The eighth memorial session for the Late Founder President of the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim, was held on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Present on this occasion were IoBM’s Leadership and Senior Management including Mr. Bashir Janmohammad, Chancellor; Mr. Talib S. Karim, President; Ms. Sabina Mohsin, VP FHE and Chief Advisor; Prof. Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro, Rector; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kashif, Dean College of Business Management (CBM); Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abbas, Dean College of Computer Science and Information Systems (CCSIS); Dr. Nadia Ayub, Dean College of Economics and Social Development (CESD). Heads of Departments, faculty members, management, and staff were also present to pay their respects.
The distinguished guest speakers for the occasion were Dr. Mohammad Ali Shaikh, Vice-Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), and Mr. Ali Syed, CEO of Alltrac (Pvt.) Ltd. and IDC (Pvt.) Ltd., a Board Member of the National Bank of Pakistan, and the Chairman of the National Insurance Company Limited (NICL).
Speakers shared heartfelt tributes, reflecting on the values and principles Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim championed. These enduring ideals, which formed the very foundation of IoBM, continue to guide the institution.
The host on the occasion was Ms. Juveria Baig, Head of the Internship, Placement, and International Office. The ceremony commenced with a soulful recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Hafiz Humayun Baig. Ms. Juveria Baig highlighted the remarkable journey of IoBM's late Founder President. She spoke of his dedicated service in key government positions, followed by his continued commitment to the field of education. He founded IoBM in 1995, and under his visionary guidance, the institution flourished into what it is today. Ms. Baig emphasized that his profound legacy continues to inspire and shape every aspect of learning within IoBM's classrooms.
While speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bashir Janmohammad, Chancellor IoBM, shared his heartfelt reflections: "It was in 1994 when I first had the privilege of meeting our Late Founder President, Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim. I vividly remember that initial meeting, where we discussed the ambitious vision for establishing the College of Business Management. From that very first conversation, it was clear that the Late Founder President was absolutely determined to achieve greatness, and indeed, he did. I cherish the memory of his life and the profound impact he had." He added that under his visionary leadership, IoBM was not just established, but it became an institution renowned for its strong financial assistance and robust endowment. This commitment to ensuring access to education, regardless of financial background, is a cornerstone of his philosophy. He added that the best tribute we can offer to Late Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim is to continue pursuing and upholding the incredible legacy he left behind.
Dr. Mohammad Ali Shaikh, Vice-Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), in his speech, fondly remembered the Late Shahjehan Syed Karim as a great friend and a cherished mentor. He warmly reminisced about the life and profound impact of IoBM's Late Founder President. Dr. Mohammad Ali Shaikh recalled being deeply impressed by Mr. Shehjehan Syed Karim's persona and words of wisdom during their encounters. He summarized the Late Founder President's essence with three powerful words: "struggle, excellence, and dedication," highlighting a life devoted to overcoming challenges and consistently striving for the highest standards. He said that after retirement, the Late Founder President continued his service to Pakistan as a dedicated educationist by establishing IoBM. Dr. Mohammad Ali Shaikh then drew a powerful parallel, stating that the lives of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Hassan Ali Effendi were akin to that of the Late Founder President, Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim.
While addressing the occasion, President IoBM, Mr. Talib Karim, shared that the Late Founder President always believed in maintaining strong connections with his friends and family members. He even advised the family to always stay in touch with their friends' families. He highlighted that IoBM's strategic plan is entirely based on the vision and philosophy of the Late Founder President. Mr. Talib Karim also profoundly appreciated the support and guidance of Mr. Bashir Janmohammad, stating that we at IoBM have progressed over the years since the passing away of the Late Founder President. He concluded by emphasizing that IoBM cannot move forward without the continous support of the Senior Management, Heads of Departments, Faculty, and staff.
Earlier, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kashif, Dean CBM, delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing the profound honor and deep reflection he felt speaking in memory of IoBM's Late Founder President, Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim. He underscored that the Founder's values continue to profoundly shape IoBM. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kashif admitted that while he did not have the privilege of working directly with the Founder President, he gained immense insight into the depth of his leadership and the clarity of his purpose by studying the foundational policy documents created under his guidance. He highlighted that the Late Founder President viewed education as a beacon of service. "Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim did not merely create a university; he created a philosophy," Dr. Kashif stated passionately. He affirmed that this enduring legacy continues to thrive at IoBM through its commitment to academic excellence, research excellence, societal impact, and digital transformation. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kashif further added that the Late Founder President firmly believed in empowering people, and it was under his visionary leadership that IoBM's robust infrastructure was developed. He concluded by noting that Mr. Karim's foresight extended to ensuring financial sustainability for decades, not just years, a testament to his long-term vision.
Sharing his alumni experience, Mr. Salman Baig revealed his three-decade-long association with IoBM's Late Founder President, Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim. He vividly recalled a particular meeting where Mr. Karim spoke about integrity, a value that, for Mr. Baig, remains of paramount significance to this day. Mr. Salman Baig emphasized that the mentorship, guidance, and inspiration Mr. Karim extended to everyone he met were truly unprecedented. He concluded by affirming that IoBM, under the enduring vision of its Late Founder President, continues to advance with leaps and bounds.
Ms. Anjum Aziz, an IoBM alumna from the batch of 1995 and currently serving as the Proctor at IoBM, shared her heartfelt admiration for the Late Founder President's legacy. She specifically lauded his remarkable achievement in bridging the gap between academia and industry, a vision that continues to define IoBM. Ms. Anjum Aziz deeply attributed her own success in both academic and extracurricular activities to the invaluable guidance she received from the Late Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim. She concluded her remarks by emphasizing a collective responsibility: "By taking care of IoBM, we will keep the legacy of Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim alive." Her words resonated with the audience, highlighting the enduring impact of his foundational principles on generations of IoBM students.
The memorial session for IoBM's Late Founder President, Shahjehan Syed Karim, underscored the institution's profound commitment to SDG 4: Quality Education. This dedication is evident in IoBM's focus on providing inclusive and equitable education, a cornerstone of its mission. The tribute highlighted Mr. Karim's pivotal role in establishing IoBM as a leading educational institution, thereby contributing significantly to national development by fostering a culture of academic excellence.