On Monday, July 17, 2023, the sixth memorial session paying tribute to IoBM's Late Founder President, Shahjehan S. Karim, was organized at IoBM. Present on this occasion were IoBM's President, Mr. Talib S. Karim; Executive Director, Ms. Sabina Mohsin; Rector, Deans, Heads of Departments, Faculty, Management, and Staff. IoBM alumni, Salman Baig and Sarah Haroon were invited to share their thoughts on this occasion. Dr. Amber Raza, Director of Academics, and Hafiz Humayun Baig, Registrar, also spoke on the occasion. The session honored and remembered the continuing legacy of Shahjehan S. Karim, who played an instrumental role in establishing the Institute of Business Management.
President IoBM, Mr. Talib Karim, during his opening speech, highlighted the vision of the Late Founder President and his resolve to establish an institution to impart quality education in Pakistan. He reminisced that the Late Founder President was the happiest during the 23 years of his life when he established and served as the Founder President of IoBM, from 1994 to 2017. Executive Director, IoBM, Ms. Sabina Mohsin, in her address, reflected on the Late Founder President’s remarkable humility, which symbolized his character. She recalled his modesty, particularly in his interactions with colleagues at IoBM. She was confident that the IoBM Family would continue to follow the ideals that have been set and engrained in the very essence of IoBM by the Late Founder President.
Dr. Amber Raza shared the cherished memories from her interactions with the Late Founder President and paid tribute through a heartfelt poem that reflected his charismatic leadership, all-encompassing personality, and graceful presence that his colleagues experienced. Hafiz Humayun Baig, while speaking on the occasion, praised Late Shahjehan S. Karim's caring nature, even during his final days.
Ms. Sarah Haroon, an IoBM alumna, expressed gratitude for the visionary grace of Shahjehan S. Karim. She described him as incredibly soft-spoken and acknowledged his dedication, which has facilitated the growth and expansion of IoBM from humble beginnings to its current standing and stature in Pakistan and abroad. Ms. Sarah highlighted that the profound impact IoBM has achieved over the past twenty-seven years is a testimony to the Late Founder President’s efforts. She appreciated the efforts by IoBM Management, especially the President and the Executive Director, for continuing with this legacy in letter and spirit. Mr. Salman Baig, an IoBM alumnus, cherished the life and career of the Late Shahjehan S. Karim and acknowledged the regional impact his vision had on the educational environment of Karachi and Pakistan. He conveyed the prayers of IoBM’s batch of 1997 for the Late Founder President.
The memorial session for IoBM’s Late Founder President, Shahjehan S. Karim, highlights the institution’s strong commitment to SDG 4: Quality Education, which is centered on providing inclusive and equitable education. The tribute emphasized his foundational role in establishing IoBM as a leading educational institution, contributing to national development by fostering a culture of quality education. Additionally, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals is exemplified through IoBM’s collaborative efforts with alumni, faculty, and industry to sustain the Founder’s vision, ensuring continued progress toward sustainable development through education.
Following the memorial session, Fateha was offered at the final resting place of the Late Founder President, which is situated on campus. The area has been converted into a green belt offering a peaceful environment for those visiting to pay their respect to the Late Founding President.