PMIC Team

Yasir Ashfaq

Mr. Yasir Ashfaq is working as Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company (PMIC). He was previously working as Chief Operating Officer of PMIC since August 2016. Before joining PMIC, he has worked with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund as Group Head, Financial Services Group in a similar role. Yasir has over 20 years of experience in financial sector of the country and has worked at senior management positions in commercial and investment banks. His areas of expertise include designing policy and strategy, corporate finance, portfolio management, treasury, finance and accounts, development finance, corporate finance, risk management, development of institutions and new financial products and approaches of delivery. He is a fellow member of the Institute of Cost & Management Accountants (ICMA) of Pakistan and holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from University of Sydney, Australia.

Saqib Siddiqui

Mr. Saqib Siddiqui has more than twenty years of experience of working in the microfinance sector of Pakistan. He has held various senior management positions with responsibilities related to growth programming, building institutional capacity as well as promoting inclusive and responsible financial services. He joined Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company (PMIC) as Head of Sector Development in December 2016. As Head of Sector Development at PMIC, Mr. Siddiqui is responsible for development of innovative and inclusive product lines, relationship management with stakeholders, donors, financiers as well as priming for microfinance plus and strategic positioning of the organization both at national and international platforms. Before joining PMIC, he was working as General Manager- Sector Development at Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).

Mr. Saqib Siddiqui is a graduate of the Global Institute of Management Science, Lahore and also holds Masters degrees in Business Administration with specialization in Finance and Marketing.

Umair Ahmed

Mr. Umair Ahmed-FCA has over 15 years of diverse experience in financial planning and analysis, strategy formulation, budgeting, financial reporting, and operational excellence. He is a seasoned Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accounts of England & Wales and Pakistan. He has a solid track record of leading large teams, implementing financial controls, and driving strategic initiatives. His experience spans senior roles at some of the largest asset management companies in Pakistan, managing assets worth over Rs. 200 billion. Umair has demonstrated excellence in overseeing financial reporting functions, collaborating with international stakeholders, ensuring compliance with IFRS, and implementing robust internal controls.

M Rashid Imran

Mr. Rashid started his career in 2004 with Network Microfinance Bank Limited (Now Apna Microfinance Bank) and then moved to Tameer Bank (Now Telenor Microfinance Bank) in 2005. He joined Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company (PMIC) in 2017 and moved back to Telenor Microfinance Bank in 2019. Rashid’s career spans over 16 years in the Microfinance Industry. His last assignment, before joining PMIC was with Telenor Bank Ltd where he served as Head of Credit Operations. Rashid holds a Bachelors and Masters (commerce) degree from Karachi University Rashid is a seasoned Risk Professional who has diverse experience in the application of Risk Management Practices and Financial Controls.

Yasir Masud

Mr. Yasir Masud is a Senior Corporate Legal Professional who brings with him 19+ years of diversified experience especially in Corporate Law and Legal & Corporate Governance. He has worked nationally and internationally in the legal field, in markets including Oil & Energy and Banking. His core competencies include Strategic Legal Counsel, Complex Negotiations, Legal Advisory, Management of the Board of Directors & Corporate Governance. His last role was with The First Micro Finance Bank Ltd. as Company Secretary & General Counsel. Yasir has an LL.B (Hons.) degree from the University of Wolverhampton, Holborn College (London). He is also certified to be an Independent Director having completed the Directors Training Program (DTP) from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and registered in the Independent Directors Databank with the Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance (PICG).

Zainab Kakar

Zainab Kakar is a seasoned Human Resource professional with a diverse background in international human resources, communication strategy, and behavioral change communication. She holds an MA in International Human Resource Management from the University of Northampton, UK, and a certificate in Humanistic Counseling from the Counseling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB), UK.

Currently serving as the Head of Human Resources at Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company, Zainab has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing HR strategies aligned with organizational goals. Her work includes policy formulation, employee engagement, and talent management while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Before this, she worked with Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP), where she excelled in managing communications and visibility strategies for donor-funded projects. Additionally, she has held leadership roles at Punjab Skills Development Fund and USAID’s Sindh Reading Program, where her contributions included HR strategy, recruitment, and talent development. Zainab’s expertise spans HR management, organizational development, program communication, and behavioral change.

Irum Sardar

Irum is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and experienced audit professional having more than 13 years of experience of conducting audits, consulting assignments and assurance engagements. In addition to this, she is also having experience of Risk Management department including Credit & Market Risk and Operational Risk along-with experience of Data Strategy and Data analytics domains as well. Her last role was as Head Operational Risk in HBL Microfinance Bank.

Irum is having good in-depth experience of reviewing controls over financial and operating systems and business processes and providing advices on improvements. Also she has sound understanding of international best practices, statues and standards. During the role in Internal Audit, she was engaged in various assignments including process audits, management audits, retail banking audits, end to end reviews, digital audits, fraud & forgery assignments along-with planning and reporting related assignments.

Hassan Nawaz

Mr. Hassan Nawaz is an associate member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan having more than 10 years of experience of financial reporting, internal and external audits, financial planning and control.

Prior to joining PMIC, he has working with a specialized financial institution where he was heading the financial reporting department. Moreover, he has done his article ship from EY Ford Rhodes.

Ali Said

Mr. Ali Said has a Masters degree in Commerce (Major in Finance) from University of Peshawar and is Diplomate Associate of the Institute of Bankers Pakistan Ali Said started his career with the Bank of Khyber in January 2000. He has over 19 years of experience in Microfinance, Treasury Operations, Money & Capital Markets, Accounts & Finance and Risk Management. In his current role, Ali Said is responsible for Managing Credit Portfolio of Non-Banking Microfinance Companies and Microfinance Banks, nderwriting and Business Development and strengthening relationships with clients and implementation of business strategies to meet lending goals and objectives of PMIC. .

Mariam Agha

Mariam, a CFA Charter Holder, is a highly skilled and experienced professional having worked extensively in the financial sector of Pakistan, in the fields of risk, credit underwriting and portfolio/investment management. Her career spans over ten years in both commercial and microfinance banking setup. Her areas of key expertise are in-depth financial analysis, forecasting, and strategic guidance to support business decision making. Her last role was as AVP Financial Risk at U Microfinance Bank where she served for five years and played a key role in using data analytics to drive informed decision-making and optimize business outcomes. Mariam hopes to use her diverse skillset as an opportunity to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with PMIC and further the companys’ mission

Zeeshan Khan Shahid

Zeeshan holds a Masters Degree in Computer Science from University of Peshawar. His career spans over 20 years with experience in Information Technology, Operations & General IT Management He has worked in Healthcare industry for over 11 years and has served in United Nation Development Program (UNDP) in Electoral Cycle Support to the Election Commission of Pakistan. His last assignment, before joining PMIC was with The Millennium Universal College, Transnational Education Provider working as Head of IT & Digitalization.

Zeeshan has diverse experience in Software Development, Project Management, Cloud Computing and Information Security. He has a good understanding of planning, inception, implementation & control of projects.

Salman Iftikhar

Over my career span of 15+ years, I have developed high performance teams, delivered exceptional customer value, created strong partnerships. I have established the most recognized brands in a competitive market combining traditional and Digital communication.

Fostering growth Marketing techniques, managing and leading partnerships across Government and Corporate sectors solidifying the market leader position in Microfinance inclusion space. I am a person with the ability to deliver challenging tasks and take on projects that have not been done before. While business results are key, I strongly believe in corporate social responsibility and focused on ensuring we target unserved, marginalized segment of the society through the strong Channels and financial streams. This is being recognized globally for driving financial inclusion for unserved.

Being recognized for exceptional leadership and unprecedented results in the most challenging emerging market, I transitioned as a Business professional for Public, Private and Social sector on Digital Marketing, Media Management, Budgeting, Communication Strategies, Marketing, Planning & Forecasting.

M Faheem Khalid

Mr. Muhammad Faheem Khalid has an MBA degree from FAST School of Management – Islamabad. He is currently working as Manager Sector Development in PMIC. Faheem is involved in designing and deployment of microfinance plus projects and data management. He has worked on different projects pertaining to sectors including Value Chains (Enterprise and Agriculture), Micro Insurance, Digital Finance and Renewable Energy. His career spans over 9 years and has previously worked at Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund – PPAF and Publicis Pakistan.

At PPAF he had worked in the Financial Services Group and held the position of Management Executive. He had also worked in the domain of knowledge management and worked as Public Relations executive at Publicis Pakistan, a French multination in communications.

Nizwa Naeem

Ms. Nizwa Naeem is working in Portfolio Management, with primary focus on relationship management with microfinance institutions (NBMFIs & MFBs). Her major role in the company includes; strategic planning, desk and field reviews, ratings and risk analysis, designing of institutional development packages, proposal preparation, variance analysis of the assigned institutions and reporting. Nizwa has over 9 years of work experience in wholesale lending of microfinance. Before joining PMIC, she was working with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) as Senior Management Executive.

Nizwa has done Master’s in Business Administration (Finance) from International Islamic University Islamabad and obtained different certificates related to microfinance such as Boulder MFT and Advance Programme on Financial Inclusion and Social Performance. Nizwa is passionate to bring positive change in the lives of underserved by enhancing their access to finance.

Farrukh Rehan Khan

Mr. Farrukh Khan is an ACCA Member and has completed his Bachelors in Commerce from Karachi. Farrukh is a dynamic and seasoned professional whose experience spans over a period of 10 years in a variety of Governance and Compliance roles of well reputed organizations like Deloitte, Tameer Microfinance Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Meezan Bank. As Manager Internal Audit, Farrukh is involved in the planning and execution of risk based internal audits as well as independently reporting on controls and governance matters. Farrukh focuses on strengthening the controls and risk assessment procedures to enable PMIC combat against the potential risks.

Aliya Fatima Zaidi

Ms. Ailya has completed ACCA and started her career with KPMG Taseer Hadi & Co. in January 2008 as an Audit Trainee. Her last assignment before joining PMIC was with Samba Bank Limited as Manager – Operational Risk. As Manager Operational Risk, Ailya is involved in managing operational risk, and market and liquidity risk.

Tufail Ahmed

Mr. Tufail Ahmed has a Management Science degree in Finance (MBA & B.Com) from University of AJ&K. At PMIC, Tufail is involved in relationship management with borrowers/partners, finalizing credit proposals of potential and an existing borrowers for new or renewal of Investments, monitoring/supervision of the portfolio within team and cross team function, quarterly & annual financial review of the borrowers. Tufail had started his career in NRSP in October 2004 as Credit Officer & his career spans 15 years spent in the Microfinance sector. His last assignment before joining PMIC was with PPAF where he served as Assistant Manager Portfolio Management. Tufail has diverse experience both in retail microfinance as well as wholesale lending to Microfinance providers.

Afia Khan

Ms. Afia has a BSC Honors degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with a Postgraduate degree in Human Resource Management. She is working at PMIC as the Lead Organisation and Talent Development. With over 10 years of experience , Afia has worked with multinational organizations such as VEON, JAZZ (Mobilink), and MOL Oil and Gas Co. Ltd. She excels in talent management, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness, creating and implementing strategies that align with business goals. Afia has developed strong skills in HR, networking, and both written and oral communication.

Ahmed Saleh Jamal

Mr. Ahmed is a Business Development professional, combining cross-functional competencies in procurement functions, vendor management, Company Secretarial, and supply chain management. His area of expertise includes supply chain management, material management, project & procedure implementation, continuous improvement, and change management to positively impact organizational goals. Ahmed has a diverse experience of more than nine years in Supply Chain Management, Corporate Governance and Business Development in renowned organizations like Linde Group Germany and PEPL. Ahmed holds a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, Master’s in Supply Chain Management and has recently completed his MBA from LUMS.

Rimsha Taj

Rimsha Taj has joined PMIC as AVP – Research & Reporting. Rimsha holds a degree in Social Development and Policy from Habib University in Karachi. Previously, she served as a Research Associate at the Indus Hospital Research Centre, where she successfully designed and executed multiple surveys aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of various departments at The Indus Hospital (TIH). Rimsha has also contributed her expertise as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the Rural Support Programs Network (RSPN), working on the European Union Funded Program for Improved Nutrition in Sindh and BRACE – a Poverty Graduation Program in Balochistan. In this capacity, she played a key role in developing and implementing Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks, Quality Assurance and Control Plans, and conducting process monitoring, outcomes, and impact assessments.

Bilal Razzaq

Bilal Abdul Razzaq is a Chartered Accountant (CA); having worked in the Audit & Assurance, Risk Management & Corporate Finance division in notable organizations over the past ten years, with the most recent being Askari Bank Limited. At PMIC Bilal aims to understand the unique requirements of the sector, discussing potential strategies, and providing valuable insights to drive business, meanwhile polishing his skillset to excel in the field of Microfinance & Treasury operations.

Suleman Afzal

Suleman is Associate Member of The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP) and a CA-Finalist from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP). He also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from COMSATS. With 9 years of experience in accounting and finance, Suleman brings a strong background in auditing, accounting and finance, budgeting, financial planning, Analysis and reporting, as well as risk management.

Sulman Tariq

Mr. Sulman is an ACCA Member. He joined Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd in March 2010 and after completing 3 years of training moved to Khushhali Microfinance Bank Ltd in 2014. His career spans over 8 years with most of it spent in the Financial sector. His last assignment, before joining PMIC was with Khushhali Bank Ltd where he served as Executive Fixed Assets and Branchless Banking.

Sulman has diverse experience in the application of International Accounting Standards and well verse experience of implementing ERP (Oracle Financials) . He has good understanding of planning, inception, implementation & control of projects.

Irfan Shah

Irfan Shah is MCS and MBA (ITM) Degree holder from Arid Agriculture University rawalpindi & International Islamic University Islamabad, respectively; having worked in the PTCL, NCHD and Express Group of Media, in IT Department for more then 16 years, with the most recent experience of associated with the PMIC for over 5 years in the capacity of Manager IT (Outsourced Employee). As the newest member of the team, he is thrilled to collaborate with you on all existing & upcoming projects/initiatives.

With this opportunity at PMIC he aims to understand the unique requirements of the sector, discussing potential strategies, and providing valuable insights to drive business, meanwhile polishing his skillset to excel in the field of IT operations.

Irfan Shah is an advocate for sports in all forms, especially Football and Cricket; and is dedicated to fostering a productive and healthy work relationship with all.

Shariq Baig

Shariq Baig holds a degree in Master of Economics from the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Islamabad. His career spans over more than 7 years, working with various organizations including Fintech, Development Finance Institution (DFI) and International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO).

Shariq’s experience has equipped him with exposure to navigate the landscape of regulatory frameworks and emphasizing the critical balance between regulatory adherence and operational efficiency.

Zunaira Akram

Zunaira Akram is Certified Accounting Technician – UK and ACCA finalist (Association Of Certified Charted Accountant) from United Kingdom. An experienced, enthusiastic and dedicated Accounts & Finance professional processing ten Years practical experience in the field of Account & Finance Management. Excellent communication & professional skills with suitable accountancy qualification and team leading qualities enables to deal with present economic & financial environment. Extensive teaching experience in the field of Business Administration, Accounting, Taxation and Audit ensure depth of theoretical knowledge to be applicable in practical life. Zunaira Akram have 7.5 years experience of microfinance industry including of U Microfinance Bank Limited and of Mobilink Microfinance bank Limited. Zunaira Akram  achieved Employee of the department , Star Employee of the year and CEO awards from U Microfinance Bank Limited.

Aish Kamran

Aish, a Barrister from Lincoln’s Inn (UK), combines her extensive legal qualifications with practical experience in corporate affairs and regulatory compliance. Holding a degree in Legal Practice and an LLM from BPP University, UK, alongside an LLB (Hons) from the University of London, she also serves as an advocate of the High Court.  With a robust background as Assistant Company Secretary at The Universal Service Fund and  the Competition Commission of Pakistan  she has an experience spanning several public sector organizations, Aish is poised to contribute her expertise to PMIC. Her dedication to making a positive impact in the legal sphere underscores her commitment to advancing the organization’s goals and objectives.

Khushbakht

Khush Bakht has done Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance from Capital University of Science & Technology (CUST), Islamabad. She has completed her degree in 2021 with distinction being held by scoring CGPA i.e., 3.97.

Khush Bakht gained experience by working as Management Trainee Officer in the Portfolio Management Department at Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company Limited (PMIC). She participated in various events in the university and organized many seminars, conferences and did various projects to enhance her skills. She also worked as FM head at the university. She is volunteering as Event Management Lead in Youth Alumni Group at Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) since 2020.

Chaudhry Muhammad Qaiser

Chaudhry Muhammad Qaiser joined PMIC with professional experience on his credit of more than 19 years in IT, HR, Administrative Operations and Top Management Support. His educational background includes Bachelors in Computer Sciences and MBA in HR with A grade. He joined the educational industry in 2003 and later the advertising industry in 2007. He worked there on various positions till 2022. Qaiser also worked with ONE Constitution Avenue as Top Management Executive Support where he managed their entire residential facilities with excellence before joining PMIC to diversify his experience even more in the financial sector.

Marzia

Marzia began research work in 2020, she has worked with Institute of Development Studies, London. She assisted PhD research from University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign. Her last assignment was in Pakistan Institute of Development Studies (PIDE), Islamabad.

Marzia has an MPhil. degree in economics from Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad and is currently pursuing master’s in international management from Geneva Business School, Switzerland. Marzia has been trained in somatic Leadership practices by an international coach.

Muhammad Bilal

Zarak Jamal Khan

Zarak is currently enrolled in the M.Phil. Econometrics Program. He will be completing his degree this September. He is currently attending the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics.

Zarak has accumulated more than five years of experience in various roles and capacities in different sectors. He hopes to use this opportunity to gain experience and learn more about the microfinance sector and the necessary work PMIC does.

Ahmed Sarfraz

Ahmed Sarfraz holds M.Sc Degree in Finance and Investment from the University of West England, Bristol. He joined PMIC as an MTO- Risk and Compliance. He has been promoted to Assistant Manager Credit Administration. Ahmed has interned at Karandaaz in the Finance and Accounts Department and gained experience regarding  operational and financial activities.

Faizan Ul Haq Siddiqui

Faizan Ul Haq Siddiqui holds a degree in Accounting and Finance from National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences graduating top 10 in his class and is an ACCA Finalist.

Previously, he has trained in Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Telenor. Having experience with multiple organizations hopes to bring a positive impact in PMIC. In his university Faizan was Sports director, Finance Secretary and led multiple teams in and outside his university. Faizan aims to understand the microfinance sector and catalyze positive change for PMIC. Ability to exchange ideas and provide valuable insights to polish connections with stakeholders and paving way for increased investments and strategic partnerships.

Maliha Iqbal

Maliha holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting & finance from Bahria University, Islamabad, and stepped into the corporate world as a Management Trainee at Askari Bank Limited’s Corporate & Investment Banking Group. There she garnered 1.5 years of experience as a Relationship Associate, supported by various internships.

Ahmed Masood

Ahmed Started his career with Askari Bank Limited as a Management Trainee & worked as Business Strategy & Support Officer for the Group Head – Corporate & Investment Banking. Ahmed holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the National University of Science & Technology (NUST).

Hassan Sheikh

Hassan is a CA Finalist currently serving as Assistant Manager Financial Reporting at PMIC. With over 3.5 years of experience in Audit and Assurance at Nexia International (RACO), one of the world’s top audit firms, Hassan has gained valuable expertise in managing diverse client portfolios. In his previous role as an Audit Associate at Nexia International, he oversaw the entire audit process from planning to execution across various industries, demonstrating his strong grip of Accounting and Auditing standards.

Hassan was awarded a Talent Scholarship by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP). Additionally, he received a Gold Medal and Merit Certificate from the Government of Pakistan during his high school studies.

Dur E Najaf

Dur e Najaf is a CA Finalist from Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP). Previosuly, she worked as a Senior Audit Associate at BDO Ebrahim and Co. Chartered Accountants and gained an experience of 4 years working as an external auditor.

Sherjan Aamir

Sherjan is an Accounting & Finance graduate from NUST Business School as well as an ACCA finalist. Previously, Sherjan worked at HBL Microfinance Bank which gave him exposure of the Pakistani microfinance industry. He supports PMIC’s operational functions to minimize organizational risk and improve the controls in place.

Nabeera Rashid

Nabeera holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with Finance specialization from Air University, Islamabad and completed her degree in 2023. She joined PMIC as Management Trainee Officer (MTO) and is now being promoted to Assistant Manager in Risk and Compliance department. Along with her studies, she previously worked as a Finance Executive in Switch Communication for a year, supported by an internship.

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Nabeera has gained valuable experience and a robust work ethic while participating in international events and contributing to various organizations including, Fauji Fertilizers Company Limited (FFCL), Air University, Dar e Insaniyat and Startups. She is eager to learn more about Micro-finance sector and bring positive impact to PMIC.

Faiza Mazhar

Faiza holds a master’s degree in human resource management and is a highly effective HR professional with extensive experience in recruitment and selection. He has worked with various telecommunication companies, International NGOs, and multinational corporations, acquiring in-depth knowledge of HR processes and procedures. Faiza has a proven track record of supporting HR advisors and senior managers.

Muhammad Sulaiman

Muhammad Sulaiman is an Accounting and Finance graduate from the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, and is now working at PMIC as Assistant Manager Corporate Finance and Investment Banking. Previously, Sulaiman worked at Huawei Pakistan as an intern. With a strong work ethic and a desire to learn, he is eager to apply his skills to contribute to the company’s growth and development.