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 is a development professional and social entrepreneur with over two decades of experience working across Pakistan and South Asia with grassroots communities, government institutions, development partners, CSOs and the private sector. As Director Programs at Accountability Lab Pakistan, he leads a diverse portfolio of initiatives focused on inclusive governance, civtech, accountability and anti-corruption, institutional strengthening and leadership development. Passionate about building collaborative ecosystems for social change, Asif has worked extensively on strengthening public institutions, supporting civic innovation, and advancing inclusive approaches to governance and leadership.

Hometown: Karachi

When I’m not at work: You will most likely find me spending time with family, cooking, sports and exploring nature. I also enjoy reflective writing and conversations around governance, social change and leadership.

Ask me about: Program strategy, partnerships, organizational development, civic innovation, or how development initiatives can create more locally driven and sustainable impact.

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.

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.

M. Amad Farooq is a program management professional with nearly two decades of experience supporting donor-funded initiatives across Pakistan and South Asia. With expertise in grants management, MEL, and program systems, he is passionate about turning learning into action, strengthening partnerships, and building practical systems that help teams and development programs create meaningful impact.

When I’m not at work: You will likely find me spending quality time with family or immersed in setting up and maintaining live-plant aquariums, a hobby that combines creativity, patience, and balance.

Hometown: Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan (relocated to Islamabad in 2009)

Ask me about: Grants and program management systems, improving organizational processes, or how to set up a thriving live-plant aquarium from scratch.

Syed Raza Ali is a development sector professional with over a decade of experience in governance, transparency, civic engagement, and Right to Information (RTI). He holds an MSc in Sociology from the University of Sargodha and is an alumnus of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF), Germany. His expertise includes project management, advocacy, capacity building, and governance related initiatives. He has also served as a moderator at the International Academy for Leadership in Germany.

When I’m not at work: Writing opinion articles, reading on governance and public policy issues, and following selected current affairs platforms.

Hometown: Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan

Ask me about: Accountability, transparency and Right to Information (RTI).

Aleem is a seasoned development professional with over 20 years of experience in the development sector. He holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Iqra University and brings extensive expertise in organizational development, governance, and accountability. He strongly believes that accountability is essential for building transparent institutions and fostering a more responsible and equitable society.

Hometown: District Sahiwal, Punjab

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

Ask me about: Politics, Cricket

I completed my bachelor’s degree in information technology from Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan. I am keenly interested in meeting new people and working collaboratively on solutions for the betterment of society. That is one of the reasons I have done work with lots of social service organizations. Accountability Lab opens new ways to connect with people working on something bigger than themselves, and their vision is my inspiration to work with them.

Hometown: Multan

When I’m not at work: When I am not working, I am usually doing photography. I like to document and share my experiences. I am fond of great landscapes and combining both of my interests have led me to seek out new and interesting locations.

Ask me about: Technology, cameras and photography, auto-mobile industry, and Marvel Universe.

Fazal is a Chartered Accountant with over 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 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

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Momina Sahar is a dynamic development practitioner with over four years of experience in the civic, media, and advocacy sectors. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has built her expertise at the intersection of youth empowerment, gender justice, and inclusive governance. Her skill set includes project design and management, strategic communications, campaign planning, and policy research. She has led social media advocacy for initiatives like Integrity Icon, contributed to policy dialogues on SDG 16, and worked closely with UN Women on gender parity programming. Currently, she serves as a Communication Officer at Accountability Lab Pakistan, where she supports research, learning, and youth-led accountability initiatives.

Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan

When I’m not at work: I find joy in hiking through Margalla Hills, sharing stories through poetry, experimenting with digital art, and having long, meaningful conversations over chai.

Ask me about: Climate and gender justice in Pakistan, creative advocacy, and how youth-led storytelling can shift narratives and drive social change.

Almas is an LLB student at Bahria University with a strong interest in human rights, peacebuilding, and advocacy. She have been involved in Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) efforts as a member of the Communications and Narrative Network of UNODC, where she have contributed to awareness programs and community engagement initiatives. Her passion lies in working on projects that promote social justice, accountability, and positive change.

At Accountability Lab, Almas is serving as an associate to support the team’s mission through her skills in advocacy, communication, and research, and to contribute to initiatives that empower communities and foster transparency.

Hometown: Gilgit

When I’m not at work: I enjoy photography, exploring new ideas in peace and conflict studies, and staying engaged with human rights and social justice movements.

Ask me about: Advocacy strategies, peacebuilding, human rights, and creative approaches to social change.

Momal Nawab is currently working as an intern at Accountability Lab Pakistan. With a strong academic background in sociology and a passion for climate advocacy, gender equality, and youth empowerment, she brings a fresh perspective to her work. Her early contributions at the Lab include research, campaign support, and writing a thought pieces on Pakistan’s climate crisis. These experiences have helped her explore the connection between climate and governance, and the transformative power of youth voices in development.

Hometown: Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

When I’m not at work: A traveler, volunteer, reader, and lifestyle blogger

Ask me about: Climate change in Pakistan, youth in climate action

Ayesha Saleem is currently working as a Programs Associate at Accountability Lab Pakistan. She has a strong interest in digital democracy and has been working in this area for over a year. Through her work, she contributes to initiatives that promote civic engagement, transparency, and the use of digital tools to strengthen democratic participation and accountability.

Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan

When I’m not at work: I enjoy traveling and exploring new places.

Ask me about: Digital democracy.

Abeeha Rana is a Project Associate at Accountability Lab Pakistan with a background in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and a growing interest in governance, public health, and community engagement. She works across programme coordination, research, communications, and reporting, supporting initiatives related to climate change, digital democracy, and youth engagement. Passionate about community impact and advocacy, she enjoys contributing to initiatives that encourage awareness, participation, and positive social change.

When I'm not at work: You will likely find me exploring topics around public health and climate change or spending time engaging in youth and community-focused activities.

Hometown: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Ask me about: Programme coordination, climate change and food security, research and communications, or youth engagement initiatives.

I completed my BA from AIOU Islamabad and did business in a pesticides dealership

Hometown: Okara

When I’m not at work: Use social media

Ask me about: Pesticides, Admin work

I completed my matric from my village and, after that, spent my time in my fields.

Hometown: Okara

When I’m not at work: Using Social media

Ask me about: Cricket, Volleyball, Crops

Completed my matric from my village.

Hometown: Khanewal

When I’m not at work: Watching videos on youtube, read books

Ask me about: History of Islam.