Mr. Imran Ahmad Mirza, CFO Pakistan Refinery Limited
If We had sent down this Qur'an upon
a mountain, you would have seen it
humbled and coming apart from fear of
Allah. And these examples We present to
the people that perhaps they will give
thought. (59:21)
Indeed a very thought provoking verse to
start with an interesting and
enlightening guest speaker session by
Imran Ahmad Mirza, CFO Pakistan Refinery
Limited on 'Financing Issues and
Challenges in Pakistan'. 'The verse', as
reflected by Mr Mirza 'highlights
importance of knowledge' and the
responsibility which comes with
attainment of knowledge. With his vast
experience of approximately 30 years,
working with renowned companies and
people in leadership position, he left a
memorable mark on our understanding
about issues in Pakistan Economy.
Starting from Macro-level issues, he
reflected that the major issue
Pakistan's industry sector is facing is
the perception issue - the perception
that oil sector make huge money.
However, it should be noted that this is
the only sector that is most regulated
and have no control over its prices.
With current energy and oil crises one
may automatically comprehend the
situation oil companies might be facing
and therefore there is a need for change
in perception.
Major factor that contributes to
challenges faced by Pakistan even after
so many years of establishment is lack
of consistency in national policies. He
suggested if consistent policies would
have been in place, our country would
have been better than any other. Moving
on to micro level issues, he was of the
opinion that our consumers are our major
concern. From secretariat to private
consumers there is a reverse chain
reaction that affects our economy.
Moreover, our current reserves are
depleting and the fact that we are
unable to tab it fully will eventually
lead us to think about ways to combat
the situation creatively.
Nonetheless, Mr. Mirza's hard talk was
enlightening for all the participants
present. Leading us from macro level
issues to micro level factors triggering
businesses in Pakistan. he managed to
present a snapshot of what is
challenging for our economic growth and
that as professionals what we can do to
contribute back. Using simple yet
powerful words and sharing of
experience, he took us all through his
knowledge; finally, leaving us with a
lifelong message and he quoted "in
solving any kind of challenge, if you
will stick to the basics, problems will
be solved eventually.