Written & Researched by: Abid Siddique Chaudhry
The World Ambassador
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The story of the Pakistan Business Association South Korea (PBA) spans over two decades of struggle, community organization, and active economic diplomacy. What began as an informal effort by Pakistani expatriates has today evolved into one of the most influential overseas Pakistani business platforms in East Asia.
Rise of the Pakistani Community in South Korea
The number of Pakistani expatriates in South Korea began increasing rapidly in the late 1990s. Many Pakistanis entered the country’s construction, manufacturing, technology, and import/export sectors.
As business activity grew, Pakistani entrepreneurs felt the need for a unified platform to support networking, trade, and community representation.
Formal Establishment of PBA: 2000–2002
This growing need led to the formal establishment of the Pakistan Business Association South Korea (PBA Korea) in the early 2000s.
Its founding objectives included:
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Unifying Pakistani entrepreneurs under a common platform
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Strengthening Pakistan–Korea bilateral trade
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Facilitating market access for Pakistani products such as textiles, sports goods, surgical instruments, rice, and leather
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Guiding new business entrants
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Supporting economic and trade planning in cooperation with the Embassy of Pakistan
Initially operating informally as a community council, the association later became a formal organization.
Founding Leadership and Early Structure
The foundation of PBA was laid under Founding President Shahid Bashir, along with key contributors:
Asghar Bangi, Hafiz Waheed, Muhammad Ali, Mehr Sarwar, Arif Munir, Saleem Butt, Zulfiqar Khan, Sahibzada Haji, Khalid Khan, Israr Khan, and others.
They not only built the organization but also prepared its constitution.
Early meetings were held in the Itaewon Mosque, offices, and restaurants.
The first official office was set up in Yongsan-gu, Cheongmin Office.
National-Level Recognition: 2005–2007
PBA received major recognition during:
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President Pervez Musharraf’s visit to South Korea (2005)
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A special dinner hosted by the Pakistan Embassy
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Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s visit, during which PBA organized an official dinner and received an honorary shield
These events elevated the association’s credibility and visibility at the national and diplomatic level.
Reactivation and Second Phase: 2008–2013
After the founding president left Korea, the organization became inactive for some time.
A renewed effort by dedicated members revived the association, leading to the election of Hafiz Waheed as President.
He played a significant role in restructuring and restoring the association’s membership and policies.
Growth of Institutional and Trade Activities After 2010
PBA Korea expanded its footprint through:
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Joint programs with the Pakistan Embassy in Seoul
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Pakistan Trade & Culture Week
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Business seminars, workshops, and B2B sessions
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Legal and commercial guidance for Pakistani entrepreneurs
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Support in company registration, labor laws, and import/export formalities
Strengthening Bilateral Trade
South Korea is an important economic partner for Pakistan, especially in technology, IT, automobiles, and electronics.
PBA Korea contributed by:
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Encouraging Korean firms to explore investment in Pakistan
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Helping Pakistani exporters meet Korean market standards
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Conducting SME training programs
Later, Mudasar Ali Cheema was elected President along with his team:
Sabir Khattak, Mehr Sarwar, Shafiq Khan, Nadeem Malik, Raja Amir Iqbal, Mian Saghir Ahmad, Javed Malik, Azeem Gujar, Jehanzaib Khan, and others.
Cheema was also elected unopposed as President, with Sabir Khattak serving as General Secretary.
They strengthened diplomatic ties with Ambassadors Nasrullah Khan, Rahim Hayat Qureshi, and Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
Under their leadership:
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National events were regularly celebrated
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Community morale remained high
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Pakistan’s positive global image improved
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PBA’s prestige grew regionally and internationally
Democratic Structure and Organizational Stability
PBA has consistently operated as a democratic body.
Its foundation rests upon hundreds of members across South Korea, organized into local wings with regular elections.
The association strictly adheres to its constitution and organizational discipline.
In recognition of their contributions, Mudasar Ali Cheema was appointed Chairman and Sabir Khattak Vice Chairman.
In subsequent elections, the following office-bearers were elected:
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Jehanzaib Khan — President
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Hameed-ul-Haq — Vice President
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Mian Saghir Ahmad — General Secretary
This leadership expanded PBA’s influence further and represented Pakistan at the Overseas Pakistanis Conference in Islamabad.
Modern Era: 2018–2025
During this period, PBA Korea introduced several modern initiatives:
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Digital platforms and communication systems
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Online business networking channels
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Direct engagement with Korean Chambers of Commerce
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Support for Pakistani startups and IT freelancers
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Digital membership systems
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the association provided legal and emergency support to the community.
Recent Developments: Elections 2025–2027
In June 2025, per constitutional requirements, a new election committee was formed:
Mehr Sarwar, Asghar Bangi, Shakeel Ahmad, and Malik Nadeem.
Due to no competing nominations, the following were elected unopposed:
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Raheem Shah — President
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Muhammad Kazim — Vice President
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Mian Saghir Ahmad — General Secretary
This uncontested election marked a strong moment of unity within the Pakistani community in Korea.
Current Objectives of PBA Korea
Today, PBA Korea continues to focus on:
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Strengthening Pakistan–Korea trade relations
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Guiding Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors
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Expanding market access for Pakistani products
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Protecting the commercial interests of overseas Pakistanis
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Supporting economic diplomacy in partnership with the Pakistan Embassy
Conclusion
The Pakistan Business Association South Korea stands as a powerful example of determination, community commitment, and collective service.
It remains a guiding light for the Pakistani community in South Korea and continues to uplift Pakistan’s image on the global stage.
Pakistan Zindabad
