ACCOUNTABILITY LAB PAKISTAN

Mr. Ali Imran is a democratic governance expert and a lawyer, working with various national and international organizations for past 20 years on the democracy, governance and human rights issues. Having his academic qualification of Masters in Political Science and Bachelor in Law, he has been working with Pakistan, UK and Asia/MENA region parliaments on parliamentary development, reforms and diplomacy. He has worked as Country Representative for Westminster Foundation for Democracy UK (2013- 2017) to strengthen parliamentary performances in Pakistan and to develop parliamentary linkages for peer learning with Westminster, Scottish & Welsh Parliaments as well as regional assemblies in Asia and MENA regions. He had worked with British Council (2017-18) as Parliamentary Strengthening Lead to support parliaments in Pakistan. As a constitutional lawyer, he has worked on devolution in Pakistan and has done research on comparative analysis of devolution in Pakistan and in UK. He has been associated with the United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) as Team Leader, implementing EU funded localisation of SDGs Programme in Pakistan. He is currently working as Club de Madrid Senior Expert in Pakistan. In the past, he has worked with the Civil Services Academy as Syndicate Adviser, Asia Foundation on Electoral Reforms and with Medecins du Monde, Aurat Foundation, UNFPA, Oxfam Novib and AGHS Legal Aid Cell on human rights and women empowerment issues.

Muhammad Azam Malik Member of the Board Azam Malik is a seasoned Professional Trainer, Motivational Speaker, and Development Activist with extensive expertise in Gender, Livelihood, and Enterprise Development. He holds a Master’s degree from Govt. College University (GCU), Lahore, and an MBA from PCBI, with a specialization in Social Engineering for Participatory Development at NISEGIS. Azam has further enhanced his entrepreneurial skills through specialized training in “How to Start a New Business” from the University of Maryland, USA. Azam’s career encompasses significant contributions to prominent media outlets, including Daily Jang, The Frontier Post, Daily Pakistan, and Khaleej Today. Leveraging his comprehensive knowledge and experience, he has delivered impactful training and consultancy services to a diverse range of esteemed organizations. These include the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), UNOPS, The Asia Foundation (TAF), SOS, National Rural Support Program (NRSP), Punjab Rural Support Program (PRSP), and Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), among others. His role as a trainer and consultant extends to working with ManTech & ARC, Human Resource Learning Centre (HRLC), Complete Human Resource Solutions (CHRS), and Possibilities (Pvt.) Ltd. This diverse portfolio underscores his ability to adapt and contribute effectively across various sectors and organizational needs. In addition to his professional endeavors, he is an accomplished entrepreneur, being the Founder of Punjabica and the CEO of Kitab Publications.

Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Ph.D., serves as the Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the International Islamic University, Islamabad. With over 26 years of teaching and research experience, he specializes in mass communication, focusing on media and government relations. Dr. Iqbal has a distinguished career that includes contributions to numerous national and international journals, and he has collaborated with various developing organizations. His research on the mediated construction of Islamophobia, particularly during his post-doctoral tenure at the University of Surrey under Professor Colin B. Grant, has garnered significant recognition, including multiple Best Research Paper awards from Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission. He has authored a seminal book on media-politics relations in Pakistan, detailing events from the country’s inception. Additionally, Dr. Iqbal manages the YouTube channel “Media Discourse,” where he engages in weekly debates on Islamophobia, anti-Muslim sentiments, and media-related issues, providing insightful commentary and analysis to his audience.

With over 15 years of experience in software development, quality assurance, project management, and product innovation, Tanveer is a distinguished Software Engineer and innovator. His entrepreneurial journey began in 2012 with the establishment of App Desk in Islamabad, Pakistan, where they serve as Founder and CEO. This venture has been instrumental in launching multiple successful tech startups, both in Pakistan and globally. In addition to his role at App Desk, Tanveer has held prominent positions in various international companies. As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Partner at Tourist Town Online Solutions in Canada, he played a crucial role in enhancing the company’s technological capabilities. Similarly, his tenure as CTO and Partner at Qiri App LLC in the USA saw them spearheading numerous projects that brought innovative solutions to the market. At Clear Blue Consultation, USA, his expertise as CTO and Project Lead contributed to the successful delivery of high-quality software products and strategic technological advancements. Beyond his professional achievements, Tanveer is a seasoned trainer, mentor, and ardent supporter of the startup ecosystem in Pakistan. He has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of tech entrepreneurs, providing invaluable guidance and support. His commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the tech community underscores his influence as a leader and visionary in the field.

Dr. Faryal Razzaq is an esteemed academician, master trainer, research consultant, blogger, influencer, and philanthropist. She serves on advisory boards, including the Bahria University Corporate Advisory Committee, and is certified as a Leadership Professional in Ethics & Compliance by the Ethics & Compliance Initiative, USA. Dr. Faryal mentors at various institutions like the National Incubation Centre and SEED, and is a board member for Accountability Lab. She is recognized by The World Bank for her commitment to women’s empowerment and has worked with organizations like the British Council and US Embassy Islamabad. Dr. Faryal developed the first indigenous model for emotional intelligence in the Pakistani workplace for her PhD and has multiple research publications. Her research areas include emotional intelligence, learning styles, and effective change management. She holds five copyrights for her models and scales from IPO, Pakistan. She has supervised numerous students and has served at Quaid-i-Azam University and SZABIST before joining KSBL. She is a fellow of the British Council’s Going Global Researchers Connect and a member of various professional organizations, including the American Sociological Association. She has been awarded grants to present her research internationally and has trained faculty and students at leading Pakistani universities and abroad. Dr. Faryal is the founder of The FEEEL ®, Pakistan’s first digital company focusing on emotional preventive care, and the creator of ‘The FEEEL Toons’ for developing emotional resilience in primary children. She has been recognized as a role model for women empowerment and has won several accolades, including the Women SDG Challenge Cup at Hackathon 2019.

Malik Saleem Iqbal is an accomplished Advocate High Court with over nineteen years of professional experience in law practice, advocacy, and capacity development. Currently serving as a Legal Consultant and Advisor for Accountability Lab, Pakistan Chapter, and Apex Consulting Pakistan, he specializes in consumer protection, labor, contract, company, family, and civil laws. Malik has extensive expertise in Right to Information (RTI), governance, legislation, and civic rights, demonstrated through his work in legal drafting, conducting trainings, and developing training manuals for marginalized communities and minorities. His legal prowess is further highlighted by his involvement in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and various consultative events and trainings, advocating for human rights and social inclusion. Throughout his career, Malik has been instrumental in conducting numerous trainings and awareness sessions on RTI laws, fundamental rights, and governance for various organizations, including the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) and Community World Service Asia (CWSA). His contributions extend to legal assistance in drafting RTI manuals and capacity building for public bodies and civil society organizations. Malik holds a Master’s degree in History, a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of the Punjab, and various certifications, including Immigration Laws from City University, London, and Computer Programming from Punjab Board of Technical Education.

Fayyaz Yaseen is a development professional with over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector of Pakistan. He holds a master’s degree in Economics and an M Phil in International Development studies. He is passionate about youth civic engagement, women empowerment, digital governance, inclusion, and climate justice.

Hometown: Okara

When I’m not at work: I love to read. So whenever I am not working, I am most likely engrossed into an interesting book or article.

Ask me about: Politics, economy, social and development sector of Pakistan, and professional growth and grooming.

Asif Farooqui has over 19 years of experience working in the development sector in Pakistan. His work has focused on environmental protection, media literacy, countering violent extremism, and human capital development, particularly on youth. As Deputy Director of Programs at Accountability Lab Pakistan, he leads various campaigns and projects across Pakistan around leadership development, innovation, citizen engagement, and conflict resolution. He believes the work at the Lab has allowed him to closely observe and understand the importance of accountability to improve public service delivery and overall governance in the country.

Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan

When I’m not at work: A father, son and volunteer

Ask me about: Youth development, conflict mitigation, entrepreneurship, poverty alleviation

Masood Akhter is a Cost and Management Accountant with over two decades of experience managing finance, costing, and budgeting for various companies and international organizations. He holds an ACMA accounting degree from the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan and a B.Com degree from Hailey College of Commerce, Punjab University, Lahore. He worked for a textile group for 10 years. His interest in accountability issues stemmed from the desire to learn and explore the role and commitment of office-bearers in government institutions of Pakistan. Pakistan’s political and government landscape has given him insight into accountability, governance, and policy matters and how it impacts society. H believes accountability issues begin at the individual level and gradually grow to the national and international levels.

Hometown: Mian Channu, District Khanewal

When I’m not at work: Spend time with family and friends, playing badminton or reading books.

Ask me about: Home and office design and decor; Accounting and Finance.

Farhan started his professional career as a sports writer in 2011 but soon switched to the social development sector. He has worked in this sector for almost ten years for various national and international think tanks and enhanced his skills and knowledge in governance, human rights, climate change, and resilience. He believes practical governance, transparent politics, and inclusivity are among the key drivers of social development and are critical for creating a just and equitable society. Farhan is committed to establishing communities where everyone can access resources and decisions that impact communities are made transparently, and leaders are accountable through community-based initiatives, advocacy campaigns, or policy engagement.

Hometown: Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa- Pakistan.

When I’m not at work: Watching documentaries or playing sports

Ask me about: Cosmology

Zahid Jafri is a seasoned consultant with over 30 years of professional experience in the development sector. He holds a postgraduate degree in Economics and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance, as well as a research writing certification from INASP UK. His skills include proposal and research writing, project cycle management, and financial analysis. Jafri has also made a mark in the media development sector, having served as Editor of Spark International journal and has made various TV appearances as a scholar discussing development issues like domestic violence, sectarian and religious conflicts, child abuse, and women empowerment. He has been instrumental in developing proposals and programs on justice system reforms, women’s access to justice, peace, and conflict resolution. Jafri also has a proven track record of success in performance monitoring, third-party assessments, and empirical and formative research. He is a Research and Development Specialist at Accountability Lab Pakistan and leads research, learning, and proposal writing.

Hometown: Chakwal, Pakistan

When I’m not at work: I relish in the company of family an friends, wander to uncharted territories, delve into poetry, and immerse myself in melodious symphonies of Indian classical music.

Ask me about: Contemporary literature of the sub-continent and mystical poetry of Razi, Rumi, Iqbal, and Bulleh Shah.

Fazal is a Chartered Accountant with five years of experience specializing in accounting, auditing, budgeting, payroll, and taxation. He also has advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices, including financial reporting and operational metrics. He is a student member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) professional body.

Hometown: Swat KPK

When I’m not at work: Fun and hiking with friends.

Ask me about: Finance and taxation

Sufian is a photographer and a business administration candidate majoring in supply chain. His interest in accountability issues is inspired by the desire to create an environment where everyone is equal.

Hometown: Murree, Pakistan.

When I’m not at work: Editing, capturing photos and videos or travelling, or reading

Ask me about: How my time is going in Accountability Lab.

Aleem is a development professional working in the development sector for the past 17 years. He has a degree of Masters in Development Studies from Iqra University.  Aleem has been working with organizations such as Subh-e-Nau (A non-profit organization), Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA), and Radio Pakistan. He believes that accountability plays a vital role in developing organizations and moving forward toward a cleaner society.

Hometown:District Sahiwal, Punjab

When I’m not at work:He likes to spend time with his children

Ask me about:Politics, Cricket