Speakers

Jonathan Barber, IFA Executive Director - UKJonathan Barber

Jonathan joined the IFA in 2012 and has over 25 years’ experience working with accountants in business and practice, from SMEs to Big 4 firms. He is passionate about the vital role SMEs and SMPs play at every level of the economy. Jonathan holds a Business Studies degree from Leeds Business School.

Abdul Shakoor, CMA (US), FFA, Regional Director – PakistanAbdul Shakoor CMA

Abdul is currently working as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a leading group in Pakistan, he is an experienced professional having diversified experience in the field of Leadership, Strategic Management, Accounting, Finance, Financial Modeling, Budgeting and Forecasting, Data Analysis in Power Excel, Power BI. Previously he had been engaged with University of the Punjab, Air University, Islamabad, NUST University and PAC Group having overall more than 12 years of experience.

Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, Chairman, AkhuwatDr Muhammad Amjad Saqib

He served at various high-level government positions including Punjab Rural Support Program (PRSP). Dr. Saqib regularly provides consultancy to various international development agencies including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Labor Organization (ILO), UNICEF, World Bank, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), USAID and Foreign Common Wealth and Development Office (FCDO, previously DFID) and different public sector organizations in Pakistan.

Muhammad Yasin, FCMA, President ICMAMuhammad Yasin FCMA

Muhammad Yasin is a senior finance professional with extensive experience across the textile, oil and gas, media, aviation, supply chain and education sectors. He serves as President of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMA Pakistan) and Group Chief Financial Officer of The Superior Group.

Mian Ahmad Farhan, FCA, Partner, Kress Cooper, UAEMian Ahmad Farhan CRA

Mian is a competent professional holding more than three decades of sound professional exposure and proficient in multiple aspects of audit, financial advisory, business governance, educational consultancy, team development and corporate training (professional skills & soft skills). Being a renowned chartered accountant, served ICAP UAE Chapter as Vice President for three consecutive terms. Served Emirates Association for Accountants and Auditors (EAAA), UAE, as Executive Director.

Jawad Saleem, Chief Strategy and Development Officer, Sitara BuildersJawad Saleem

He is a senior finance and operations leader with over 20 years of experience building and transforming businesses across multinational, entrepreneurial, investment, and regulated sectors. After serving as Group CFO/COO for a five-company group, he now is heading strategy for a leading group.

Sajjeed Aslam, Partner, SustainadilitySajjeed Aslam

Sajjeed is a seasoned executive leader with more than 25 years of experience in shaping strategic vision, streamlining and accelerating growth trajectories, managing risks, fostering impactful partnerships, leading high-performing teams, implementing technology solutions, and driving climate-resilient supply chain transformation.

Specializing in climate action, ESG investing, entrepreneurship and technology, he actively collaborates with governments on initiatives such as economic growth & investment agendas, NDC policy frameworks, climate financing, PFM reforms, trade agreements, circular economy principles, and disaster risk management. 

Arslan Anwar Khawaja (FCA, FCCA, LLB), Director of Internal Audit, Lahore University of Management SciencesArslan Anwar Khawaja

Khawaja is a seasoned internal audit professional dedicated to delivering objective audit services in line with The Institute of Internal Auditors Professional Standards. Brings a wealth of knowledge, skills, and expertise to ensure the fulfillment of organizational goals. Skilled in fostering professional environments and adept at meeting the needs of audit stakeholders. Known for strong problem-solving abilities and a keen understanding of complex business scenarios. Proven track record in project management and organizational efficiency. Possesses advanced leadership capabilities in internal audit, complemented by excellent communication and interpersonal skills, essential for building robust business relationships and enhancing the value of internal audit.

Huma Maqsood, Managing Partner, FranklinCovey PakistanHuma Maqsood

Huma Maqsood is the Managing Partner of FranklinCovey Pakistan, the national franchise of a global leadership company that transforms organizations by building exceptional leaders, teams, and cultures that deliver results.   As an international trainer and certified consultant, Huma brings over 20 years of experience in market research, training, and consulting. Known for her engaging and energizing facilitation style, she helps individuals and organizations enhance their effectiveness by implementing FranklinCovey’s results-oriented practices. 

Afsheen Iftikhar, Regional Head of Human Resources (PAK & IND), WestPoint Home PakistanAfsheen Iftikhar

With over 20 years of experience, she has led HR transformation, organizational change, leadership development, and culture initiatives across global organizations in Pakistan, India, the United States, China, Bahrain, and the United Kingdom. As Regional Head of Human Resources for Pakistan and India at WestPoint Home, she leads strategic people initiatives focused on organizational effectiveness, performance, governance, and employee experience.