Iqtidar Ahmad

This is something close to my concept of Leadership. Living in the Era of Transformation, It's been almost 15 years working on various Leadership roles in different capacity in a country where every year is a different year especially last 4 to 5 years. It's not important where you ended last day the important is how well you start your day with the same Vision, Resilience, Courage & Determination on your Goal. Working with your team is important, how closely you know each other. How well you know the Strength of each other. I am big believer of Leadership effectiveness with the freedom of their Decisions making & Empowerment. The young Leaders should learn the important attributes especially Resilience & Selflessness importance over & above the Goal. #Leadership #resilience #courage #selflessness #determination #peoplemanagement

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Love this 🖤 #GlobalBusiness #BusinessGrowth #GlobalOpportunities #GrowthMindset #BusinessDevelopment #GlobalEconomy #Opportunities #InternationalBusiness #SustainableGrowth #Entrepreneurship #NationalBusiness #BusinessGrowth #EconomicDevelopment #LocalEconomy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #MarketExpansion #BusinessSuccess

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As requested by many, here are the slides from my #IBAKarachi guest speaking session on #TradeMarketing. #Kashifqirtas #Keeplearning #Keepgrowing #FMCG #Trademarketing

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Pakistan's participation in the COP (Conference of the Parties) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) reflects its role as a vulnerable yet determined developing country in the global fight against climate change. Below is a detailed analysis of Pakistan's performance at recent COP events, focusing on its achievements, challenges, and future prospects. Pakistan has long been recognized as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves have made climate action an existential imperative for the country. At COP, Pakistan has typically aligned itself with other developing nations and coalitions like the Group of 77 (G77) and China, the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), and the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC), advocating for equity in climate action and substantial financial and technical support from developed nations........... https://bit.ly/3OToD0p #climatechange #COP29 #sustaiablecommunities #resilience #adaptation

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excellent initiatives for Pakistan's economic development. A nation's economic growth heavily depends on advancements in science and technology. For instance, Singapore, with a population one-fourth that of Karachi and an area comparable to Islamabad, has minimal natural resources, including no significant underground water reserves. Yet, it achieves annual technology exports of approximately $500 billion. In contrast, Pakistan's reliance on exporting mangoes and rice will not allow us to compete effectively in the global economy. We need to prioritize investments in science, technology, and innovation to achieve sustainable economic growth and establish a strong presence in the global market."

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The landscape of modern trade in the FMCG sector in Pakistan is on the cusp of a thrilling transformation. With urbanization rapidly reshaping consumer lifestyles, we are witnessing an unprecedented shift toward organized retail formats. Traditional kirana stores coexist with burgeoning supermarkets and e-commerce platforms, creating a diverse marketplace that caters to evolving consumer preferences. This blend provides an exciting opportunity for brands to innovate their offerings and engage with customers through immersive shopping experiences. Moreover, the integration of technology into modern trade is revolutionizing how FMCG companies connect with consumers. Smart analytics and big data empower brands to understand purchasing patterns more deeply, enabling targeted marketing strategies that resonate on a personal level. As mobile penetration continues to soar, online grocery shopping is becoming increasingly popular; virtual shelves are breaking geographical barriers and expanding access to quality products for millions across the nation. This synergy between tech-savvy shoppers and agile retailers signals an exhilarating future where convenience meets choice, promising not only profitability but also enhanced customer satisfaction in Pakistan's FMCG arena.

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Amir Paracha recently highlighted Unilever Pakistan's commitment to sustainability, discussing collaborations with organizations like UNICEF , TCF, and The Indus Hospital, and how their new strategy outlines a more immediate, action-focused approach to sustainability. This refreshed strategy emphasizes climate consciousness, plastic circularity, nature regeneration, and livelihoods. Tune in to learn how Unilever is embedding sustainability into its core and driving change across Pakistan. #SustainabilityAccelerated #UnileverPakistan #Podcast #ESG #BetterPakistan

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ہمیں یہ واضح نہیں ہے کہ سول سوسائٹی کے نمائندوں کو کون مقرر کرتا ہے اور کیسے یہ طے ہوتا ہے کہ کون سول سوسائٹی ہے اور کون اس کا حصہ ہے۔ A question need to be asked from the promoters of programs such as "Massive Mandatory Food Fortification" and "One Scale for All". These like minded so-called multistake holders (for personal financial gain) are lobbies of future health disasters in Pakistan. They are serving those who are agents for continued economic colonisation and not for change through indigenous solutions. There is massive mandatory fortification act but no mandatory food security act. They fix the responsibility on regulatory bodies if Food is not fortified but don't fix the responsibility on regulatory bodies if Food security is not insured. They support policies to import agri-food goods in the name of "Food insecurity", but they don't do policy dialogue where over wheat is imported, for political "gain" a purchase rate of Rs. 3950/40 Kg, is announced, and through black market a low cost (Rs. 2200 - 3200 / 40 Kg) is adjusted in it.

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By The Grace Of Almighty ALLAH .. Our approach to training and advisory is designed to foster desired growth and achieve tangible results.

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised concerns about Pakistan's potential social tensions due to its complex political landscape and high cost of living. Despite the government's commitment to SBA policies, political uncertainty persists. Policy deviations and reduced external financing could threaten debt sustainability and pressure the exchange rate. Delays in external financing disbursements may strain banks and crowd out the private sector. Geopolitical factors like higher commodity prices and shipping disruptions could further harm external stability.

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*Empowering Distribution Networks & Business Opportunities Across Pakistan.* 🌍 Nationwide Connectivity Reaching distributors in every region, ensuring seamless supply chain operations and market presence. 🤝 Strengthening Relationships Engaging directly with distributors to build trust, address challenges, and enhance collaboration. 📊 Market Insights Gathering firsthand knowledge of local markets to tailor strategies and drive impactful outcomes. 📦 Optimizing Operations Gathering on-ground insights to streamline processes and improve efficiency across all touchpoints. 🚀 Expanding Opportunities Driving growth by exploring new markets and fortifying existing networks throughout Pakistan. #DistributorVisits #PanPakistanOutreach #SupplyChainManagement #BuildingConnections #DrivingGrowth #BusinessVisits #PakistanOutreach #NationwideImpact #BuildingConnections #DrivingGrowth

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Mr. Waqas Shair is a Research Associate at the Center of Economic Planning and Development (CEPD), Minhaj University Lahore, privilege of having newspaper, titled "#Burden_of_Regressive_Taxation," featured in the prestigious Thenation Newspaper. Discourse on #Burden_of_Regressive_Taxation:  The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended that Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) adopt a flat General Sales Tax (GST) rate of 18% across a broad range of goods, from essentials like food and medicine to everyday items like stationery. This strategy could significantly enhance Pakistan’s financial reserves, potentially increasing the nation’s revenue to GDP ratio by approximately 1.3%, translating to about Rs1,300 billion. There is also talk of raising the GST to 19% to boost the FBR’s revenue collection efforts further. Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio hovers around 10%, markedly below the OECD’s 34% average. Generally, a tax-to-GDP ratio exceeding 15% is crucial for economic growth and poverty reduction. This figure is a pivotal benchmark, signifying a nation’s capability to fund crucial public services and infrastructure that spur development and elevate societal well-being. Around the world, there is a trend toward lowering consumption taxes, yet Pakistan stands out with its significant dependence on indirect taxes, which account for 60% of its total tax revenue. This is markedly different from OECD countries, where consumption taxes average only 32.1% of the total. With a heavy lean on sales, excise, and customs duties, Pakistan’s fiscal approach underscores a fiscal strategy deeply influenced by its economic challenges and administrative preferences, setting it apart globally. Pakistan proceeds with its proposed GST hike and shift to a uniform tax rate, which could significantly impact its economy. Notably, the regressive nature of this indirect taxation could heighten, hitting the lower-income groups hardest by increasing their tax burden disproportionately. Additionally, such a shift is likely to exert inflationary pressures, amplifying the cost of living and potentially curbing consumer spending—a scenario that could stymie economic growth. Key Points for Discussion: Pakistan heavily depends on indirect taxes. GST hike impacts lower-income most and exert inflationary pressures. Pakistan's GST rate exceptionally high. Malaysia abolished GST, boosting economy. Reforms could balance tax system. Here is the URL: https://lnkd.in/da3rt5A8 Waqas AhmadWaqas Shair (Economist, Researcher, Author) Author at Dawn, The Nation, The News,PakistanTodayDr. Khurram Shahzad

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𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🌿 I received several DMs asking me to share my thoughts on why Pakistan continues to fall behind in achieving its (full) potential in three critical areas: #growth, #governance, and #globalization. Why have we fallen behind on the path to progress? Why haven't we reached our full potential? And is there any hope if we follow a roadmap of #progress, #responsibility, and #accountability? 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱: Pakistan’s economic growth has been hindered by systemic challenges, including inconsistent policies, limited investment in critical sectors, and a lack of technological innovation. A focus on short-term gains rather than long-term strategies has left the potential for sustainable growth untapped. Pakistan’s economic underperformance is largely due to weak institutions, poor governance, and the absence of a clear developmental agenda. Without addressing these, growth will remain irregular to external shocks. Governance remains a major impediment to progress. #Corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a lack of #accountability weaken the rule of law and hinder public service delivery. Pakistan needs a governance structure that promotes transparency, encourages decentralized decision-making and prioritises #fairness, #inclusivity, and #socialequity. Pakistan has struggled due to outdated industrial policies, limited export diversification, and inadequate infrastructure. To succeed globally, Pakistan must sharpen its competitive edge by upgrading skills, adopting new technologies, and fostering an environment conducive to international trade and investment. 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲, 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀: Pakistan must prioritize education reform, skill development, and health infrastructure to build a workforce capable of driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Improving the quality of education will help bridge the gap between global standards and local capabilities. Institutional reforms must be pursued with a clear mindset of “can do.” Strengthening the rule of law, ensuring #integrity, guaranteeing #justice for all, and fostering accountability across the board is crucial for effective governance. Building institutional capacity and implementing reforms that hold officials accountable, while promoting transparency and efficiency, are equally important. Pakistan needs to aggressively pursue policies that enhance its integration into the global economy. This includes promoting exports, signing trade agreements, and improving infrastructure to support industrial growth. Technological adaptation and investments in research and development will enable Pakistan to compete on a global scale, with a focus on improving the ease of doing business to expand export potential. -------------- Please share your thoughts. I am happy to discuss further. #pakistanindependenceday

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Pakistan lags behind many nations in meeting global standards for tobacco control, making it crucial to adopt more effective measures. Our distinguished speaker, Mr. Umer Sajjad Chaven, emphasized the urgent need for stronger regulations and stricter enforcement to decrease tobacco consumption and protect the well-being of our communities. Let’s push for a healthier future by supporting initiatives that reduce exposure and promote better health for all. #FCTCcommitments #strongerregulations #tobaccocontrol #publichealth #cohesivepolicyframework #effectivepolicyimplementation #imposehealthlevy #increasetobaccotax #tobaccofreegeneration

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"Pakistan's Digital Dilemma: Can We Afford to Lose Our Future?" As the backbone of global business, reliable internet is non-negotiable. Recent disruptions in Pakistan's digital infrastructure have pushed multinational companies to consider relocation—a potential blow to our economy and workforce. This isn't just about lost connections; it's about lost opportunities and trust. Can Pakistan afford to let digital instability undermine its position in the global market? We have the talent and ambition, but we need a digital foundation that supports growth, not stifles it. It's time for swift, decisive action to safeguard our future in the global economy. Let's not allow our digital shortcomings to be our downfall. #Pakistan #DigitalInfrastructure #EconomicGrowth #Leadership #GlobalBusiness

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🎯 Master the Art of Sales Join me on 14th December (4 PM - 6 PM) at the ULAB Permanent Campus for an insightful, interactive workshop organized by the ULAB EMBA Program. Sales is more than just closing deals—it’s about creating meaningful connections, solving problems, and driving impact. This session is designed to bridge practical knowledge with strategic insights, catering to both students and professionals eager to thrive in the Bangladeshi market. What you’ll learn: ✔ Why Salesmanship Matters – Its pivotal role in careers and businesses. ✔ Bangladesh Context: Sales Channels & Funnels – Navigating the unique market dynamics. ✔ The Sales Process – Breaking down every step, from prospecting to successful follow-ups. ✔ Career Growth in Sales – Understanding the journey from entry-level to leadership roles. ✔ Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills – Balancing the two to become a sales champion. ✔ Sales Evaluation & Metrics – Measuring and improving team and individual performance. ✔ Advanced Selling Techniques – Mastering communication, negotiation, and closing with confidence. ✔ Building Long-term Client Relationships – Strategies to drive loyalty and sustainable growth. Additionally, we’ll cover: The Psychology of Selling – Understanding buyer behavior to adapt and excel. Sales Leadership – Inspiring and managing teams for peak performance. This workshop is designed to give you tools, techniques, and actionable insights to sharpen your edge, build confidence, and unlock your potential in sales. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this is your chance to explore the art and science of selling like never before. 💬 #SalesMastery #ULAB #ProfessionalDevelopment #SalesGrowth

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"The Future of Retail in Pakistan – Challenges and Practical Solutions 1/2" As someone with years of experience in management consulting, supply chain optimization, and financial planning across multiple industries, I've witnessed firsthand the unique challenges that the Pakistani retail industry faces. From stock management inefficiencies to supplier issues, our retail sector operates in an environment where growth potential is immense, but so are the barriers. The Key Issues in Pakistani Retail Inefficient Stock Management: Retailers often struggle with stock availability and control. Products are either overstocked, resulting in waste and tied-up capital, or understocked, leading to missed sales opportunities. This imbalance is primarily due to inadequate demand forecasting and lack of real-time data management systems. Lack of Supplier Coordination: A common problem is the disconnect between retailers and suppliers. Delayed deliveries, inconsistent product quality, and poor communication can all contribute to inefficiencies in the supply chain. These disruptions have a domino effect, slowing down the entire retail operation. Inadequate Use of Technology: Many retailers in Pakistan still rely on outdated systems or manual processes. These processes not only slow down operations but also lead to data inaccuracy and missed opportunities for data-driven decision-making. The lack of digital tools means businesses are often flying blind, reacting rather than proactively managing their operations. Consumer Experience: Customer service in the retail industry is another area that needs attention. Consumers today expect more than just product availability. They want seamless shopping experiences, whether online or in-store, personalized service, and easy returns. Many Pakistani retailers are lagging in providing this level of service, often due to lack of training or investment in customer service solutions.

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