embodies a digital-first strategy that redefines banking by seamlessly providing futuristic Islamic finance An exclusive interview with Shahzad Khokhar, Head of Islamic Banking, Mashreq Pakistan PAGE: As Mashreq prepares to launch its Islamic banking operations in Pakistan, what unique value proposition do you believe we can offer to the Pakistani market? Shahzad Khokhar:Â As Mashreq prepares to launch its Islamic banking operations in Pakistan, we are uniquely positioned to offer significant value in a market where both digital and Islamic banking are burgeoning. This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand and a regulatory landscape that favors innovative banking solutions. Our…
Author: Ali Haider
Key strategies to overcome: Aligning education with industry needs; public-private partnerships; supporting startups; simplifying regulations and boosting exports   Interview with Umair Azam – Founder and CEO, Integration Xperts PAGE: Please tell us a bit about yourselves and your journey in the IT industry. Umair Azam: I am the Founder and CEO of Integration Xperts. With over 23 years of extensive and diverse experience in delivering and selling enterprise IT solutions, I have served in various leadership roles across the industry. These roles include Chief Operating Officer at Inbox Consulting, Country Manager for Avaya Networks (Pakistan & Afghanistan), and Senior Channel Sales…
Interview with Dr. Imran Batada — Author of ‘Digital Pakistan’ PAGE: As the esteemed author of the book ‘Digital Pakistan,’ we are honoured to have you here. Could you please offer an insightful overview of the Digital Pakistan initiative and its profound impact on the nation’s development? Dr. Imran Batada: As an author of the book ‘Digital Pakistan’ and someone deeply involved in this initiative, I’m pleased to share insights into its significance for our country’s development. Digital Pakistan represents a comprehensive strategy aimed at harnessing the power of digital technologies to transform various aspects of our society and economy. At its…
Country has fertile landscape for both nascent and established IT entities to innovate and scale internationally SI Global is poised to augment its business volume through a focus on technological innovation and strategic alliances Interview with Mr. Noman Ahmed Said — CEO SI Global Solutions (Pvt) Limited Profile Noman Ahmed Said, the CEO of SI Global Solutions (Pvt) Limited, is leading a system integration and consulting company in Pakistan. A dynamic, results-oriented leader with a strong track record of performance in turnaround and high-paced organisations. He has over 25 years of venture capital experience in the US, Pakistan, and GCC…
Marhaba: nurturing health, embracing tradition and defying challenges Interview with Hakeem Muhammad Usman — CEO, Marhaba Laboratories (Pvt) Limited PAGE: Share a concise overview of your professional journey, corporate background, and key successes and challenges. Hakeem Muhammad Usman: As far as my background is concerned, by profession I’m an expert of herbal medicines and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan’s most prominent herbs and food organisation Marhaba Laboratories (Private) Limited for more than 45 years. After my graduation, I have established this business along with my four younger brothers on July 1, 1975. The aim was to produce oriental…
Marhaba: nurturing health, embracing tradition and defying challenges Interview with Hakeem Muhammad Usman — CEO, Marhaba Laboratories (Pvt) Limited PAGE: Share a concise overview of your professional journey, corporate background, and key successes and challenges. Hakeem Muhammad Usman: As far as my background is concerned, by profession I’m an expert of herbal medicines and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan’s most prominent herbs and food organisation Marhaba Laboratories (Private) Limited for more than 45 years. After my graduation, I have established this business along with my four younger brothers on July 1, 1975. The aim was to produce oriental…
Offerings, opportunities within technology, conducive investment environment and collaboration making industry more dynamic Takaful activities in the health and life sector can be evaluated through a comprehensive set of key performance indicators Pak-Qatar Family Takaful wholly committed to contribute to the ongoing progress of Takaful in Pakistan Interview with Mr. Azeem Iqbal Pirani — CEO, Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Limited Profile Azeem’s most important role is that of a home educating father and spouse of a home educating mother. They started this adventure in 2008 when they took all their children out of school to begin the process of learning without…
Profile Akif Zia Malik, HOD Business Solutions, TPL Insurance Having a degree of Mechanical Engineering and MBA, both from the UK, Akif Malik has a diversified experience working within Manufacturing as well as Services Industry of more than 20 years. Akif has an insurance industry experience of 15 years, both in Non-Life and Life Insurance Industry, where he has led Agency Distribution Channel, Banca Channel as well as corporate sector and is well versed with the developments happening within the insurance industry. Mr. Akif Zia Malik, Head of Corporate Business Solutions at TPL Insurance Limited, shares his opinion and thoughts…
While the 14th August holds a special day for a Pakistan that was built on the principals of freedom, democracy and self-governance, we find ourselves today in a situation that has been transformed from an idealistic dream into a very real nightmare. The below figures present a brief snapshot of Pakistan’s Economic & Social Indicators GDP $376.493 billion (nominal; 2022) GDP growth rate The growth rate of 4% in 2022 is expected to decline to 2% in 2023. Food Inflation rate 45.10% in February 2023 Poverty rate 37.5% in 2022 Exchange rate 1US$ = 282 KR in March 2023 Foreign…
Profile: Mr. Asif Khan stands as a beacon of innovation in Pakistan’s technological arena. As the Chairman of Deploy Group, he has pioneered the country’s advancements in mobile technology, steering brands that cater to a diverse spectrum of consumers. Educated at Queen Mary University in London with a Master’s (M.Sc) in Computer Science, Khan possesses an international perspective that he has seamlessly fused with his deep-rooted passion for local innovation. Under his leadership, Deploy Group not only introduced Pakistan’s own smartphone brand but also fostered job growth and technological self-reliance. Khan’s vision goes beyond business; he’s reshaping Pakistan’s tech identity on…
NdcTech truly understands the importance of digital banking and to transform globally Interview with Ammara Masood — CEO, NdcTech PAGE: How do you see the changing landscape of Pakistan’s banking and financial sector and the increasing importance of the adoption of new technology in operations and service delivery? Ammara Masood: The banking and financial sector in Pakistan is undergoing rapid transformation with the increasing adoption of new technology in operations and service delivery. The emergence of new banking services and the migration of banks to cloud-based platforms are just a few examples of how technology is changing the landscape of…
– Schneider Electric Solutions making way for ‘Made in Pakistan’ and Indigenization Interview with Humayun Akhlaq — Country President, Schneider Electric Solutions & Services (SSSPL) PAGE: What are your experiences and achievements as the Country’s President and CEO? Humayun Akhlaq: It has been indeed a very fulfilling experience with Schneider Electric over the past four years. Working for the most sustainable corporation in the world has exponentially enhanced my learning curve over the years and exposed me to solutions and services that are most relevant to our customers, partners and the population at large. The most notable achievement has been…
Zaraye committed to become top B2B platform for raw materials sourcing Interview with Mr Ahsan Ali Khan — Co-founder and CEO, Zaraye Profile Ahsan Ali Khan is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zaraye, a B2B raw materials marketplace helping manufacturers with their procurement. Ahsan, along with his co-founder, founded Zaraye in late 2021. Prior to founding Zaraye, Ahsan spent his career with notable tech startups in Pakistan. He has experience across e-commerce marketplaces, health tech, ride-hailing, and mass transit while working with organizations like Dawaai, Careem, Daraz and Swvl. In his last stint, before joining Zaraye, Ahsan…
Interview with Mohib Hassan — COO, Sastaticket.pk Profile Mohib Hassan is the COO at Sastaticket.pk, and in his current role, Mohib is responsible for establishing Sastaticket.pk as the leading online travel website in Pakistan. Previously, Mohib has held various positions such as Executive Director at Pizza Hut, and Co-Founder at several international startups, amongst other roles where he has often been responsible for leading the company’s strategic direction, financial revival, technical innovations, and a renewed focus on stellar customer experiences. Mohib has extensive experience creating new products, solving customer pain points, and operating businesses of various sizes in multiple industries…
Right mentors build up right talents Innovation and customer value commitment of Xenith PR Interview with Mr. Raheel Nabi — Director and Chief Disruption Officer, Xenith PR Profile Raheel Nabi is a marketing and communications expert with over 13 years of local and international experience. He has been affiliated with Xenith PR since 2012, re-joining the agency in 2017 as Director and Chief Disruption Officer. He leads the organization today, looking after all communication verticals. Prior to his re-joining Xenith, he served as Head of Marketing in a Berlin-based block-chain marketing startup, after his 2-year tenure in the financial industry…
We must have graduate level courses in PR for better future Digital media platforms playing major role for the success Interview with Ms. Samra Muslim — Mad-hatter running Walnut & Alchemists PAGE: How long have you been to this field and what are your strength? Samra Muslim: I have been in the field of marketing for over 18 years now. With experience varying across in public relations, marketing and communications, social media, talent management and brand activation in a diverse range of industries. I am efficaciously running two companies, Walnut Communications & Alchemists. Walnut Communications has expertise in the field of…
Interview with Mr Shoaib Javed Hussain — Chairman, State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan PAGE: What are the current issues and challenges in the insurance sector of Pakistan and how this sector improve? Shoaib Javed Hussain: Although the life insurance sector has grown over the past decade; the life insurance penetration rate, measured as the ratio of GWP underwritten in a particular year to the gross domestic product (GDP), remains extremely low at around 0.6%. This compares to a world average of around 3.5% and even higher countries like India and Malaysia. The low rate indicates tremendous scope for expansion…
Interview with Mr. Jahanzeb Khan — Chief Executive Officer, FINCA Microfinance Bank Ltd. Mr. Khan has over 25 years of global experience in financial services and is a recognized leader with history, experience and track record of success in large global organizations. His vast experience with one of the largest financial services institutions (JPMorgan Chase & Co.), blue chip Management Consulting firm (Deloitte Consulting), and Telenor Microfinance Bank (Easypaisa) have enabled him to be successful at leading financial services and fintech institutions to success. Mr. Khan holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at…
Volume leader in rebar categories, largest recycler Interview with Mr. Hadi Akberali — Chief Operating Officer, Amreli Steels PAGE: Please elaborate on the journey of Amreli Steels since you joined the company? Hadi Akberali:Â I joined Amreli Steels in 2006 when we were undergoing a major expansion to triple our capacity to 180,000 tons per year. We went through a rough patch when our expansion came online at the same time as the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 but the company and the family showed remarkable resilience to rise to the challenge. From thereon, we knew we had to adopt a…
Interview with Fatima Zehra — Area HR Head, Maersk Pakistan PAGE: Briefly tell our readers about your successful journey? Fatima Zehra:Â I started my career in the health care industry in the Human Resource function, taking the pathway to implement my learnings and have hands-on experience in the field of HR. With each passing year, the grip and passion to excel in HR elevated. To further learn and gain experience in a different industry, I then moved to a renowned group and contributed in different areas from introducing and implementing policies effectively and efficiently to setting up the people function of…
Interview with Mr Irfan Wahid — Chief Executive Officer, Global Financial Solutions (GFS) Builders & Developers Global Financial Solutions (GFS) Builders & Developers is a projectized organization offering a full range of construction services and investment management while maintaining a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect generated through positive relationship with clients, architects, engineers, sub-contractors and suppliers. A company-wide policy encouraging shared performance responsibility ensures the highest degree of professional service and result on all projects. GFS has been into the field of building and construction/land development for more than 15 years. GSF has built a wide range of…
Let’s start off with Covid-19. How has it affected your business? Covid-19 has had unpresedented impact on every single business around the world. Despite the many miseries the pandemic brought along with it, I observed a few unintended benefits. For some brands, it’s a challenge. For others, it’s an opportunity. Those innovating their business models, focusing on how people consuming digital, creating relevant content to niche audience are reaching more customers and earning affinity for their brands. The products we produce are of health care that boost immunity, keep weight in check, and promote fitness. Therefore, being industry leaders, the…
Customers can count on our simplifying single window solutions Partnering with Retailo will help solve entire supply chain needs Pakistan’s economy is on the road of success, but more right actions can significantly impact the growth Covid 19 adversely affecting function of demand and supply but Maersk taking best steps in this challenging time Interview with Ms Aruna Hussain — Managing Director, Maersk Pakistan Pvt Ltd PAGE: Please tell us briefly about your company’s history in Pakistan and how successful has it been? Aruna Hussain: Maersk is a leading integrator of logistics and the only company in Pakistan offering end-to-end logistics…
Advanced Lab provides full range of routine and special tests at highly economical rates Interview with Prof. Dr. Rafiq Khanani — Managing Director, Advanced Laboratories Private Limited [box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””]Profile: Dr. Rafiq Khanani is a pioneer in the development of clinical diagnostic services in Pakistan. He is a Founding Director of Dow Diagnostic Reference and Research Laboratories, Dow Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Dow Radiology Institute, Institute of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Citilab Diagnostic Centre.Advanced Laboratory Diagnostic Centre is a refreshed commitment by the founder of Citi Diagnostic Centre Professor Rafiq Khanani and his team. Citilab…
Interview with Mr. Fahd K. Chinoy – CEO, Pakistan Cables Limited COVID-19, its prolonged stay, has changed and continues to change the way companies operate business around the world. With numerous restrictions and preventive measures such as social distancing in place, Pakistan Cables has managed to embrace the change which is required to thrive in the new normal. But what is the new normal? In this interview, Pakistan Cables Ltd’s CEO, Fahd K. Chinoy share his thoughts on the impact of COVID-19 and driving business forward in the new normal. PAGE: PCL is the leading wires and cables manufacturer with…
The national beverage market of Pakistan has been on a rise, because of buying potential. For this reason, one hears of new products coming about on a regular basis. Lately, there is a new arrival awaiting response – Epic, an energy drink that strives to provide a podium to the ambitious professionals of the nation. Additionally, its strategy suggests Epic aims for betterment and success, in terms of economical and professional outcomes. How so? The approach of this new drink is to hit those households that dream of vocational victory and that includes the highfliers, the self-starters, the go-getters, and…