Welcome to the June edition of Habitus!
This issue highlights events from April to June, celebrating the Class of 2026, the largest graduating cohort in Habib University’s history, alongside the community leaders and outstanding success stories that made their journeys possible. These 276 socially conscious graduates are prepared to enter the world and demonstrate the profound impact of an undergraduate-focused, liberal arts and sciences education. Inside, we feature the successful Final Year Project Showcase, which drew diverse crowds to witness student innovation across engineering, humanities, and social sciences. We also celebrate our Computer Science alumni featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 for their venture, Plouton AI. Together with a roundup of community events, this issue reflects our enduring commitment to pioneering world-class higher education in Pakistan.
Featured Section
Habib University Celebrates 9th Convocation of the Class of 2026
At its 9th Convocation, Habib University honored the Class of 2026, remembering the founding chancellor, the late Rafiq M. Habib, and inspiring 276 graduates to use their education for ethical, lifelong societal repair.
President Wasif Rizvi Calls for Tawaddu in an Age of Narcissism
Rejecting a toxic global order of self-display and cognitive crisis, President Wasif Rizvi’s address charged graduates to replace narcissism with Tawadu and Yohsin, becoming ethical trustees of world repair.
Careem Co-Founder Mudassir Sheikha Reminds Graduates They Are “Made for Something Larger”
Addressing the graduating Class of 2026, Careem co-founder Mudassir Sheikha urged graduates to reject the comfortable path for a larger purpose, challenging them to resiliently build, endure, and lift others as they rise.
Investing in Intellectual Excellence: Sammer Sultan Endows Pakistan's First Chair in History, Heritage & Archives
Speaking at the President’s Dinner, keynote speaker Sammer Sultan, Co-Chairwoman of Shan Foods and benefactor of Pakistan’s first Endowed Chair in History, Heritage, and Archives, urged the Class of 2026 to honor the power of history and memory to drive meaningful societal change.
SOARING SUCCESS
Global Impact: Habib Alumni Make Forbes 30 Under 30
Two HUTOPS Scholars, Muhammad Furqan Karim Kidwai and Sarfraz Shahid, have made the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for co-founding Plouton AI, an innovative enterprise finance automation startup. Read their journey here!
Shaping Tomorrow: Awards Night Spotlights the Class of 2026
Habib University’s Awards Night 2026 spotlighted the exceptional academic milestones and leadership of the graduating cohort, showcasing the university’s commitment to cultivating thoughtful, socially conscious leaders.
Alumni Spotlight: Sheheryar Aslam Secures 49th Position in CSS Nationwide
Hailing from Skardu, HUTOPS Hilton Pharma scholar Sheheryar Aslam (Social Development and Policy ’22) credits Habib University’s rigorous academic environment for shaping his purposeful journey toward a prestigious allocation in the Pakistan Administrative Service.
Final Year Project Showcase Highlights Student Real-World Solutions
Featuring 127 interdisciplinary capstones, 100 of which focused directly on Pakistan’s social realities, the FYP 2026 Showcase highlighted student innovations in ethical AI, urban resilience, and cultural preservation tailored for the Global South.
FOSTERING INTELLECTUAL GROWTH
Driven by Inquiry: DURS 2026 Showcases the Next Generation of Pakistan’s Scientific Innovators
From parameter-efficient AI models to the ethics of digital data, the Dhanani School Undergraduate Research Symposium (DURS 2026) at Habib University highlights how undergraduate scholars are tackling complex global challenges through rigorous, cross-disciplinary scientific inquiry.
Teaching Excellence Awards Celebrate Faculty Dedicated to Teaching-Centeredness
The Teaching Excellence Awards celebrated pioneering faculty whose innovative methodologies and commitment to academic growth are redefining classrooms and inspiring the next generation of learners at Habib University.
First Folklore and Illustration Symposium Reimagines South Asian Narratives
Habib University recently hosted the Symposium on Illustration and Folklore in South Asia, dedicated to the intersection of illustration and folklore, bringing together artists and scholars to explore how visual storytelling preserves cultural heritage and reimagines traditional narratives for the modern world.
Cultivating connections, nurturing community growth
A Miracle of Opportunity: The 2026 President’s Dinner Celebrates Graduates and Mohsineen
Celebrating the Class of 2026 alongside the Mohsineen, Habib University’s annual President’s Dinner featured powerful reflections on intellectual resilience, ethical stewardship, and the profound impact of equal opportunity.
Habib University and Cnergyico Partner to Launch the Distinguished Scholarships Fund
Habib University has partnered with Cnergyico Pk Limited to launch Named Scholarships for meritorious and deserving students. This initiative removes financial barriers to high-quality higher education, empowering youth to focus on academic excellence and holistic development.
Habib University, PKIC Partner for Fully Funded Scholarships
Habib University and PKIC signed a landmark MoU to provide fully funded scholarships, removing financial barriers for talented youth to access a transformative education and build Pakistan’s intellectual foundations.
Bearers of the Lamp: President Wasif Rizvi Charges Habib University Graduates to Heal a Broken World
Using the powerful metaphor of the Genie’s Lamp, President Wasif Rizvi challenged the Class of 2026 to wield the power of knowledge responsibly. He urged graduates to become ethical custodians of technology and intellect, transforming boundless power into a force for global healing rather than disruption.
Strengthening Higher Education: HEC Chairman Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar Visits Habib University
During a recent campus visit, HEC Chairman, Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar engaged with President Wasif Rizvi to discuss Habib University’s founding vision and its strategic model for addressing Pakistan’s systemic challenges in undergraduate rigor, equitable access, and institutional sustainability.
Beyond the Classroom
Professional Development
