Diwan Fakhruddin’s approach for the nation building
Diwan Fakhruddin, a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary leader, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Fakhri Group, Chairman of the Pakistan-UAE Business Council at the FPCCI and life time member of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral economic ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, earning recognition for his efforts in fostering trade, industrial collaboration, and investment opportunities. In an exclusive interview with Engineering Post, Diwan Fakhruddin shared his views on Pakistan’s current economic challenges, highlighting the urgent need for reforms, long-term policies, and collective action to ensure sustainable national growth.
At the very beginning of the discussion, Diwan Fakhruddin emphasized that the government’s foremost responsibility in the current circumstances should be to work on stabilizing and uplifting the economy. Referring to this effort as “Marka-e-Maeeshat,” he highlighted that economic revival cannot be left to policymakers alone but must be supported by the business community as well. “The government must prioritize the economy above all else, but at the same time, we as business leaders also need to take initiatives that can contribute to improving economic conditions,” he said.
Diwan Fakhruddin expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, particularly for setting up a dedicated cell at the Governor House for the business community. He noted that such steps not only create a bridge between the government and entrepreneurs but also give business leaders the confidence that their concerns will be heard and addressed. “We are grateful to Governor Kamran Tessori for his constant support to the business community. His efforts are a source of motivation and encouragement,” he added.
While economic stability remains his core concern, Diwan Fakhruddin did not shy away from addressing urgent national challenges, particularly the devastating floods that have affected more than 1.5 million people across Pakistan. He underlined the critical need for infrastructure development to mitigate such disasters in the future. “The government should immediately focus on making dams. This is not optional anymore; it is the need of the hour. Alongside dams, plantation drives and modern water drainage systems must be developed to safeguard against climate-induced disasters,” he stressed. He further warned that the economic fallout from these floods would be significant, estimating an additional 5 to 7 percent increase in inflation due to the damage inflicted on agriculture and supply chains.
Looking ahead, Diwan Fakhruddin emphasized the importance of a Charter of Economy that can provide continuity and stability to investors both at home and abroad. He argued that Pakistan must move beyond short-term fixes and adopt an industrial policy focused on long-term projects. “If we are serious about attracting overseas investors, then we need to ensure that our policies are not subject to abrupt changes. A clear, long-term industrial roadmap will give confidence to foreign investors and open new doors for economic growth,” he said.
As the conversation drew to a close, Diwan Fakhruddin reiterated his belief that Pakistan stands at a decisive crossroads. With collaborative efforts between the government, business community, and overseas partners, the country can overcome its challenges. “This is truly a Marka-e-Maeeshat moment for Pakistan. It is time to prioritize the economy and make bold, visionary decisions that will secure our future,” he concluded.
