Stepping out of my comfort zone has been a recurring theme in my career. Soon after I joined EY, I quickly found myself being trusted with engagements far beyond the traditional scope of ERM, my main remit. I was taking the lead on compliance projects and constantly navigating unfamiliar territory involving industries or regulatory environments I had never encountered before. I approached each challenge with a mindset to learn fast and deliver beyond expectations, and it paid off.
I was quite young when I first started dreaming about working in the business world. I discovered that accounting offered versatility and strategic insight and was soon captivated. I did my ACCA training while working at HBL, a leading commercial bank, and then moved to utility provider K-Electric.
By stepping outside your comfort zone you discover your real potential
It was my next step that took me into the landscape of the Big Four. I initially joined PwC, before moving on to my current job as senior consultant at EY Ford Rhodes in 2022. In these roles, all of which were based in my home city of Karachi, I’ve led ERM engagements across a variety of sectors and developed deep expertise in GDPR compliance.
I have become known as someone who can take on complex assignments. This willingness to embrace the unknown has not only accelerated my professional growth, but also deepened my confidence. It has taught me that stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t a risk – it’s the path to discovering your real potential.
Businesses in Pakistan face many challenges. Political instability, inflation, currency devaluation and an unpredictable climate all complicate the position. There are also compliance burdens and a volatile market, while access to financing remains limited for many startups and SMEs.
Pakistan has opportunities too, however, especially in IT enterprises. Fintech and e-commerce and are experiencing rapid growth amidst the improving digital infrastructure. There’s also increasing demand in clean energy and ESG, and especially in data-driven decision-making areas like analytics and cybersecurity.
My favourite mantra is: ‘This too shall pass.’ This saying has carried me through some of the most challenging phases of my life, reminding me that nothing is permanent. It helps me stay patient during struggles and grounded during times of success.
Pakistan has immense talent, but much goes untapped due to systemic barriers
If I had law-making powers, I would strengthen governance, transparency and inclusivity in the public and corporate sectors. I would also strictly enforce corporate accountability laws, as malpractice often goes unchecked, undermining public trust in institutions. I would make it easier for women to thrive in the workforce with laws around equal pay, flexible working hours, benefits and harassment. Pakistan has immense talent, but much of it goes untapped due to systemic barriers. I would also simplify and digitise business regulations, so business becomes less about surviving red tape and more about innovating and growing.
What I enjoy most about my job is that it’s never mundane. No two days are ever the same, and with every new engagement I evolve. I also like the mental agility required.
If I wasn’t an accountant, I would enjoy being a singer. Music has always been a source of joy for me. There’s something incredibly powerful about connecting with people through music.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about travelling, exploring new cultures and experiencing the world’s diversity. I love reading too, particularly books about personal development and business, but I also enjoy fiction.
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