presented during Muizzu's recent state visit to Pakistan, which also produced a series of bilateral agreements. Yameen has been a consistent critic of the visit and the broader direction of the government's foreign policy.
Opposition figures have questioned the timing and substance of several honours and agreements signed during the trip. The government has described the visit as successful in expanding cooperation in defence, trade and other areas.
No response from Pakistani authorities to the criticism has been reported.
