UNICEF Pakistan Advisory Council

Pernille Ironside has served as UNICEF Representative in Pakistan since July 2025. She leads the multi-sectoral UNICEF Country Programme of Cooperation 2023-2027, in partnership with the Government to support Pakistan’s National Development Plan.

A national of Canada, Ms. Ironside brings over 20 years of experience in international development, humanitarian action and child rights advocacy in diverse roles with UNICEF. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Ironside served as the Deputy Director of Data, Planning, Analytics and Monitoring at UNICEF Headquarters in New York; Deputy Representative in Nigeria; Chief of Field Operations in Iraq; Chief of the Gaza Strip Field Office; Senior Global Advisor on Child Protection in Emergencies; Child Protection Specialist in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with additional deployments in Yemen, the Philippines and Pakistan.

Before joining UNICEF, Ms. Ironside held positions with the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in Goma; the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in New York; the Canadian Human Rights Commission; and the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa.

Ms. Ironside is a licensed lawyer, holding Canadian degrees in Commerce and Law, as well as a Masters in Law from Columbia University, specializing in International Human Rights, Humanitarian Law, Comparative Law and Transitional Justice. Born and raised in Edmonton, Canada, she is a mother to a young son.

Murtaza Hashwani is the Chairman of the Hashoo Foundation, where he has dedicated his efforts to enhancing access to education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods for communities across Pakistan. With a strong commitment to philanthropy, he has implemented impactful initiatives that have benefited countless individuals in both rural and urban settings. Murtaza holds a degree from the London School of Economics, which complements his strategic approach to social development. His leadership in the foundation reflects a deep-seated belief in empowering communities and fostering positive change. Through his work, he continues to contribute to the well-being and progress of society, aligning with UNICEF's mission to support children's rights and welfare. 

Amir Rasool Paracha serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Unilever Pakistan Limited, where he has been instrumental in driving the company's vision to create a positive impact on the lives of Pakistani citizens. With an MBA from the Institute of Business Administration, Amir has built a distinguished career at Unilever since 2000, progressing through various leadership roles in marketing and sales. His commitment to fostering equitable opportunities and meaningful livelihoods aligns with the broader goals of social responsibility. Amir is actively involved in various industry initiatives and serves on multiple boards, contributing to the advancement of sustainable practices in business. His leadership exemplifies a dedication to enhancing community welfare and supporting the development of future generations. 

Nassir Mahmud Kasuri is the Director International at the Beaconhouse School System and the Chief Executive Officer of several companies within the group. He oversees Beaconhouse International College, which offers UK-based undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Pakistan, and leads Beacon Energy Limited, a provider of high-quality solar PV solutions. Additionally, he heads Homebridge, Beaconhouse’s first venture into fully online education. Nassir's extensive experience in the education sector is complemented by his commitment to innovation and quality in learning. His leadership plays a crucial role in advancing educational opportunities and promoting sustainable practices within the community. 

Misbah-ul-Haq is a former captain of the Pakistan national cricket team, renowned for his leadership and strategic acumen on the field. With a Master's degree in Business Administration, he has successfully transitioned from sports to various roles, including coaching and selection, contributing significantly to the development of cricket in Pakistan. Misbah is also an ambassador for the Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation, where he advocates for children's health and well-being. His dedication to nurturing talent and promoting positive change reflects his commitment to the future of the youth in Pakistan. Through his multifaceted career, he continues to inspire and uplift communities, aligning with UNICEF's mission to support children's rights and welfare. 

Duraid Qureshi is a prominent entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Hum Network Ltd, a leading broadcast network in Pakistan. Since its establishment in December 2004, Hum Network has rapidly gained recognition for its diverse programming and impressive viewership. Under Duraid's visionary leadership, the network operates multiple channels, including Hum TV, HUM Masala, and HUM News, catering to a wide range of interests and genres. In addition to his success in television broadcasting, Duraid has ventured into the publications business, launching several popular magazines that have garnered a loyal readership. His relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to quality content have solidified Hum Network's position as a powerhouse in the media and entertainment industry, earning him accolades such as the ‘Sitara-e-Imtiaz’ from the Government of Pakistan. Duraid's innovative approach continues to shape the landscape of media in Pakistan, contributing significantly to the country's cultural and entertainment sectors. 

Anees Khawaja is a distinguished leader and member of the Board of Directors at Mahmood Group of Industries, where he has played a pivotal role since 2003. His expertise spans various domains, including marketing, production, administration, and strategic management, which have been instrumental in positioning Mahmood Group among Pakistan's top exporters and textile conglomerates. With a strong educational background from prestigious international business schools, including an MBA and advanced studies in Financial Management and Risk Analysis, Anees has a global perspective on business operations. He is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at enhancing the cotton industry and has contributed significantly to sustainable practices in agriculture. As the CEO of MG Apparel and the founder of GroundUp, a venture funding organisation, Anees is dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting startups that address the evolving needs of the industry. His leadership and vision continue to drive the growth and success of the Mahmood Group, making a lasting impact on Pakistan's textile and agricultural sectors. 

Seema Aziz is a renowned entrepreneur and social activist, celebrated for her unwavering commitment to education in Pakistan since 1988. As the Founder and Chairperson of the CARE Foundation, the largest non-governmental organisation in the country, she has been instrumental in providing quality education to nearly 300,000 students through a network of over 1,050 schools. Seema pioneered a unique public-private partnership model that maximises educational outreach and ensures that children receive marketable skills. In addition to her philanthropic efforts, she is the founder of Bareeze, a leading fashion brand that has become a symbol of pride for Pakistan, showcasing the country's potential in the textile industry. Seema's academic credentials include studies at the University of Punjab and Harvard Business School, and she actively participates on the boards of various government and private organisations focused on improving educational opportunities. Her dedication to empowering the next generation through education and entrepreneurship continues to inspire many across the nation. 

Ronak Lakhani is a dedicated advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities and currently serves as the Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan. With a deep-rooted commitment to fostering inclusion, she has been actively involved in the Special Olympics movement since 1990, working tirelessly to transform the lives of children and adults through unified sports, education, and community engagement. Ronak's leadership is driven by the belief that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves recognition and opportunities to contribute to society. In addition to her role with Special Olympics, she holds several key positions, including Executive Board Member of Special Olympics International and Vice Chair of NOWPDP (Network of Organizations Working with Persons with Disabilities). Her extensive involvement in various health-related causes and sports organisations reflects her passion for creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. Through her efforts, Ronak continues to inspire change and promote the rights of individuals with disabilities in Pakistan. 

Asim Siddiqui is the Country Managing Partner of EY Ford Rhodes, the Pakistani member firm of Ernst & Young, where he has built a distinguished career spanning over 30 years, primarily in consulting and transaction advisory services. Based in Karachi, Asim has played a pivotal role in leading the Transaction Advisory Services team and has been a member of the firm's Executive Board since 2011. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding EY's premium services across various sectors, including energy, transport, and telecommunications, while also focusing on developing a diverse talent pool within the organisation. Asim has been involved in numerous significant merger and acquisition transactions in Pakistan, showcasing his expertise in navigating complex business landscapes. He is particularly passionate about fostering public-private partnerships and enhancing the consulting landscape in the country. As a qualified chartered accountant, Asim is committed to driving growth and innovation in the Pakistani market and making a lasting impact on the business community. 

Dr. Qurat-ul-Ain Bakhteari, a trailblazing social development leader, brings decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to community empowerment. Raised in a refugee camp in Karachi, she emerged as a leader from a young age, driven by strong values instilled by her visionary parents. Despite early marriage and family responsibilities, she achieved academic excellence, earning a PhD from Loughborough University, UK, in 1985. Her tenure with UNICEF as a Community Development Advisor and officer in Sindh (1983-1987) contributed to transformative initiatives in water and sanitation, girls' education, and public-private partnerships. As the Founding Director of the Institute for Development Studies and Practices (1998–present) in Quetta, she has championed innovative grassroots methodologies, culminating in the creation of a University of Community Development. A grandmother to nine and a great-grandmother, Dr Bakhteari continues to inspire with her visionary leadership and dedication to societal change.   

Navid Fazil is a prominent entrepreneur and the Founding Director and CEO of Interloop Limited, a leading hosiery manufacturer recognised as one of the largest apparel companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. With over three decades of experience in the industry, Navid has been instrumental in transforming Interloop into a key player in the global market, supplying high-quality products to renowned international brands and retailers. An electrical engineer by training, he holds a Master's degree in Industrial Management from Oxford, which has equipped him with a strong foundation in lean manufacturing, research, and innovation. Navid is deeply committed to sustainability and the well-being of workers, actively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace. He is also involved in various philanthropic initiatives through the Interloop Welfare Trust, which supports social responsibility programmes across Pakistan. An advocate for regenerative agriculture, Navid is passionate about fostering sustainable practices in both business and community development, making a significant impact on the lives of many. 

Afan Aziz is the CEO of Aziz Group of Industries and serves as the Honorary Consul of South Korea for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A graduate of the London School of Economics with First Class Honors, Afan has held influential positions on the boards of several prestigious organisations, including Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd, National Textile University, and the Institute of Management Sciences in Peshawar. His diverse expertise and leadership skills have significantly contributed to the advancement of these institutions and the broader business landscape in Pakistan. Under his guidance, the Aziz Group has emerged as a major player in various sectors, including textiles and FMCG. Afan is dedicated to fostering innovation and growth within the industry while also engaging in community development initiatives that aim to uplift underserved populations. His commitment to excellence and social responsibility continues to drive the success of his ventures and positively impact the region. 

Zarak Khan Khattak is a distinguished entrepreneur and a top graduate of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI), who has made a significant impact on the business landscape of Pakistan. Choosing to remain in Peshawar during a challenging period marked by extremism, Zarak has dedicated himself to countering brain drain and fostering local progress. He leads Pakistan’s largest steel-selling business, which he has successfully established as a market leader in the industry. Zarak is passionate about creating economic opportunities and job prospects for the community, believing that a robust local industry is essential for sustainable development. His commitment to mentorship and growth not only supports the business sector but also contributes to the overall well-being of the community, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation. 

Prof. Dr. Zahoor Ahmed Bazai is a highly respected academic and administrator currently serving as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Balochistan. With over 28 years of experience in higher education systems, he has held various significant roles, including Director General at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Loralai. Dr. Bazai's expertise spans quality assurance, governance, and environmental science, with a strong focus on climate change and sustainable development. He has been recognised for his contributions to education, receiving the Best University Teacher award from HEC in 2015. A prolific researcher, Dr. Bazai has authored 47 publications and has been involved in numerous national and international projects aimed at enhancing educational standards and addressing environmental challenges. His leadership and dedication to quality education continue to make a profound impact on the academic landscape in Pakistan. 

Dr. Tahir Rasheed is a seasoned development practitioner with over 32 years of experience specialising in natural resource management, climate change adaptation, and rural development. As the CEO of the Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP), the largest development organisation in Balochistan, he spearheads initiatives across 32 districts, focusing on multi-sectoral programmes that address the diverse needs of local communities. Dr. Rasheed holds a PhD in Anthropology and an MSc in Rural Development and Forestry, equipping him with a unique perspective on eco-cultural studies and environmental sustainability. His extensive expertise allows him to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of human and ecological systems, driving impactful solutions that enhance the livelihoods of marginalised populations. Through his leadership, Dr. Rasheed is committed to fostering sustainable development and empowering communities in Balochistan. 

Azima Dhanjee is a dynamic advocate for the Deaf community and the co-founder and CEO of ConnectHear, a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to promoting sign language accessibility and inclusion for Deaf individuals in Pakistan. Raised by Deaf parents, Azima's personal experiences have fuelled her passion for bridging communication gaps and enhancing awareness around the challenges faced by the Deaf community. An alumna of the Institute of Business Administration, she has been recognised as a Pride of Pakistan by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) for her impactful work. Azima is also a member of the Social Enterprise World Forum and has participated in various international initiatives, showcasing her commitment to social entrepreneurship. Through ConnectHear, she has developed innovative solutions, including a groundbreaking sign language recognition AI, aimed at empowering Deaf individuals and fostering a more inclusive society. Azima's dedication to leveraging technology for social good continues to inspire change and drive progress in the realm of accessibility and inclusion. 

Rabia Garib is an accomplished entrepreneur and technology media expert with over two decades of experience in the industry. Since 1999, she has been at the forefront of producing business and technology content for various platforms, including web, television, and radio, through her company, which has worked on projects commissioned by both the private and public sectors. As a co-founder of Toffee TV, a platform dedicated to educational content for children, Rabia is passionate about empowering the next generation through innovative learning solutions. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, she serves as the head of the Pakistan Chapter of Eisenhower Fellows and sits on the International Board of Plan International, reflecting her commitment to social development. A professional cyclist and a two-time national gold medalist, Rabia also contributes to her family business, Garibsons (Pvt) Ltd, focusing on brand development and IT. Her dedication to educational development and community empowerment underscores her belief in equipping children with the skills they need to thrive in the future.