By: ABID SIDDIQUE CHAUDHRY
The World Ambassador
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In an important development related to Pakistan news today and overseas business engagement, the Pakistan Business Association Korea (PBA Korea) held its second quarterly Central Cabinet meeting of the year in Incheon’s Songdo district, South Korea. The meeting reviewed organizational performance, welfare initiatives, and future plans aimed at strengthening the Pakistani business community abroad.
Meeting Proceedings
The meeting was convened by Head of the Central Executive Committee, Mian Muhammad Shakeel, to assess the completion and performance of the first quarter. Senior leadership and cabinet members of PBA Korea attended in large numbers.
The session began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Junaid, followed by a Naat presented by Mardan Ali Qadri. Mian Muhammad Shakeel welcomed the participants and formally commenced the proceedings with the president’s consent.
Quarterly Performance Review
While presenting the quarterly overview, Mian Muhammad Shakeel expressed satisfaction, noting that for the first time, cabinet members had fully or partially completed their assigned agendas and formally submitted reports to the Cabinet Office.
Addressing the meeting, President of Pakistan Business Association Korea, Rahim Shah, congratulated the cabinet members on successfully achieving their targets through dedication and teamwork. He emphasized that the upcoming quarter would prioritize expanding membership to ensure broader engagement of the Pakistani business community in Korea.
Secretary General’s Briefing
Secretary General Mian Saghir Ahmed briefed the cabinet on the quarterly report, stating that despite the limited three-month period, several record initiatives had been completed, while many others were progressing rapidly.
Key achievements included:
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A Zoom meeting with the Vice Chairperson of the Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission
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Formal and informal engagements between Pakistani business leaders and Korean authorities
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Launch of Quran classes for Pakistani children in Korea
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Rapid and organized dissemination of information to the business community
Welfare, Finance, and Workers’ Affairs
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Finance Secretary Dildar Hussain Kashif thanked members for cooperation in fund collection and expressed his goal to further strengthen the General and Welfare Funds
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Head of Welfare Affairs Haji Shafiq Khan reported financial assistance provided to hospitalized patients
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Head of Workers’ Welfare Mustansir Javed highlighted the resolution of multiple workers’ issues, including workplace disputes and police-related cases, following proper verification procedures
Business, Culture, and Youth Engagement
Head of Trade Affairs Muhammad Amjad Sial encouraged business owners to explore opportunities beyond their traditional sectors, citing the Chinese business diversification model.
Cultural Affairs In-Charge Mr. Anwar Kim and Mrs. Fatima Anwar briefed the cabinet on past activities and future plans. Mrs. Fatima Anwar, the only female cabinet member, emphasized the importance of engaging second-generation Pakistanis raised in Korea.
Professional Development and Policy Insights
Head of the Professional Wing Junaid Ali stressed the need to guide the business community toward smart and technology-driven business models.
Cabinet member Dr. Muhammad Aftab, who advises the association on government policies, proposed establishing a “Smart Fund” to support small innovative businesses led by Pakistani youth.
Senior member Sheikh Soni delivered a comprehensive briefing, highlighting the decades-long collective experience of the association’s leadership and the importance of mutual learning and mentorship.
Appreciation Certificates
At the conclusion of the meeting, appreciation certificates were awarded to cabinet members for outstanding performance during the previous quarter. Recipients included:
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Haji Shafiq Khan
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Dildar Hussain Kashif
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Dr. Mian Sabir Hussain
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Sheikh Soni
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Mr. Anwar Kim
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Mrs. Fatima Anwar
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Mustansir Javed
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Junaid Ali
Chairman’s Address
Chairman of Pakistan Business Association Korea, Mudassir Ali Cheema, delivered a special address, stating that the progress made by the current cabinet reflects the realization of his long-standing vision for the association.
He praised the dedication of cabinet members and expressed hope that in the next quarterly meeting, all members would qualify for appreciation certificates. He also commended Mian Muhammad Shakeel for managing the meeting with exemplary discipline and organization.
In his closing remarks, Vice President Haji Muhammad Kazim thanked the cabinet members for their commitment, describing their sincerity and hard work as the association’s greatest strength.
The meeting was also attended by prominent business figures including Sajjad Babar (Anseong), Shehbaz Ahmed (Yeoju), Halim Khan (Incheon), and Javed Iqbal Janjua.
The quarterly meeting underscored PBA Korea’s growing role in international business cooperation, diaspora engagement, and strengthening Pakistan’s global economic presence, reflecting positively on Pakistan’s overseas community initiatives.
