Business Tycoon Rafiq M. Habib Passes Away at 88

The founding chancellor of Habib University and a prominent business tycoon, Rafiq M. Habib, has passed away at the age of 88. The announcement came from Habib University on Wednesday, which said on a post on Instagram:

With profound sorrow, Habib University mourns the passing of its founding chancellor, Rafiq M. Habib (1937-2025), and honours his enduring legacy.

Beyond his role as the university’s chancellor, Rafiq also held positions as chairman of the Habib University Foundation and served on the Stile Company’s board of directors. He has also previously led the House of Habib conglomerate.

The university paid tribute to Rafiq, describing him as a leader whose quiet determination and strong moral character guided the institution’s development from its earliest days. According to the varsity’s statement, Rafiq served as both the ethical compass and visionary leader who drove Habib University’s establishment.

His educational philosophy centered on the principle that learning should benefit society as a whole, a belief that continues to shape the university’s core mission today. The institution emphasized that his influence will endure through the university he helped establish and the countless students it will educate in years to come.

Habib University’s official website indicates that Rafiq dedicated himself to numerous charitable initiatives spanning multiple sectors. His philanthropic work encompassed education, healthcare, relief efforts, and rehabilitation programs, with him serving as a trustee for several welfare projects across these diverse areas of social service.

The House of Habib conglomerate, which Rafiq formerly headed, represents one of Pakistan’s major business enterprises, while his leadership at Habib University helped establish the institution as a significant educational force in the region.