In the realm of transformative philanthropy, few contributions leave as profound an impact as Shoukat Dhanani’s visionary gift to Habib University. Renaming the Dhanani School of Science & Engineering, this groundbreaking initiative is more than a testament to Dhanani’s generosity; it is a bold step toward reshaping the educational landscape of Pakistan, fostering innovation, and empowering future leaders.
A business magnate and one of America’s largest franchise operators, Dhanani’s journey reflects the values he champions. Born into a family rooted in entrepreneurship and community welfare, he carried these principles as he built his empire in the United States. Through his contribution to Habib University, Dhanani demonstrates how philanthropy can transcend borders, transforming lives thousands of miles away.
At its core, the Dhanani School of Science & Engineering reimagines STEM education in Pakistan. With cutting-edge labs, advanced research facilities, and a curriculum that bridges technical expertise with critical thinking, the school equips students to address complex global challenges. In a nation grappling with limited resources and outdated pedagogical practices, this initiative offers a progressive, world-class alternative.
Transformative Education in Action
At the Dhanani School of Science and Engineering, transformative education begins well before graduation, with students undertaking innovative final-year projects that showcase their potential to address pressing global challenges. For instance, IntelliCropPK, a project by Computer Engineering students Areeb Adnan Khan and Nimra Sohail (Class of 2024), demonstrates how AI and IoT technologies can be leveraged to tackle food insecurity through sustainable farming practices. This groundbreaking initiative gained international recognition and was invited to the United Nations’ 28th Climate Change Conference, underscoring the school’s commitment to fostering impactful, forward-thinking solutions.
Similarly, final-year Electrical Engineering students from the Class of 2024 have focused on environmental sustainability, developing highly efficient converters using Gallium Nitride technology to mitigate vehicle emissions. These projects reflect the Dhanani School’s ethos of integrating technical excellence with a deep understanding of societal needs, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to both local and global advancements.
Alumni Achievements: A Testament to Excellence
The alumni of the Dhanani School of Science & Engineering exemplify the transformative power of a world-class, interdisciplinary education in Pakistan. Their achievements are a testament to the institution’s emphasis on merging technical expertise with critical thinking, empowering graduates to lead in diverse fields. Among them, Aoun Hussain (EE ’21) has made significant strides in healthcare technology, leading software engineering teams at Total Ancillary while also founding Salesteq, a startup delivering innovative business solutions. Similarly, Zohaib Zia (EE ’22) has showcased his research acumen by contributing to groundbreaking work on electric vehicle converters, an accomplishment recognized at prestigious IEEE conferences. Now pursuing a master’s degree in Engineering Project & Systems Management, he continues to bridge the gap between engineering and business innovation.
Other alumni, such as Narjis Zehra (EE ’20), have ventured into global arenas. After earning her master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University, she is now an AI Fellow at Columbia University, leveraging machine learning and design thinking to tackle pressing challenges in technology and equity. Roha Ali Khan (CS ’21) has brought her expertise in science and technology to the global stage as an Innovation Consultant in London, driving advancements across diverse industries. Additionally, Syed Muhammad Ali Rizvi (EE ’22) stands as a luminary in his family, fulfilling his mother’s dream of higher education. Through mentorship and resources at Habib University, he charted a transformative journey that led to a Ph.D. program at the University of Waterloo, where he explores the intersections of machine learning, computer vision, and robotics to solve global challenges.
For a school as young as 10 years, the impact of its alumni is only beginning to unfold, holding the promise of an even greater legacy as they continue to shape industries and communities worldwide. Their achievements illuminate the school’s mission to foster not just capable professionals but resilient leaders and innovators.
Breaking Barriers in STEM Education
The Dhanani School’s contribution to Pakistan’s educational landscape is unparalleled. With an overwhelming 89% of its students receiving financial aid or scholarships, it is a beacon of inclusivity. This year alone, 157 out of 179 students benefited from need-based support, underscoring the school’s commitment to equitable access to education.
Pakistan’s higher education sector has long struggled with insufficient funding and outdated models. At just 12%, the country’s gross enrollment ratio in higher education is the lowest in the region. Most private universities rely heavily on student contributions, making quality education inaccessible to many. The Dhanani School of Science & Engineering stands apart by offering need-blind admissions and globally competitive engineering programs in Pakistan, enabling deserving students to dream big regardless of their financial backgrounds.
A Model for Philanthropy
Dhanani’s gift to Habib University is more than an act of charity; it is a blueprint for impactful giving. By prioritizing intellectual and institutional growth alongside infrastructure, his contribution supports scholarships, faculty development, and research initiatives. This holistic approach ensures that students graduate not just with technical expertise but also with the critical thinking, ethical grounding, and adaptability needed to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Inspiring Generations
The ripple effects of Dhanani’s investment are already visible. Graduates from the school are contributing to sectors ranging from healthcare and renewable energy to artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability. As these young leaders enter the workforce, they carry with them the values and skills cultivated at Habib University, becoming ambassadors of innovation and social impact.
Shoukat Dhanani’s visionary gift is a reminder that philanthropy, at its best, is an act of hope—a belief in the transformative power of education. By empowering Pakistan’s next generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders, he has set a precedent for global philanthropists. His contribution challenges others to envision philanthropy not as a one-time act but as an enduring legacy capable of uplifting communities and reshaping national futures.
As the Dhanani School of Science & Engineering continues to grow, its graduates will carry forward this legacy, proving that, with vision and purpose, education can be the cornerstone of a brighter, more empowered Pakistan.
