{"id":5998,"date":"2019-12-14T10:15:47","date_gmt":"2019-12-14T10:15:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/habib.edu.pk\/HU-news\/?p=5998"},"modified":"2025-05-27T15:20:18","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T10:20:18","slug":"bringing-houston-diaspora-on-board","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/habib.edu.pk\/HU-news\/bringing-houston-diaspora-on-board\/","title":{"rendered":"Bringing Houston Diaspora On-board to Transform Pakistan’s Higher Education"},"content":{"rendered":"

In order to find lasting solutions to the societal challenges Pakistan faces, Habib University (HU) has been at the forefront of exemplifying the crucial role played by the larger community in taking co-ownership of higher education institutions.<\/p>\n

Bringing the Pakistani diaspora in Houston on board has been vital for Habib\u2019s mission to solve key problems in Pakistan\u2019s higher education landscape, and the adverse effects it has had on the country\u2019s human development index. Without an emphasis on higher education and providing opportunities for its youth, a country cannot progress nor can its future be secure.<\/p>\n

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This was a crucial point emphasized by HU President Wasif Rizvi during a gathering at the residence of Mr. Fuad Cochinwala, a prominent member of the Houston diaspora and a steadfast supporter of the University. Mr. Cochinwala is a businessman and the President and CEO of One Step Diagnostic; a Houston based Independent Diagnostic Testing Facility (IDTF).<\/p>\n

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During his address, President Wasif Rizvi explained the connection between higher education and human development, and why a lack of focus on the former has had a negative impact on the latter.<\/p>\n

\u201cEducation is a major indicator in a country\u2019s human development index. It would be fair to conclude, based on the ground reality, that a majority of the youth in the world\u2019s 5th<\/sup> largest country have no access to basic education, let alone higher education,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

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President Wasif Rizvi pointed out that a failure to invest in higher education and not equipping its citizens with skills required in an ever-changing and competitive world, are among the primary reasons Pakistan ranks low in the Human Development Index.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn order to address this,\u201d President Wasif Rizvi said, \u201cHabib University has focused on three challenges that Pakistan faces: intellectual experience; problem of accessibility; and reshaping philanthropy.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Speaking on each challenge, he explained that Habib\u2019s unique approach of combining liberal arts with the sciences gives students a holistic education that strengthens critical thinking. The issue of accessibility is being addressed by providing full scholarships to students from local examination boards and from diverse backgrounds though Habib University\u2019s Talent Outreach, Promotion and Support Program (HU TOPS).<\/p>\n

On the third problem, President Wasif Rizvi elaborated that in Pakistan, one of the most charitable countries in world, philanthropic efforts in support of higher education has been neglected, which Habib has sought to change. He invited members of the diaspora in Houston to view supporting Habib University as a way of securing the future of Pakistan\u2019s youth and helping the country progress.<\/p>\n