In Memoriam: Muhammad Qasim Awan

The LUMS community mourns the loss of its alumnus, Muhammad Qasim Awan, who tragically passed away in Islamabad.

Muhammad Awan earned a BSc in Politics/Economics and graduated in 2014. He returned to LUMS and completed his MBA in 2021 after fulfilling all requirements despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Awan was quick to make many friends who are shocked at the news and expressed a profound loss for the entire LUMS community.

Ammar Anwar, business partner and BSc batch mate said “He was such a humble person, always willing to help anyone who came up to him. He would tell all of us to leave our exam tensions behind and would cheer us up when we were down. Anyone who encountered him, remembered him as he was so good-natured and open-hearted”.

Dr. Salman Khan, Assistant Professor, Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB), who taught Awan Entrepreneurial Finance, shared his thoughts. "Qasim stands among those who leave a lasting impact and live in our thoughts forever. This is a huge and irreparable loss and I extend my condolences to his friends and family”.

Recalling Qasim, Dr. Aamna Khalid, Assistant Professor, Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences, said, "I taught Qasim during his MBA at LUMS and without exaggeration, he was the most respectful, well-mannered, and kind student that I have come across. To this date, I remember him for his unique shy, soft-spoken communication style, and helpful attitude towards his fellow students. Nothing seemed to frazzle him during our competitive class sessions and hectic assignment deliverables as he brought with him an infectious calm and self-assured energy that positively impacted all who crossed paths with him.

Qasim had a great deal of untapped potential and promise which I'm sure he will now unpack in the hereafter. He truly was too pure a soul for this flawed world. A loss for us and a gain for the heavens".

Expressing his sentiments, Dr. Alnoor Bhimani, Honorary Dean, SDSB said, "Qasim was a model student at LUMS. Helpful to others, engaged with student life and always exhibiting gentility, compassion and kindness. He is missed by all that knew him. May his family and friends have the fortitude to bear his passing".

As the only son, after graduation, Awan decided to stay and work in Pakistan. He worked as the Business Development Manager at Food Panda and his prospects for the future held so much promise.

On behalf of LUMS faculty, staff and students the Vice Chancellor Dr. Arshad Ahmad said, "Awan's passing is a shock and very difficult to believe and accept. We extended our heartfelt condolences to Awan's family and loved ones. May God grant them the strength and serenity to bear Awan's unimaginable loss. They are in our thoughts and in our prayers".