Forging Strategic Pathways
The University Industry Advisory Board (UIAB) serves as a cornerstone of Habib University’s commitment to bridging academic excellence with the evolving landscape of industry and innovation. Comprising senior leaders from fourteen value-aligned organizations, the Board provides valuable counsel that ensures Habib graduates are not only technically proficient but also grounded in critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and leadership for impact.
Its members act as thought Leaders, actively shaping opportunities for engagement that serve institutional and sectoral needs alike. Through this, Habib University remains deeply informed by contemporary industry perspectives while contributing intellectual capital to address real-world challenges.
Mission
To serve as a catalyst for Habib University’s institutional advancement and societal contribution. The UIAB strengthens the University’s integration within key ecosystems of industry innovation, knowledge creation, and national development.
Its mission is to enable a reciprocal exchange between academia and industry — positioning Habib University as a vital partner in applied research, talent development, and future-oriented innovation — while reinforcing its role as a critical contributor to Pakistan’s knowledge economy.
Impact
The UIAB turns insight into action by:
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Informing Academic Direction:
Offering perspective on how emerging industry priorities and technological shifts can inform the evolution of Habib University’s programs, research focus, and applied learning initiatives. -
Advancing Student Readiness:
Guiding the development of professional competencies and mindsets that prepare students to contribute meaningfully within complex, rapidly changing work environments. -
Enabling Meaningful Collaboration:
Helping identify avenues for purposeful engagement, from joint research and innovation projects to advisory roles and mentorship, that create reciprocal value for the University and its partners. -
Amplifying Institutional Impact:
Serving as advocates for Habib University’s mission and thought leadership within their sectors, helping expand the University’s visibility, partnerships, and contribution to national development.
Members

It is a privilege to be part of Habib University’s University Industrial Advisory Board. As an impact specialist, this is an excellent opportunity to share my experience and thoughts with students and work with them on sustainability and its diverse dimensions.
Shaista Ayesha

Diversity and Inclusion sits at the heart of Habib University, be it degree offerings, student body or faculty. With a brief institutional history, it is heartening to see Graduates of the university being recognized locally and internationally. It is my privilege to be associated with the institution for last many years as member of UIAB.
Tahir Jawaid

The world that we are headed into needs totally new skill sets and Habib University is doing a phenomenal job in constantly striving to identify these skills and preparing its students for the same by aligning their curriculum with the latest trends, needs and opportunities.
Umar Ahsan Khan
Aneeta also co-founded IRD’s Community Engagement Center and serves on the WHO Civil Society Task Force on TB. She continues to champion inclusive, community-driven approaches that place mental well-being at the center of equitable health systems.

Aneeta Pasha
Independent Consultant,
IRD Global
He previously served as Chief Information and Transformation Officer at Engro, leading enterprise-wide functions including IT, procurement, administration, Engro Foundation, and major transformation programs such as OneSAP and Catalyst. Eram has also held leadership roles at K-Electric, Coca-Cola Beverages Pakistan, Unilever Pakistan, and Alcoa across the USA, Asia, and the Middle East.
He now advises organizations on digital strategy, operational excellence, and change leadership.
Driven by a passion for learning and empowerment, Farrukh has dedicated his career to creating purpose-driven ventures that enable people to grow and perform at their best. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston.

Farrukh Omar
CEO & Founder, SpurSol and
Knoccs
Her career spans leadership roles at Human Edge, KSBL’s Engro Leadership Academy, and senior HR positions at Bank Alfalah, Habib Bank, and Standard Chartered. An IBA MBA, certified coach, and DEI specialist, Hafsa is recognized for transforming workplaces through strategic talent development and people-centric leadership.

Hafsa Abbasy
Head of Human Resources,
United Bank Limited
As CEO of IAL Saatchi & Saatchi, he has led the agency’s evolution into one of Pakistan’s most forward-looking creative firms. Imtisal also founded Digitz, the country’s first digital agency, shaping Pakistan’s digital marketing landscape.
A member of Habib University’s UIAB, he advocates for deep thinking, ethical action, and creative impact in the next generation of leaders.

Imtisal Abbasi
Managing Partner,
IAL Saatchi & Saatchi
She previously led the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA) and founded The Nest I/O, which nurtured hundreds of startups and positioned Pakistan on the global innovation map.
Jehan serves on the World Bank’s Gender Advisory Council and advises the Government of Punjab on IT. She is widely recognized for championing innovation, opportunity, and women’s economic participation.

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan, Rizwan began his career at A.F. Ferguson & Co. (PwC) and later served in key finance roles at Pakistan State Oil. He sits on the boards of PSTD, PSHRM, and Habib University’s UIAB, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s leadership and talent development landscape.

He has held senior leadership roles across Pakistan, Southeast Asia, and Europe, excelling in general management, global strategy, and cross-functional leadership. Munir is known for building high-performing teams, nurturing talent, and driving sustainable business impact through people-centered leadership.

Munir Hasan
Vice President Customer Development,
Unilever Pakistan Ltd.
His career includes roles as Minister and Chairman of Pakistan’s Board of Investment, CEO of Acumen Fund Pakistan, and CEO of Wateen Telecom, along with investment leadership at Intel Capital in Silicon Valley.
A frequent speaker at platforms such as TEDx, Harvard, and GSMA World Congress, Naeem champions purposeful innovation and mindful leadership.

Naeem Zamindar
Founder & Chairman,
Neem
With more than 20 years of experience, she has worked extensively on business regulation, trade facilitation, dispute resolution, and gender-inclusive entrepreneurship.
Reshma currently leads Pakistan’s Green Building Program, advancing responsible business practices and helping drive long-term economic and environmental impact.

Reshma Aftab
Private Sector Specialist,
World Bank Group
A former banker with deep expertise in ecosystem development and investment readiness, she focuses on empowering women-led and high-impact enterprises.
Recognized by UN Women in 2024 for Leadership Commitment, Shaista blends financial insight with systems thinking to drive inclusive, long-term change.

His expertise spans HR, engineering, planning, and materials management, with a career committed to operational excellence and organizational transformation.
At The Hunar Foundation, he leads efforts to equip Pakistan’s youth with market-relevant vocational skills, building pathways for empowerment, employment, and inclusive growth.

His career spans finance, strategy, supply chain, marketing, and business management across national and multinational organizations.
A Certified Director and LSE graduate, he also serves on several boards including OICCI, HRSG, and the Marketing Association of Pakistan. Umar is known for purposeful mentorship and leadership rooted in empathy and long-term impact.

Currently leading People Experience at Weaves Corporation, she drives talent strategy, culture design, and organizational transformation.
Her previous roles include Head of Talent, Diversity & Internal Communications at HBL, where she led succession planning, high-potential programs, and leadership development. With earlier leadership experience at Engro Fertilizers and ICI Pakistan, she is recognized for building inclusive workplaces and unlocking human potential at scale.
Katherina Irani
Innovator – People Experience,
Weaves Corporation Ltd.
Rizwan did his Articleship from A. F. Ferguson & Co. (a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers), and served at Pakistan State Oil from 2001 to 2007 in diverse roles in the Finance function. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan and a Certified Director from the Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance. He is also a member Board of Governors for Pakistan Society for Training & Development (PSTD) and a member of Executive Committee for Pakistan Society for Human Resource Management (PSHRM).
He is a frequent speaker at different forums on topics related to HR Digitization and future challenges and is an avid golfer.
