ACCOUNTABILITY LAB PAKISTAN

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

While studying for my master’s in business administration at the National University of Modern Languages in Islamabad, I was involved in community work and volunteering for a few organizations. But none of them gave me that satisfaction that I was doing something for the betterment of the community and society around me. When I came to know about Accountability Lab and the work it was doing, and the values the Lab held, these resembled a few values I had. After four years with the Lab, I have seen the impact and awareness occurring in the community, which keeps me motivated and excited.

Hometown: Islamabad

When I’m not at work: Spending time with my Family, travelling around the country, reading, painting or cooking something new!

Ask me about: My love for animals

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.

My name is Khadijah Saeed, and I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the National Defence University in Islamabad. Before joining the Lab, I worked as an independent researcher focusing on South Asia, contributing to various national and international think tanks. My passion lies in understanding the impact of migration issues, particularly the inequalities that arise from conflict, and the importance of accountability in these situations. My background in peace and conflict studies has provided me with a deeper understanding of the role and significance of accountability in conflict dynamics from the perspectives of social and climate justice.

Hometown: Rawalpindi

When I’m not at work: In my free time, I enjoy expanding my knowledge by learning about various topics, from new technologies and Urdu poetry and historical events.

Ask me about: Cinema and why it is one of the most beautiful forms of art.

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