The Institute of Business Management (IoBM) commemorated the life and legacy of its former Chancellor, the late Ambassador Najmuddin A. Shaikh, with a heartfelt memorial service held on campus. The distinguished diplomat and academic passed away on March 28, 2025, leaving behind a profound impact on Pakistan’s foreign policy and educational landscape.
Organized by IoBM’s Global and Regional Studies Center (GRSC), the memorial brought together a diverse gathering of diplomats, scholars, colleagues, and family members. The event served as a reflection on Ambassador Shaikh’s illustrious career and unwavering dedication to national service.
IoBM President Mr Talib Karim opened the tribute, highlighting Ambassador Shaikh’s visionary leadership during his tenure as Chancellor. “His wisdom, humility, and relentless pursuit of excellence guided our institution through a transformative phase,” Karim said.
Several seasoned diplomats and close associates of the late ambassador took the stage to share memories and offer tributes. Speakers included Ambassadors Syed Hassan Habib, Mustafa Kamal Qazi, Alam Brohi, Zafarullah Sheikh, Attiya Mahmood, and Qazi M Khalilullah, who lauded his diplomatic finesse and intellectual depth. Esteemed academic Dr Huma Baqai and the ambassador’s brother, Air Marshal Riazuddin Shaikh, also offered poignant remarks, remembering his quiet strength and lifelong commitment to public service.
Ambassador G.R. Baluch, Director of GRSC-IoBM, presented a detailed account of Najmuddin Shaikh’s distinguished career, which included ambassadorial appointments in the United States, Germany, Canada, and Iran, culminating in his role as Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary. “He was a man of principle and purpose, who navigated complex global challenges with poise and conviction,” Baluch remarked.
The ceremony concluded with a collective Duaa, offering prayers for the departed soul, followed by a pledge from attendees to uphold the values that defined Ambassador Shaikh’s life: integrity, diplomacy, and service to the nation.
As the IoBM community mourns the loss of a statesman and scholar, it also celebrates a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of leaders and learners.