The Foundation commenced its work in Karachi in October 2007. It aims to inspire and establish innovative and reflective learning spaces to foster a healthy society. It has a mandate to:

• Promote Higher Education and learning for contributing towards building a knowledge-based society
• Initiate research and intellectual capacity building to create a culture of critical inquiry
• Stimulate youth and communities to adopt means towards attaining a healthy and productive life
• Create strategic educational initiatives to partner with government and other educational counterparts

Some of H.U.F.'s major initiatives include; establishing a world-class university, enhancing marketable skills for the youth (Institute for Advancing Careers and Talents -iACT), exploring avenues of educational research and planning (Center for Educational Research and Planning) and various other philanthropic projects that facilitate in improving access to quality education. The Foundation recruits specialists in areas such as university planning, educational research (primary, secondary, tertiary and vocational), human resources, finance, auditing, administration, accounting, information systems, communication, fund raising and resource mobilization, marketing and management.