In Memoriam: Aqsa Kashaf

LUMS mourns the tragic loss of Aqsa Kashaf, BSc Computer Science Class of 2016, who passed away on December 19, after completing Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Aqsa was known for her brilliance, kindness, and unwavering dedication to helping others. As a student at the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE), she excelled as a research intern, teaching assistant, and a friend to all who knew her, always offering support and encouragement. While Aqsa was still an undergraduate, her work was published in multiple top-tier papers, including in ACM HotNets and ACM SIGCOMM.

Aqsa went on to pursue a PhD at Carnegie Mellon University where she became a beloved figure in the Pakistani community, always bringing people together and forming a sense of community away from home. She later worked as a Systems and Security Engineer in California, with a bright future ahead.

Dr. Ihsan Ayyub Qazi, Associate Professor at SBASSE, fondly remembers Aqsa, stating, "She possessed a remarkable clarity about pursuing research and chasing her dreams. Even at this early stage in her academic journey, she exhibited the traits of a trailblazer, a young woman determined to make her mark in the field of computer science and become a role model for others in Pakistan. She cared deeply about the world around her and possessed a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Aqsa's contributions, her unwavering kindness, and her inspiring journey will always be remembered.”

Aqsa’s love for life, travel, cooking, and her strong faith made her an inspiration to many. She touched countless lives with her compassion and generosity. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones. May her soul rest in eternal peace.