Habib University celebrated a major milestone on June 1, 2025, with its 8th Convocation Ceremony held at the Pearl Continental Hotel (The Marquee), honoring the academic excellence and transformative journeys of the Class of 2025. This year’s ceremony marked the graduation of 237 students who have been shaped by the university’s unique liberal arts and sciences curriculum and its guiding philosophy of Yohsin—thoughtful self-cultivation.
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The convocation was a celebration of intellect, resilience, and purpose, attended by esteemed faculty, families, and notable members of the academic and civic community. It served as a powerful reminder of the university’s commitment to shaping socially conscious, critically engaged, and ethically grounded graduates.
Valedictorian Iman Ashraf, from the Comparative Humanities program, delivered a moving reflection on the Class of 2025’s journey. “We’ve learned to unlearn, to question, to be resilient. And in that journey, it’s natural—human even—to be tempted by self-interest. But if we truly long for the world we wish we had been born into, then words must become actions. Phrases like ‘reparative futures,’ ‘thoughtful self-cultivation,’ and even Yohsin—they remain just words unless we embody them through amal, through meaningful action. So, as we set our sights on future goals, let us also carve out space—not just to give back, but to give forward.”
Habib University President Wasif Rizvi delivered a thought-provoking address, challenging the audience to reconsider conventional definitions of progress. “What we often call progress is merely a more efficient form of cruelty. Behind the polished façade of modernity—celebrated by a multi-trillion-dollar PR machine—lies a 500-year campaign of relentless extraction: of resources, bodies, and meaning. And yet, here you are—Class of 2025. You do not arrive at the gates of this world in ignorance. You were formed at Habib University—a rare sanctuary in today’s world. A space that refuses to sell your mind for utility or your soul for credentials. Instead, it opened a portal. That portal is Yohsin—a philosophy, a practice, a way of being that calls you to live with beauty, passion, and purpose.”
Rizvi also emphasized Habib University’s mission to ensure accessibility and equity in higher education, noting that 83% of this year’s graduating class received financial support. He expressed gratitude to the Mohsineen—Habib’s community of donors—whose support makes these academic journeys possible.
The commencement address was delivered by globally respected economist and Chairperson of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar. Offering both inspiration and wisdom, she said, “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. So, think high. What you get by achieving goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”
Chancellor Mr. Rafiq M. Habib also addressed the graduating class, praising their enthusiasm and contribution to the university’s ethos. “You are what makes Habib University. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and strong bonds define the spirit of this institution. As you leave, you are equipped with the finest undergraduate education in Pakistan, ready for whatever path you choose.”
As the Class of 2025 embarks on new chapters in life, they carry with them not only academic excellence but also a deeply rooted commitment to ethical leadership, social responsibility, and purposeful action. Habib University extends its warmest congratulations and looks forward to witnessing the continued impact of these changemakers across Pakistan and beyond.
