Inspiring Habib University Alumni Success Stories

Education has the power to transform lives, communities, and nations. In Pakistan, few institutions reflect this principle as strongly as Habib University, renowned as the country’s leading university for its unique fusion of liberal arts and sciences. With its world-class faculty, interdisciplinary curriculum, and emphasis on critical inquiry, Habib prepares students not only for jobs but for leadership, innovation, and service.

But the objective measure of a university’s impact lies in its graduates. And when it comes to alumni success, Habib University has set a benchmark. Its graduates are making waves in civil service, entrepreneurship, academia, research, and the arts. They’re proving that an education rooted in empathy and critical thinking can unlock opportunities at both national and international levels.

In this blog, we explore five remarkable stories of Habib University alumni whose journeys reflect resilience, creativity, and global relevance.

1. Novaira Khan – Transforming Pakistan’s Civil Service

Among the many stories of alumni success, Novaira Khan’s journey stands out as a testament to determination and intellectual depth. A graduate of the Social Development and Policy (SDP) program in 2020, Novaira was also a HUTOPS scholar. From her early years, she aspired to make a meaningful contribution to Pakistan through public service.

At Habib, courses like “Sacred Geographies” gave her not only knowledge but also a more profound sense of empathy and cultural awareness. These qualities proved invaluable when she prepared for the highly competitive Central Superior Services (CSS) exam, which she cleared on her first attempt—a rare achievement.

Now part of the Pakistan Audit & Accounts Service, Novaira has already made her mark by conducting audits for institutions such as Khyber Teaching Hospital and the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation. She also completed rigorous training at the Pakistan Audit & Accounts Academy, excelling in a program known for its intensity and high academic demands.

Her story is a shining example of how a Habib graduate can rise to leadership in public service, reinforcing why Habib stands as the best university in Pakistan for nurturing civic-minded leaders.

2. Ufaq Asad – A Bold Voice in Filmmaking

Breaking barriers and making her mark in the creative industry, Ufaq Asad (Class of 2023, Communication & Design) represents another facet of alumni success. Venturing into filmmaking as a young woman came with numerous challenges—ranging from limited access to professional equipment to societal perceptions about women working in public spaces.

Despite these obstacles, Ufaq pushed forward with passion and purpose. Her debut documentary, “Dou Kut Chai”, captured everyday stories with nuance and heart. The film resonated both locally and internationally, winning her the Best Debut Director award at the I Am Tomorrow International Film Festival in Brussels.

Her achievement demonstrates that the values nurtured at Habib—courage, creativity, and critical engagement—can take graduates far beyond national borders. Ufaq’s journey confirms how the Habib equips students to become storytellers and thought leaders who can influence global audiences.

3. Muhammad Hasham Qazi – Pioneering Safety Through Virtual Reality

The world is changing rapidly, and technology sits at the heart of this transformation. For Muhammad Hasham Qazi (Class of 2023, Electrical Engineering), the challenge was to use technology for social good. His project—developing a VR-based training platform for emergency fire-handling services—proved to be a breakthrough.

Using Unity 3D, Hasham created immersive simulations that allow firefighters to practice critical safety responses in a controlled environment. This innovation addressed an urgent need for accessible, practical training in a country where safety drills are often underdeveloped.

His work was published in an IEEE journal, earning him recognition from both academic and professional circles. For a young graduate, this milestone reflects not just technical skill but also a vision for how innovation can improve lives. Hasham’s story illustrates the unique blend of rigor and empathy that Habib instills.

4. Laiba Farid – Empowering Women Through HERe

Alumni success often comes in the form of social initiatives that create ripple effects in communities. One such example is Laiba Farid (Class of 2023, Social Development and Policy). Recognizing the challenges faced by women professionals in Pakistan, she co-founded HERe, a platform dedicated to empowering women in the workplace.

Supported by mentors from the banking and corporate sector, HERe provides mentorship, networking, and training opportunities for women at all stages of their careers. Its mission is to build a supportive ecosystem where women can grow into leadership roles without the barriers that traditionally hold them back. Laiba’s initiative reflects Habib’s core values—service, inclusion, and leadership.

5. Muhammad Furqan Karim Kidwai – A Fintech Leader on the Global Stage

For some, alumni success means scaling ventures that reach international recognition. That’s precisely what Furqan Kidwai (Class of 2020, Computer Science) has accomplished.

As the co-founder of YPay Financial Services, Furqan is democratizing access to financial literacy and asset management in Pakistan. His entrepreneurial vision rapidly gained recognition, leading him to represent Pakistan at the prestigious Startup Grind Global Conference in Silicon Valley in 2023.

There, he engaged with leading entrepreneurs, including Sequoia Capital’s Douglas Leone, and shared insights on building scalable businesses. YPay’s growth demonstrates how Habib graduates can take bold ideas and translate them into solutions with real-world impact.

Why These Stories Matter

These five stories are just the beginning. Habib University alumni are excelling in research at top institutions, securing global scholarships, contributing to climate initiatives, and driving entrepreneurial ventures. Collectively, they reflect a broader narrative: that a holistic education rooted in empathy, inquiry, and innovation creates leaders ready for the world’s challenges.

The success of these graduates reaffirms Habib University’s reputation as Pakistan’s premier institution of innovation. More importantly, it demonstrates that higher education is not only about academic excellence but also about empowering individuals to contribute to the betterment of society.

Conclusion

From civil service to filmmaking, from VR innovation to women’s empowerment and fintech entrepreneurship, Habib University’s alumni are redefining what it means to succeed. These stories showcase the diverse ways in which alumni success contributes to national progress and global recognition. Habib University isn’t just graduating students; it’s shaping changemakers. That’s why it rightfully holds its place as the best university in Pakistan, preparing students to write their own stories of impact, innovation, and leadership.