Welcome to the March edition of Habitus!
From January to March, Habib University advanced its mission of learning, innovation, and societal impact, reaching beyond campus. This issue highlights The Tale of a Trillion from our Zakat campaign, the annual Alumni Reunion, and the interdisciplinary Digital Humanities course. It also features Khidmat, a distinctive component of the Computer Science program, a HUTOPS student’s transformative summer at Stanford, this year’s Career City connecting students with professional opportunities, initiatives expanding access for students, and the university’s growing engagement with AI. Together, these stories reflect Habib University’s commitment to shaping both its community and broader society through education, innovation, and leadership.
Featured
The Tale of a Trillion: Reclaiming Zakat’s Transformative Power
Across centuries, Muslim societies have upheld a deep commitment to giving through Zakat, shaping a rich culture of generosity. Today, as much philanthropy supports short-term relief, the question remains: how can we reclaim Zakat’s transformative potential for lasting societal impact? The Tale of a Trillion Documentary explains the revival of the historic ethic of giving.
Habib Alumni Reunion: Stories, Memories, Connections
Habib University’s Alumni Reunion this year brought graduates back to campus for an afternoon of reconnection, shared memories, and meaningful engagement with faculty and university departments. Alumni revisited familiar spaces while reflecting on their journeys since graduation, celebrating strong community ties and strengthening a vibrant, active, and growing alumni network supported by ongoing initiatives from the Office of Alumni Affairs.
SOARING SUCCESS
The Power of Taking Chances: My Stanford Journey
Career City 2026 transformed the campus into a vibrant city of opportunity, uniting employers, startups, NGOs, and institutions for immersive engagement, connecting students, alumni, and professionals through meaningful exchange and exploration, while strengthening connections between academia and industry.
Meritorious Awards Ceremony 2026
Habib University hosted its Meritorious Awards Ceremony 2026, celebrating academic excellence among high-achieving students from schools across Karachi, honoring achievement, perseverance, and inspiring future pathways through recognition and community engagement.
FOSTERING INTELLECTUAL GROWTH
Khidmat: Merging Code and Compassion at Habib University
Habib University’s Khidmat program enables Computer Science students to apply technical skills to real-world community challenges, transforming computing into civic action through projects with NGOs, schools, and healthcare institutions – a unique feature of our Computer Science program. Penned by Habibah Rahman (Social Development and Policy’28).
Course Spotlight: Bridging Computing and Humanistic Inquiry
“Teaching Digital Humanities in this moment of epistemic uncertainty means acknowledging that our tools are “already broken,” unpredictable and prone to error. But that brokenness is our greatest opportunity.” Discover how the co-taught Digital Humanities course taught students to navigate AI, large datasets, and trends, gaining practical skills, critical insight, and the tools to connect disciplines.
How Habib University Is Embracing AI
Within an evolving landscape, Habib University has been exploring ways to integrate AI thoughtfully into its academic and institutional life. Learn how the University teaches students the ethical application of technology, its social impact, and the consequences of its use across different contexts.
PET Plastic Recycling for 3D Printing
A Summer Tehqiq Research Project (STRP) within Habib University explores converting PET bottle waste into 3D printer filament, offering a scalable, low-cost response to plastic pollution while demonstrating how undergraduate research can drive practical, sustainable innovation.
Cultivating connections, nurturing community growth
Shaping Futures Through Opportunity: Naba Imran's Journey
As a first-generation student, Naba Imran’s journey at Habib University reflects resilience and ambition. As a HUTOPS scholar, she experienced transformative, fully funded education that nurtured critical thinking and empowered her to envision new possibilities and positively impact her community.
A Shared Commitment to Knowledge: Meezan Bank Endows Talaab-e-Hikmat
Habib University dedicated the Meezan Bank Talaab-e-Hikmat, a collaborative learning space, marking a shared commitment to knowledge, dialogue, and values-driven education while strengthening the partnership between academia and industry to foster meaningful intellectual engagement.
Jaffer Family Foundation Endows IDEAL to Shape Future Leaders
Habib University’s IDEAL program has been formally named the Jaffer Family Foundation Institute of Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership, following a landmark philanthropic gift. This partnership aims to nurture socially conscious leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers across Pakistan.
Dr. Joseph Lumbard Explores an Islamic Vision of Education at Habib University
Dr. Joseph E. B. Lumbard, Associate Professor of Qur’anic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, delivered “Beyond Specialization: An Islamic Vision of Education” at Habib University, exploring how Islamic knowledge can address challenges in modern higher education while engaging Karachi’s thinkers and students.
Building the Future We Owe: Islamic Philanthropy, Zakat, and the Power of Institutions
Building the Future We Owe highlights Habib University’s vision for Islamic giving, showing how zakat can fuel lasting educational institutions, support student growth, and create a pipeline of innovators and leaders shaping Pakistan’s social and intellectual landscape.
Redirecting Zakat Toward Higher Education: A Call for Structural Philanthropy
At Habib University’s community iftar, philanthropists and leaders gathered under “Building the Future We Owe” to explore redirecting Zakat toward higher education, highlighting how structured giving can strengthen institutions, support students, and foster long‑term national capacity.
President Wasif Rizvi speaks at Shan e Ramzan
Professional Development
