BREAKING: Emeritus Professor Farhat Yusuf AM, a distinguished academic and community leader, has passed away at the age of 85 in Sydney on 14 October 2025. His funeral was held the following day at Castlebrook Memorial Park Cemetery, where a large gathering of family, friends, and community leaders came together to honor his remarkable contributions to education and society.
Professor Yusuf’s legacy as an esteemed mentor and researcher impacted countless students and scholars. His commitment to education was evident throughout his career, which included serving as Head of the Department of Business at Macquarie University until his retirement in 2011. He was also an Emeritus Professor of Demography at the same institution and held an honorary position in Public Health at Sydney University.
Born in 1940 in Delhi, Professor Yusuf experienced the challenges of migration during the Partition of 1947. After moving to Pakistan, he faced personal tragedy when his father passed away when he was just 16. This motivated him to pursue higher education, which he achieved with first-class honors from Punjab University in 1959 and later a PhD in Demography from the Australian National University in 1967.
His professional accolades include a significant role at Princeton University, Cornell University, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. In 2015, he was honored as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his exceptional service to tertiary education, particularly in the fields of Demography and Public Health.
Beyond his academic contributions, Professor Yusuf was a pillar of the local community, founding the Pakistan Association of Australia in 1972 and serving as secretary of the Islamic Society of NSW in the early 1970s. Arriving in Australia with his wife Nayyar and three young children in February 1970, he faced the challenges of migration with determination, creating a supportive environment for his family and future students.
Professor Yusuf leaves behind his beloved wife, Nayyar Yusuf, and three children: Huma Khan, Hena Amin, and Irfan Yusuf, along with two sons-in-law and four grandchildren. His family describes him as a source of wisdom and inspiration, and they request that he be remembered in prayers.
His passing marks a significant loss for both the academic community and the broader society. As tributes pour in, many reflect on his integrity, compassion, and the profound impact he had on the lives of those he touched.
The family is urging everyone to keep Professor Yusuf in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His memory will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.
Stay tuned for more updates as the community mourns the loss of this remarkable figure.
