LAHORE: (Monday, August 10, 2026): Punjab University Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology (ICET) organized a tribute reference to the life, legacy and remarkable contributions of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arif Butt, 53rd Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, along with other teachers (Prof. Dr. Asghar Ali Butt, Prof. Dr. Arshad Chughtai, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali).
The reference brought together senior academics, university officials, engineers, alumni, colleagues, students, friends and family members to remember the distinguished teachers who devoted their lives to academic excellence, professional integrity, mentorship, and the advancement of Chemical Engineering education in Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arif Butt remained a central focus, with speakers highlighting his distinguished academic career, leadership, integrity, and lasting contributions to the University of the Punjab and Chemical Engineering. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, took a keen interest in supporting and organizing the tribute reference in honor of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arif Butt and former teachers of ICET-PU. PU Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mahmood Saleem, UET Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir and Director ICET Prof. Dr. Syed Nadir Hussain paid tribute to the late academicians and acknowledged their vital role in strengthening engineering education, research, character building, and mentorship. Alumni, colleagues, and family members also shared cherished memories, reflecting on the teachers’ profound influence on generations of students and professionals and expressing respect, condolences and solidarity with their bereaved families.
A particularly meaningful part of the reference was the address by Mr. Muhammad Maaz Arif, 4th son of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arif Butt, who attended the ceremony as a representative of the family and paid a deeply personal and intellectual tribute to his father. In his address, Maaz Arif reflected upon his father's lifelong commitment to academic integrity, intellectual honesty, excellence in education, and the development of strong academic institutions. He emphasized that his father's vision extended beyond individual academic achievement and was rooted in the belief that universities must serve as institutions for the development of knowledge, character, professional ethics, and responsible citizens.
Recalling the philosophy and teachings of his father, Maaz Arif highlighted the importance Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arif Butt attached to the role of educational institutions in shaping society. He referred to his father's words and ideas concerning academic excellence, integrity, responsibility, and the importance of preserving the dignity and independence of institutions of learning. He emphasized that carrying forward his father's legacy meant not merely remembering his achievements but continuing the principles and values for which he stood.
Maaz Arif's address also highlighted the profound influence of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arif Butt as a teacher and mentor. He spoke of an academic legacy built on knowledge, discipline, integrity and service, expressing his commitment to carrying forward the ideology and values that his father championed throughout his professional life. His address was particularly appreciated by members of the ICET community, many of whom had personally experienced Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arif Butt's mentorship and academic leadership.
Maaz Arif recalled the events of 2008, when his father was denied the Vice Chancellorship for the next four years, and said that two then-CHEP members (Khawaja Haris Rashid and Fazal-e-Aleem) and the then-Governor (Khalid Maqbool) were the main culprits describing their careers as marked by failure.
The three elder brothers of Maaz Arif (Zarrar Arif, Ammar Arif and Affan Arif) were absent from the tribute to their father.
As a lasting tribute to the distinguished teachers, a Memorial Tree Plantation Ceremony was also held, during which trees were planted in their memory by their family members. The memorial plantation symbolized the enduring legacy of the late academicians and the knowledge, values, mentorship, and inspiration they passed on to their students, colleagues, and future generations.
The participants prayed that Allah Almighty may grant the departed souls the highest ranks in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give strength and patience to their families.