About
People. Purpose. Possibility.
I'm interested in what becomes possible when thoughtful people, ambitious ideas, and the right partnership find one another.
Partnerships Officer at UNICEF Pakistan
I work at the intersection of partnerships, fundraising, and technology.
For 19+ years, I've built and managed partnerships across international development — from grassroots programmes in South Punjab to national and regional roles spanning Pakistan, Central Asia, and West Africa. Along the way, I've worked with the United Nations, INGOs, government bodies, foundations, and private-sector donors, turning those relationships into sustained funding and measurable impact.
I'm also an entrepreneur at heart: curious about how ideas become ventures, and how technology can widen access and opportunity. One day, I hope to turn that curiosity into a startup of my own.
I also record conversations, make occasional vlogs, and write when an idea deserves more room than a social post can give it.
A track record across three continents
UNICEF Pakistan
As Partnerships Officer (Partnerships Specialist until December 2025 — same role, new title), I lead the private-sector engagement that contributes 30–40% of the Country Office's US$200M+ annual portfolio, combining funding from UNICEF National Committees with resources raised directly within Pakistan. I've built partnerships with businesses, foundations, and multi-stakeholder platforms, and I'm now leading the launch of individual giving and digital fundraising.
Better Cotton
Led fundraising and partnerships across Pakistan and Central Asia, forging a partnership with the World Bank that launched Better Cotton's country programme in Uzbekistan.
UNDP
Based in Guinea-Bissau, built partnerships with Japan, the UK, the World Bank, and IMF, mobilising US$5M from non-traditional donors.
Action Against Hunger
Managed a €35M grant portfolio and mobilised €5M in new funding from the EU, SIDA, and ECHO.
Muslim Aid UK
Negotiated 20+ grant proposals with a 52% success rate, managing a £5M portfolio across donors and implementing partners.
Lodhran Pilot Project
Started my career managing child-rights programmes in South Punjab, building early partnerships with UNICEF and UNDP and mobilising US$3.3M.
Education
- MS, Project ManagementShaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology
- MBA, MarketingVirtual University of Pakistan
- BA, Communication & JournalismIslamia University, Bahawalpur
Certifications
- Developing Business Partnerships
- Strategic Partnerships: Ecosystems and Platforms
- Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments (SSAFE)
A few working beliefs
Listening is a form of strategy.
The clearest path forward often appears only after people feel properly heard.
Trust is built in small moments.
Reliability, candour, preparation, and generosity compound over time.
Learning should expand possibility.
Education matters most when it helps people see and build a future they can own.
Right now, I'm exploring
- Partnerships and fundraising strategy for growing ventures
- Building and scaling early-stage ideas
- How technology is reshaping access and opportunity in Pakistan
- Entrepreneurship and institution-building
If you're working on something interesting in partnerships, fundraising, or technology, I'd be glad to hear about it.
Get in touch