Habib University (HU) hosted a moving tribute titled “A Life of Purpose: Honouring Rafiq M. Habib’s Legacy” at the H. M. Habib Auditorium to celebrate the life and contributions of its founding chancellor, the late Rafiq M. Habib.

The solemn yet inspiring ceremony was attended by his wife, Mrs Jamila Rafiq M. Habib, members of the Habib family, the University’s Board of Governors, faculty, students, donors, and friends.

The event opened with a Holy Qur’an recitation and Fateha by Mr Habib’s granddaughters, Zehra Merchant and Zehra Hassan. A short documentary, “A Life of Purpose: A Legacy That Continues to Inspire,” highlighted his journey as a visionary business leader and philanthropist whose leadership redefined the concept of giving in Pakistan.

Under his guidance, the Habib family made Pakistan’s largest private contribution to higher education, over $40 million, to establish Habib University. The film described this act as one that “reshaped philanthropy in Pakistan, turning charity into institution-building.”

Representing the Board of Governors, Dr Mark Weichold praised Rafiq M. Habib’s empathy, discipline, and moral clarity. “He saw this university not as a project but as a trust, a gift to the nation, to nurture thoughtful, ethical, and creative leaders,” he said.

Dr Weichold credited Mr Habib for pioneering a liberal-arts-based model of higher education in Pakistan and for initiating the TOPS (Talent Outreach, Promotion & Support) Program, which expanded access for students from underserved communities.

Incoming Chancellor Muhammad H. Habib, nephew of the late Rafiq M. Habib, reflected on his uncle’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to social progress.

Habib University President Wasif A. Rizvi shared personal reflections on his decade-long collaboration with Rafiq Sahab, describing him as a man of rare integrity and optimism. A highlight of the afternoon was a panel discussion, “Creating a Legacy of Purpose: The Beauty of Generosity,” moderated by President Rizvi and featuring industry leaders Shahbaz Yasin Malik (CEO, Hilton Pharma), Ahsan Saleem (Founder, The Citizens Foundation), Atif Bajwa (CEO, Bank Alfalah), and Asif Peer (CEO, Systems Limited).

A special video message from Syed Babar Ali called for establishing an endowment in Rafiq M. Habib’s memory to sustain his vision of accessible, world-class education.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Mohomed Bashir, Chair of the Board of Governors, who thanked the Habib family and the university community.

“Rafiq Sahab’s life reminds us that the truest form of generosity is to build for others what we may never use ourselves,” he said.