Karachi: Habib University marked 2025 as a year of remarkable achievements with significant advancements in innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence. The institution inaugurated the Institute of Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership (IDEAL), a hub aimed at fostering problem-solving and leadership skills among students and industry professionals. The university also achieved candidacy for accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and became the first in South Asia to earn the EDGE Advanced certification for its commitment to sustainability.
A highlight of the year was a tribute to the founding Chancellor Rafiq M. Habib. An event titled “A Life of Purpose: Honoring Rafiq M. Habib’s Legacy” brought together family, faculty, and friends in a solemn gathering to honor his contributions.
The Awards and Honors Ceremony saw students from the Dhanani School of Science and Engineering and the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences receiving accolades for academic excellence. Notably, Mahrukh Usmani won the Outstanding Diplomacy Award at Harvard WorldMUN 2025, and Muhammad Saad secured a spot in the Google Summer of Code.
Alumni achievements were also celebrated, with Osama Yousuf completing a PhD at George Washington University and securing a role at Western Digital, and Novaira Khan beginning her career as a Civil Service Officer after passing the CSS exam.
The convocation ceremony featured inspiring addresses from President Wasif Rizvi and economist Dr. Shamshad Akhtar. They emphasized the importance of leading with purpose and humility. The Class of 2025 had a significant portion receiving financial support, thanks to the generosity of the university’s donors.
The university’s commitment to sustainability was underscored by obtaining EDGE Advanced certification, highlighting substantial energy and water savings, and achieving a notable milestone in educational sustainability in the region.
The launch of IDEAL in April underscored Habib University’s focus on cultivating design thinking and entrepreneurial skills. President Rizvi highlighted the initiative as a key partnership platform for students and industry professionals.
The year also saw an expansion of the academic community with the addition of new faculty, enhancing the university’s research and teaching capabilities. The appointment of Dr. Marcia Hermansen as the Lady Fatima Endowed Chair in Women and Divinity was a notable addition.
Habib University further extended its global reach with events across North America, strengthening international engagement and support for transformative education. New scholarship initiatives were introduced to provide educational opportunities for underserved students and women in STEM and humanities.
The university hosted various events promoting intellectual and entrepreneurial dialogue, including the Imam Ali (A.S.) Lecture Series and the Entrepreneurship Talent Program.
In exploring the intersection of AI and education, the university engaged in numerous discussions and initiatives, showcasing the potential of emerging technologies in shaping future-ready skills.
Overall, 2025 was a year of growth and achievement for Habib University, setting a strong foundation for its continued impact in higher education.