Rafiq Habib, one of Pakistan’s prominent leaders and business philanthropists, died Wednesday in Dubai. He was 88 years old.
Born in 1937, Habib was the former president of the house of Habib, a leading financial and commercial conglomerate in Pakistan.
In addition to his commercial leadership, Habib played a key role in the advancement of higher education. He was the founding chancellor of the Foundation of Habib University and remained actively committed to shaping his educational vision, with an focus on innovative and inclusive learning.
The University of Habib confirmed the news of his death in a statement on Instagram, saying: “With deep pain, Habib University cries the death of its founding chancellor.”
Wasif Rizvi, president of Habib University, paid tribute to Rafiq Habib.
“Rafiq Sahib was the visionary in the legendary family Habib in imagining a world class institution of higher education founded in Karachi. When others could have seen uncertainty, he saw destiny. He reminded us that this university was not simply an academic institution, but an incarnation of the housing of the family of the century of the family.
“As the founding president of the University, I was lucky to share a unique affinity and history with him. In those first days, he often felt as if we were a team of two people, he, like the anchor and the vote of vision, and I, as his first administrator, of work next to what would become what would become the university. Read the statement.
“The thousands of young women and men who have walked through the doors of Habib University and will do so during coming generations are a living testimony of their vision. His generosity was never about recognition, it was an act of devotion to knowledge, at the service and the belief that education is the most notable inheritance that one can give to society.
“We will miss you a lot, RMH. Your presence gave us confidence, your absence leaves us devoid, but your legacy will ignite forever.
