Philanthropy and Education in Focus at Iftar Hosted by Shahbaz Yasin Malik

 By: Aziz Khatri 

 KARACHI: An iftar gathering titled “Building the Future is Ours to Do” brought together philanthropists, business leaders, and members of the academic community to reflect on the transformative potential of strategic giving and institutional development in Pakistan.

Hosted by Shahbaz Yasin Malik, member of the Board of Directors of Habib University, the event was attended by university benefactors, members of the Habib family, corporate partners, and prominent Karachi philanthropists.

Participants considered a key question that shaped the discussion: Despite the Muslim world contributing large amounts of annual zakat and philanthropy – often exceeding charitable giving in regions such as Europe and the United States – why has this generosity not translated into lasting institutional change?

Drawing inspiration from the historical legacy of Islamic philanthropy rooted in scholarship and institution-building, speakers emphasized the need to reintroduce philanthropy to higher education. The gathering called for channeling philanthropic resources into sustainable educational institutions that are capable of strengthening national capacity and creating long-term social impact.

Highlighting the university’s own model, it was noted that more than 87 percent of its students receive scholarships or financial aid – demonstrating how organized philanthropy can expand educational access and nurture future leaders.

The event concluded with a shared commitment to reshape philanthropy in Pakistan by shifting the focus from short-term relief to sustainable investments in knowledge, institutions, and national development.