PBC elects Zeelaf Munir as its chairperson

KARACHI: The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) elected Dr Zeelaf Munir as its new chairperson for an 18-month term in its meeting on February 7. Munir, managing director and CEO of English Biscuit Manufacturers (Pvt) Ltd (EBM), succeeds Shabbir Diwan, CEO of Gatron (Industries) Limited, said a press release on Monday.

Ziad Bashir, CEO of Gul Ahmed Textiles, was elected vice chairman. Munir previously served as the PBC’s vice chairperson. She takes the helm as Pakistan’s economy faces challenges, pledging to drive economic growth, advocate for policy reforms and strengthen the country’s business ecosystem.

“It is an honour to lead the [PBC] at such a crucial time for the economy,” Munir said, adding that the “PBC has always been at the forefront of advocating policies that drive sustainable business growth, enhance exports and strengthen Pakistan’s industrial and manufacturing capabilities. I look forward to working alongside industry leaders to further these goals and contribute to a stronger economic future for Pakistan.”

The PBC’s board of directors also elected the following members for three-year terms: Abdul Samad Dawood, Azam Faruque, Danish A. Lakhani, Mohamedali R. Habib, Mohammad Ali Tabba, Muhammad Arif Habib, Rizwan Diwan, Saira Awan Malik, Samir Chinoy, Syed Hyder Ali, Taimur Dawood and Yousaf Hussain.

The board thanked Diwan for his leadership during his tenure. The PBC, a business advocacy group comprising over 100 leading Pakistani and multinational companies, focuses on research and advocacy related to job creation, export growth, reducing import reliance, creating a level playing field for domestic industry, and formalising the economy.