By Khursheed Hyder

Afshan Farooqi’s garden is the talk of the town, specially during spring time. Sprawling on a huge area in the middle of the built home structure, it houses flowers and rare plants set in tastefully designed areas. Her brother-in-law Kaleem Farooqui, a known businessman, and her husband Naeem Farooqi take huge interest in maintaining the aesthetically pleasing garden throughout the year.

Afshan Farooqi got interested in gardening through her father, “I think it was in the genes. My father was the first Pakistani Ph.D. in agriculture from UCLA.”

Growing up in an apartment in Rome, they had a small garden and Afshan’s mother was always experimenting with lemon seeds, beautiful rose bushes and various fruits. After her own marriage, she was very lucky to be married into a family of renowned horticulturists. “My father-in-law loved his green lawn and also planted various basic flowers and vegetables in his garden.”

Spring, says Afshan, is the best time in their enclave, “as our elders call it.” Work starts in the huge garden area at the end of August/September and seeds are planted by her husband all the way to January. “My brother–in-law Kaleem Farooqui who is our backbone in the enclave has very beautifully documented each season for the last 30 years.

Different seeds are sowed at different times so that they all bloom around the same time which is the last week of February and first week of March. The garden transforms into a riot of colours with beautiful designs and fragrances, which guests enjoy when they are invited in the spring to witness the transformation. The garden festival has become iconic as people from all walks of life such as celebrities, politicians, consul generals, officials, friends and families are invited in the tea parties held for more than a week to celebrate the season.

The outstanding features for Afshan is the orchids section which is her favourite flower. “We got exposure to beautiful orchids in Manila, and I did an in-depth study about orchids to learn how to treat and maintain them in our challenging environment when it is not so humid.”

Apart from the time spent in taking care of the garden, Afshan wears a lot of working caps as she does not believe in sitting idle. She holds the position of Vice President of the Ladies Horticultural Club of Karachi in which they have monthly meetings and different activities to create an atmosphere of learning. “We did a plant gala recently and people bought a lot of plants and learnt how to take care of them, tutored by the committee members. Afshan also has a catering business ‘Bombay Bhel,’ the specialty being Bhel puri.  “We make many other savoury things and have several outlets around the city.”

In the end Afshan Farooqi says life is a gift from God. “I love life and have learnt a lot from the ups and downs. It is very important to learn new things in your lifetime. There is nothing you can’t do. Just keep focused and always try to do your best,” she emphasized.

AHSAN MEHANTI, Managing Director & CEO, Arif Habib Commodities, on leadership, CSR, and adaptability.

GLAM: With your extensive experience in Big4 firms (EY & PwC), can you share some insights on the most significant changes you’ve seen in the tax audit, accounting, and advisory landscape over the years?

AHSAN MEHANTI: Over the years, one of the most striking changes that I have witnessed is the increasing adoption of automation and technology. While this has improved trade volumes and efficiency, it has also rendered traditional audit methods less effective. The complexity of accounting processes has also increased, particularly in today’s uncertain business environment, where exceptions are more common. As a result, accounting practices may need to adapt to accommodate these changes, which can sometimes compromise shareholder value. In the advisory space, the scope of services has become more limited, while businesses themselves have become increasingly complex. This means that professionals must continually update their skills to effectively leverage new technologies and stay ahead of the curve. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is another significant development that holds immense potential for businesses.

GLAM: How do you leverage your expertise in finance, business management, and business restructuring to drive business growth and strategy for your clients?

AM: We conduct thorough research on portfolio management, global economic trends, client preferences, and business trends, providing our clients with actionable insights to inform their decision-making. We also utilize technical analysis to identify patterns and trends in the market, enabling our clients to make informed investment decisions. Our regular commentary on market position and sentiment helps clients stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing market conditions. Additionally, our clients have access to comprehensive financial data, which provides them with valuable feedback on their investment performance, enabling them to refine their strategies and optimize their returns. With our research-driven approach, we empower our clients to drive business growth and achieve their strategic objectives.

GLAM: What are some of the most common challenges you’ve seen entrepreneurs or small business owners face, and how do you help them overcome them?

AM: One of the most common hurdles I have seen small business owners face is business growth and achieving their set goals and realising their vision or mission statements. To overcome this, I recommend regular monitoring of performance, both financially and non-financially. This enables businesses to identify areas of improvement and make data-driven decisions to drive progress. Moreover, many entrepreneurs struggle with navigating the complex regulatory landscape, which can be overwhelming and time-consuming. To address this, we help businesses develop effective strategies for dealing with regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), and Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) as well as the media. By doing so, we can improve client services, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and ultimately enhance shareholder value.

Another crucial aspect is the incorporation of philanthropic initiatives into a business’s overall strategy. At Arif Habib Commodities, we have made a commitment to prioritise environmental sustainability and philanthropy as key non-financial targets. This not only contributes to a positive social impact but also promotes a sense of purpose and responsibility among employees, customers, and investors.

GLAM: Can you describe your experience serving on committees related to International Financial Reporting Standards, economic advisory, and public sector advisory?

AM: I have had the privilege of serving on various such committees and contributing towards their goals and performance. I have also worked on the economic advisory committees, where my focus had been on promoting business prosperity and performance in both the private and public sectors, on matters of taxation, corporate services, crisis management, and business restructuring. Through these engagements, I have gained valuable insights into the complex economic landscape and developed a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses and governments alike.

GLAM: What motivates you to continue serving as a trustee and business leader in various sectors, and what impact do you hope to make in these roles?

AM: I am driven by a strong sense of responsibility to ensure that our services are not only effective but also responsible. Our greatest motivation is to consistently deliver client satisfaction, and we achieve this by regularly conducting surveys to gauge their needs and expectations. This feedback enables us to innovate and improve our performance. Additionally, we continuously seek opportunities to re-engineer our business processes, embracing new ideas and technologies to enhance our operations and better serve our clients. Ultimately, the goal is to make a positive impact in the various sectors I serve, leaving a lasting legacy that reflects positively on our organization.

GLAM: How do you see the role of corporate social responsibility evolving in the coming years, and what advice would you give to businesses just starting to incorporate CSR into their strategies?

AM: CSR is integral to our business strategy, ensuring long-term continuity. We demonstrate our commitment through community service, consumer protection, stakeholder engagement, economic responsibility, and strong corporate governance. By integrating these initiatives, we create a positive impact on society and drive sustainable growth.

GLAM: Can you share some insights on how you’ve maintained your high level of performance and achievement over the years?

AM: In the face of economic challenges, we remain committed to continuous improvement, recognizing that adaptability and resilience are essential for success. To achieve our goals, we rely on teamwork, where individual contributions combine to deliver exceptional results. To ensure we stay on track, we regularly monitor our progress and set new targets, fostering a culture of accountability and driving us forward towards excellence.

GLAM: What advice would you give to younger professionals who aspire to achieve similar recognition and success in their careers?

AM: To achieve success, it is essential to set clear goals and monitor progress regularly. Also, it is crucial to remain self-driven and committed to ongoing learning, embracing new challenges and opportunities as they arise. This mindset of continuous learning and improvement will enable individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and stay ahead of the curve.

Pursuing education or career opportunities overseas can be a powerful way to accelerate personal and professional growth. Not only can international experiences provide access to new knowledge and skills, but they also offer the opportunity to develop valuable cultural competencies and global perspectives.

GLAM: How do you see your organisation evolving in the coming years?

AM: To drive growth and progression, we prioritise both organic and strategic acquisitions on the corporate side. We recognize the importance of continuous learning, as it is essential for personal and professional development. To achieve this, we continuously promote a culture of self-directed learning, encouraging individuals to set goals and monitor their progress. Furthermore, there is great emphasis on building a strong network, both locally and globally, as it provides access to new opportunities, knowledge, and resources.

GLAM: What is the most important lesson or piece of advice you’ve learned throughout your career so far?

AM: There is no substitute to hard work and dedication. Maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is also crucial for overall well-being and productivity. Thirdly, one must be a team player, as working collaboratively guarantees growth.

The Pakistani movie Taxali Gate premiere was shown in Pakistan, the UK, and Canada, recently. The film’s narrative, centered around the themes of consent and injustice. The show in Karachi was attended by showbiz personalities and media.