DUBAI: The business community and social sector mourn the loss of Rafiq M. Habib, a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist, who died at the age of 88, as announced by Habib University on Wednesday.
Rafiq was the former leader of the Habib Group, a prominent conglomerate, and served as the university’s founding chancellor. He also held a position on the board of Stile company and was the chairman of the Habib University Foundation.
In an official statement shared on Instagram, Habib University expressed its grief: “With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to our founding chancellor, Rafiq M. Habib (1937-2025), and honor his lasting impact.” The university highlighted his pivotal role, stating, “Rafiq Sahab’s unwavering calm, integrity, and visionary leadership shaped our journey. His conviction that education should serve the greater good continues to inspire our mission. His legacy endures through the institution he helped establish and the countless lives it will continue to influence.”
As per Habib University’s official website, Rafiq was actively involved in numerous welfare initiatives, supporting causes spanning education, healthcare, relief, and rehabilitation. He dedicated himself to social service and was a trustee of various organizations focusing on social betterment, particularly in education, which remains his primary focus. His family operates several schools and supports others providing high-quality primary education to over 8,000 children. With extensive experience in the banking and insurance sectors, Rafiq played a key role in promoting numerous companies, including Indus Motor Company Limited. A committed Rotarian, he was a significant donor to Polio Plus, and championed initiatives like street and home schooling.
He served as a consultant to Habib Bank AG Zurich, which has Habib Metropolitan Bank as its local subsidiary. His influence extended to corporate governance, having served on the boards of Philips Electrical Pakistan and as the first chairman of Standard Chartered Bank’s advisory board in Pakistan.Wasif Rizvi, President of Habib University, described Rafiq as a “visionary leader, humble yet steadfast, whose dedication and generosity laid the groundwork for the institution.” He added, “Rafiq Sahib envisioned a world-class university in Karachi, driven by a passion for knowledge and service. His acts of philanthropy were rooted in devotion to societal progress and the transformative power of education.”
The passing of Rafiq M. Habib marks the loss of a true pioneer whose contributions to business and society will be remembered for generations to come.Follow Dawn Business on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest updates on business, finance, and technology from Pakistan and beyond.
