On Saturday, October 24, 2026, the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) held the soft launch of “The Journey: From Public Service to a Lasting Legacy”, a biography documenting the life, career, and enduring legacy of its late Founder-President, Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim. The ceremony brought together members of the Karim family, IoBM’s Senior Leadership, Head of Departments, Faculty Members, Management and Alumni. The proceedings were hosted by Mr. Nabhan Karim, Head of Marketing and Communications (MARCOM) at IoBM.
Authored by Mr. Ejaz Wasay, The Journey is the culmination of nearly a decade of research and writing. Drawing on personal interviews with the late Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim, extensive research, and historical accounts, the book chronicles his journey from his childhood in Patna and education in the United States to his distinguished career in public service and the establishment of IoBM. Beyond documenting the milestones of his life, the publication offers insights into the vision, values, and decisions that shaped his career and enduring legacy in business education in Pakistan.
Among the speakers were Chancellor IoBM, Mr. Bashir Janmohammad, Mr. Talib Syed Karim, President IoBM; Ms. Sabina Mohsin, Vice President, FHE, and Chief Advisor, IoBM; Dr. Mehtab Karim, Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences and in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Aga Khan University in Karachi; Mr. Ejaz Wasay, author of the book; Dr. Shagufta Ghauri, Associate Dean, College of Business Management (CBM); Mr. Abid Vazir, an alumnus of IoBM’s first BBA batch; Mr. Moin Uddin Ali Khan, a former colleague of the late Founder-President at IoBM; and Ms. Ameena Saiyid, Publisher and Managing Editor, Lightstone Publishers.
Speakers recalled the Late Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim’s commitment to education, integrity, and public service, highlighting experiences that illustrated his principles and leadership. The book recounts, among other episodes, his willingness to uphold due process during his service as Deputy Commissioner of Thatta, even when doing so carried professional consequences.
Mr. Bashir Janmohammad recalled the late Founder President’s visionary leadership and his commitment to establishing an institution that would make a lasting contribution to business education in Pakistan. Mr. Talib Syed Karim and Ms. Sabina Mohsin reminisced about their childhood and reflected on how the late Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim shaped their lives and entrusted them with the responsibility of carrying forward his vision when IoBM was first established.
Dr. Mehtab Karim shared his experiences of growing up under the guidance and influence of the late Founder President. Mr. Ejaz Wasay highlighted the late Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim’s vision and his ability to turn an ambitious idea into a lasting institution. Dr. Shagufta Ghauri recalled how his encouragement inspired her to pursue a PhD. Mr. Abid Vazir reflected on his experiences with the late Founder President at IoBM’s former campus, recalling the institution’s humble beginnings and its journey towards growth. Mr. Moin Uddin Ali Khan also shared his interactions and memories of Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim.
Ms. Ameena Saiyid, who edited and published the book, observed that the manuscript was thoughtfully researched and written, offering a compelling account of Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim’s life and legacy. She described him as a born leader and acknowledged the considerable effort invested in documenting his remarkable journey.
The discussion also revisited the family conversation that led Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim to establish an educational institution after retiring from public service in 1994. With the support of business leaders and philanthropists, the vision developed into the College of Business Management and ultimately IoBM.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Talib Karim, President IoBM, who acknowledged the contributions of those involved in bringing the book to publication and preserving the legacy of the late Founder-President.
Through The Journey: From Public Service to a Lasting Legacy, IoBM honours the life and work of its Founder-President and preserves a significant chapter in the institution’s history. The book also offers readers lessons from Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim’s pursuit of education, integrity, and determination to build an institution that continues to serve future generations.
