Habib University, a liberal arts and sciences institution in Karachi, held its first community dinner in the United States recently at the University Club of Manhattan.
event, titled ‘The Beginning Belongs to You,’ convened business executives, scholars, philanthropists, and supporters to address Pakistan”s escalating higher education challenges and highlight the institution”s community-funded approach.
Founded in 2014, Habib University aims to provide globally competitive undergraduate education to Pakistani students, especially those traditionally excluded. The institution distinguishes itself through its commitment to equity and learning”s transformative power. It ensures access based on merit and intellectual curiosity, not financial status.
The New York gathering marked a significant step in the university’s global outreach, extending its mission to the North American diaspora and philanthropic groups. The event showcased the collective effort to foster an enlightened, inclusive Pakistan, transcending national boundaries.
Keynote speaker Mehdi Hasan, a renowned journalist, emphasized the moral and social importance of supporting higher education. Citing inequalities and underinvestment in South Asian education, Hasan urged immediate action. He praised Habib University’s establishment of an independent liberal arts institution despite limited state support.
Habib University’s academic philosophy emphasizes the liberal arts’ relevance to Pakistan’s current needs. It offers critical thinking skills, ethical communication, and the ability to envision new societal futures, graduating individuals equipped for thoughtful leadership.
President Wasif Rizvi presented a hopeful analysis of Pakistan’s higher education, emphasizing the need for lasting solutions. He explained Habib University’s founding as a response to the decline of Pakistani academia. He shared that approximately 85% of Habib”s students receive financial aid, with almost half coming from local examination boards, demonstrating the institution”s commitment to inclusivity.
Habib University graduate Narjis Zehra expressed gratitude for her experience, showcasing the university’s mission to empower students. A panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Alexander Key of Stanford University, explored the function of institutions in divided societies. Panelists stressed the need to invest in platforms promoting dialogue and inclusive leadership.
Community members shared their perspectives on the university’s influence. Malik Saeed Sarwar of the American Pakistan Foundation highlighted Habib University’s role in developing future leaders, not only in specific fields but also in morality. Mehdi Hasan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the community’s support for this innovative model. Others, including Yale professors Dirk Bergemann and Dr. Kishwar Rizvi, spoke about the institution”s unique intellectual approach and the importance of supporting such education models in the Global South.
The New York dinner was not only a celebration but also a catalyst for future collaborations. The event concluded with a shared understanding that Pakistan’s future depends on institutions like Habib University and the ongoing support of those who share its vision.