Ziad Bashir Assumes Charge as PBC Chairman
KARACHI, August 7, 2026: Ziad Bashir has assumed charge as chairman of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), succeeding Dr Zeelaf Munir following the completion of her tenure.
Bashir, who previously served as vice chairman of the business council, took over the position with immediate effect, according to an announcement by the PBC.
Alongside the leadership transition, Haider Ali was unanimously elected as the new vice chairman, replacing Bashir. His appointment also took effect immediately.
The PBC expressed appreciation for Dr Munir’s leadership and contribution during her tenure, saying she helped take the council to the next level. The council also congratulated Bashir and Ali on their new responsibilities and expressed confidence that the organization would continue to progress under the new leadership.
Bashir’s business and industry experience
Bashir brings extensive experience in Pakistan’s corporate and business sectors to his new role.
He is the chief executive officer of Arwen Tech (Private) Limited and has served as honorary consul general of Denmark in Karachi since 2015. He also holds directorships in several companies, including Gul Ahmed Textile Mills and related businesses in Pakistan and overseas. He is additionally the founder director of Ideas by Gul Ahmed.
Before joining the PBC’s senior leadership, Bashir served as chairman of the Pakistan Retail Council from 2014 to 2021, where he was involved in efforts to promote the country’s retail industry.
His experience also includes participation in a number of government and industry bodies. He has served on committees and boards associated with economic policy, taxation, investment, textiles, commerce and industrial development.
Among his previous positions were roles with the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Committee, the Federal Board of Revenue’s Apex Committee, the Pakistan Board of Investment, the Punjab Board of Investment and the Export Processing Zone Authority.
Long involvement with the business community
Bashir has maintained a longstanding association with Pakistan’s business and industrial organizations.
He has held leadership positions at the Landhi Association of Trade & Industry, including chairman and senior vice chairman, and has served as its patron-in-chief since 2017.
He has also been associated with the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association and various business forums representing Pakistan’s commercial ties with other countries.
His involvement extends beyond business organizations to social and civic institutions. He serves on the Board of Governors of the Citizens Archive of Pakistan and has been associated with I Am Karachi. He also previously served as president of the Young Presidents’ Organization Pakistan.
New leadership at the Pakistan Business Council
Bashir’s appointment follows the PBC board’s earlier decision to elect Dr Zeelaf Munir as chairperson and Bashir as vice chairman for an 18-month period. The transition now places Bashir at the head of the council, with Haider Ali moving into the vice chairman’s role.
The change comes as Pakistan’s private sector continues to engage with policymakers on issues including taxation, exports, investment, energy, industrial competitiveness and economic growth.
As the representative body of major businesses, the PBC regularly contributes proposals and recommendations to the government on economic and policy matters. Its leadership therefore plays an important role in articulating private-sector concerns and engaging with policymakers.
Bashir’s extensive experience across business, industry and public-sector forums is expected to shape his approach to the council’s future priorities.
Educational background
Bashir holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Entrepreneurship from Babson College in Boston, which he completed in 1998.
He later completed the PICG Certification of Director Education and participated in several leadership, security and policy programmes, including training at the National Defence University and the International Leaders Programme organized by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
With Bashir now leading the PBC and Haider Ali serving as vice chairman, the council enters a new leadership phase. The organization is expected to continue its engagement with the government and other stakeholders on policies aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s business environment, investment climate and long-term economic growth.
