Habib University hosted a heartfelt tribute titled “A Life of Purpose: Honoring Rafiq M. Habib’s Legacy” at the H. M. Habib Auditorium to celebrate the life and contributions of its Founding Chancellor, the late Rafiq M. Habib. The solemn yet inspiring afternoon was attended by his wife Mrs. Jamila Rafiq M. Habib, members of the Habib family, the University’s Board of Governors, faculty, students, donors, and friends of the institution.
Honoring a Life Rooted in Faith and Service
The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Mr. Habib’s granddaughters, Zehra Merchant and Zehra Hassan, followed by a Fateha for his departed soul. The event opened with the Qur’anic verse (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:62) that Mr. Habib often reflected upon:
> “Indeed, the believers, Jews, Christians, and Sabians — whoever truly believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good — will have their reward with their Lord; there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.”
This verse, embodying his inclusive and compassionate worldview, anchored the spirit of the event — a reflection on a life lived with humility, faith, and a deep commitment to education as service to humanity.
A short documentary, “A Life of Purpose: A Legacy That Continues to Inspire,” traced Rafiq M. Habib’s journey — from his role as a transformative business leader in the House of Habib to a pioneering philanthropist who redefined giving in Pakistan. Under his leadership, the Habib family made Pakistan’s largest private contribution to higher education — over USD 40 million — to establish Habib University. This historic act, the film recalled, “reshaped philanthropy in Pakistan, turning charity into institution-building.”
Reflections on a Visionary Life
Dr. Mark Weichold, representing the Board of Governors, paid tribute to Rafiq Sahab’s empathy, discipline, and moral clarity.
> “He saw this university not as a project but as a trust — a gift to the nation — to nurture generations of thoughtful, ethical, and creative leaders,”
Dr. Weichold said. He credited Mr. Habib for laying the foundation for a new liberal-arts-based model of higher education in Pakistan and for creating the TOPS (Talent Outreach, Promotion & Support) Program that opened doors for students from underserved communities.
Incoming Chancellor Mr. Muhammad H. Habib, nephew of Rafiq M. Habib, recalled his uncle’s entrepreneurial drive and social vision.
> “Habib University was the most challenging and meaningful venture of his life,”
he shared.
> “He used to say it required more time and capital than any business he had ever undertaken — yet promised immeasurable rewards for generations.”
Family Tributes: Remembering a Father, Mentor, and Guide
Mr. Habib’s daughter Ms. Atiqa Habib delivered a moving reflection on her father’s life of discipline, gratitude, and quiet faith.
> “Even in his darkest moments, Papa would say Alhamdulillah. He believed the best legacy is not what you leave for people but what you leave in them,”
she said.
His son Mr. Mohamedali Rafiq Habib, member of the University’s Board of Governors and Chair of the Habib University Foundation’s Board of Directors, spoke as both a son and a steward of the legacy:
> “He was truly both a Rafiq and a Habib — a gentle friend and a beloved soul. He taught us that true leadership lies in enabling others and in building institutions that outlive us.”
President Rizvi’s Address: A Rare Soul Who Built a Moral Compass
Habib University President Wasif A. Rizvi offered heartfelt reflections on his decade-long partnership with Rafiq Sahab. Recalling his integrity and optimism, he said:
> “To create an institution of this scale and purpose in Pakistan was no ordinary task. He had the courage to dream of a ‘bigger boat’ — one that would carry the hopes of a generation.”
President Rizvi added that Mr. Habib’s rare combination of humility and courage “turned philanthropy into a moral act of nation-building.”
Panel Discussion: The Beauty of Generosity
A highlight of the event was the panel “Creating a Legacy of Purpose: The Beauty of Generosity,” moderated by President Rizvi and featuring four distinguished leaders: Mr. Shahbaz Yasin Malik (CEO, Hilton Pharma), Mr. Ahsan Saleem (Founder, The Citizens Foundation), Mr. Atif Bajwa (CEO, Bank Alfalah), and Mr. Asif Peer (CEO, Systems Limited). A special video tribute by Mr. Syed Babar Ali urged the establishment of an endowment in Rafiq M. Habib’s memory to sustain his vision of accessible, world-class education.
Mr. Ahsan Saleem observed:
> “Rafiq Sahab led with humility — the truest mark of leadership. He showed that doing good is possible when trust and transparency guide every step.”
Mr. Shahbaz Yasin Malik reflected on Rafiq Sahab’s enduring influence:
> “He taught us that philanthropy is not charity — it is legacy. He made us believe that education can transform a nation if we all play our part.”
Mr. Atif Bajwa added:
> “He redefined corporate leadership in Pakistan — teaching us that our real success lies not in profits but in building people and purpose.”
Mr. Asif Peer concluded:
> “Rafiq M. Habib’s vision was to connect industry and education so that learning creates leaders — leaders who build Pakistan’s future with ethics and excellence.”
A Legacy That Lives On
The evening closed with remarks from Mr. Mohomed Bashir, Chair of the Board of Governors, who expressed gratitude to the Habib family, the Board, and Habib University’s community of supporters.
> “Rafiq Sahab’s life reminds us that the truest form of generosity is to build for others what we may never use ourselves,” he said. “His vision will continue to guide this institution for generations.”
As guests gathered for high tea, the event left a resounding message: that the legacy of Rafiq M. Habib — his faith, his wisdom, and his belief in education as an act of service — will continue to shape Habib University and inspire a more thoughtful, generous Pakistan.
