His secretary, Waqar Lakho, had tweeted a picture of the 49-year-old philanthropist participating in flood relief activities in Thatta only a week earlier. It was suggested that he contracted dengue while doing relief efforts.

Lakhani hailed from a business family that owns Imperial Builders. It is responisble for major construction projects, including Hunaid City and the Gulf Shopping Mall and Towers.

He set up Iqra University in 1998, which has since grown to be one of the leading educational institutes of the city.

Lakhani was very involved in philanthrophic activities, and set up the Hussain Lakhani Trust in his father’s name. It provides healthcare facilities to the underprivileged.

Lakhani was a graduate of the American College in Los Angeles, and also attended the owner-president management programme at the Harvard University.

Following Lakhani’s tragic death, several academics and politicians, including the president of Pakistan, extended their condolences.

President Arif Alvi remembered his friend, while talking of the uncertain and transitory nature of life

Singer Shehzad Roy was still in shock after hearing the news of Lakhani’s death.