Tell us about yourself, how did you reach there?
I was a small-town boy who came to Islamabad in 2007 with 2000 rupees in his pocket. I started by sleeping on park benches and walking for miles in scorching heat to go and teach students and make some money to support myself and my family. Today, I’m a successfully exited founder and lead my own businesses in the innovation, technology, and training sectors. The journey has certainly not been an easy one, but nothing good ever comes easy. Persistence, grit, and positivity have been the key traits that have helped me come this far. I’m eternally grateful to the Almighty for putting me through the challenges that built my character and made me ready to be the leader that I am today.
What is your Vision & Goal
I am a firm believer in the potential of our youth and our country and want to do everything in my power to help young people realize that potential and take this country to the place it truly deserves. My goal is to create world-class upskilling infrastructure that enables our youth to create top-notch technology solutions for the world with a vision to establish Pakistan as a leader in technology.
What inspires you?
Small acts of kindness and care inspire me the most. Life has taught me that small actions that we take for granted and small steps taken consistently have a greater impact on life than things that we consider big. I would not be where I am today had it not been for countless acts of kindness and care that might seem small to others but had a huge impact on my life. I, therefore, feel indebted and want to pay my debt forward to the youth of Pakistan by lending a helping hand to the young people who need it.
What should the Government do to make the country digital?
I believe the best thing that our government or any government can do for the business landscape is to step back. Our economy and our digital sector are over-regulated as it is; we do not need more regulations or interventions from the government. We should let the private sector take charge, and we would see how quickly the market adjusts to global trends. We would see digitalization in every aspect if we stop meddling in the markets and provide policy stability instead.
What is the future of Fintech in Pakistan?
Pakistan’s fintech potential is off the charts and it has to grow because Pakistan’s economy depends on it. We have a huge youth bulge and a good technology penetration rate. Our youth is eager for opportunities and finding new ways that are more efficient than the historic ways in which business has been conducted in Pakistan. This bodes well for the fintech future of Pakistan, and I believe that fintech will be a leading sector for innovation in Pakistan.
Are you the smartest person you know?
I make sure that I’m not the smartest person in the room. I surround myself with people who are smarter and much more accomplished than I am. They help me keep myself grounded and keep growing.
What things do you not like to do?
There are so many things that I do not like to do, but I do them nevertheless. I am an inherently lazy person; I don’t like to work out or run, but I run because I must care for my physical and mental well-being. I do not like working hard and long hours, but I work nevertheless because I know that my own and my family’s future depends on it. I don’t like eating raw vegetables, but I eat them because I know they are necessary for my health. I’m an introvert and not a natural at networking and talking to strangers, but I do it because I know it is critical for my personal and business growth. The ability to do hard things and things that you don’t like is what separates successful people from the rest.
