Board of Directors

Lakson Investments’ Board of Directors guides the overall philosophy and direction of the organization. Our board members are experienced professionals from diverse business sectors of domestic and international markets.

  • Meet
    Iqbal
    Iqbal Ali Lakhani
    Chairman
    Iqbal Ali Lakhani
    Chairman

    Mr. Iqbal Ali Lakhani is the Chairman of the Lakson Group of Companies, four of which are listed on the Stock Exchanges of Pakistan covering a diversified range of businesses such as paper & board, soap, detergents and toothpaste, printing & packaging, food and insurance. Three Funds of a Group Investment Company are also listed and traded. American franchises/affiliation includes Colgate-Palmolive Company & McDonalds Corporation. The spectrum of unlisted Companies includes textiles, surgical instruments, media (T.V. & Print), software development & consultancy, travel & tourism, investment & mutual funds, ISP-broad band & data centre, business process outsourcing house into call centre & I.T. The businesses of the Lakson Group provide gainful employment to over 12,000 persons.

    Mr. Lakhani has over 43 years experience of Senior Management in consumer marketing, finance, manufacturing, industry and government relations. Areas of special interest cover marketing, total quality management and leadership. He is a Charter Member of The Indus Entrepreneurs and Director of Pakistan Business Council. In addition, he is also on the Board of Trustees of the Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust. Previously he has served as the Chairman Cigarette Manufacturers Association of Pakistan, Chairman Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Pakistan and Vice President American Business Council of Pakistan.

    Mr. Lakhani received his B.A. from the University of California – Berkeley. He was a member of the PSI-National Accounting fraternity; Honor Student’s Society, member of Phi Beta Kappa and received the departmental award for outstanding undergraduate achievement.

    Mr. Lakhani has travelled widely and has attended international seminars, meetings and conferences in several countries of the world.

  • Meet
    Babar
    Babar Lakhani
    Chief Executive Officer
    Babar Lakhani
    Chief Executive Officer
    Babar Lakhani has over 20 years of investment and portfolio management experience in public and private markets. Babar Lakhani most recently served as the CIO of Century Insurance, a Public Limited company listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange of Pakistan. Prior to joining Lakson Group his positions were as an Investment Associate at High Street Advisors and an Research Associate at Credit Suisse First Boston.
     
    Babar serves on the board of many of the investee companies of Lakson’s PE and VC funds.  In addition to this, he sits on the board of several Lakson Group companies.
    He received his BA in Finance from Bentley College, and his MBA from Brandeis University. Babar Lakhani is a member of the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), the Society of Financial Service Professionals, and the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO Pakistan and YPO Emirates). He is also a member of the Alumni Trustee Committee of Brandeis University, the school’s representative in Pakistan, a Board Member of Developments in Literacy (DIL.org), and a founder of the Special Olympics Marathon (Pakistan).
     
    Mr. Lakhani’s passions include spending time with his family, philanthropy, ultra-distance running, technology, reading, and film.
     
    Experience
    Lakson Investments Limited
    Founder and CEO
    January 2009 - Present (15 years)
     
    Lakson Group
    Co-Owner
    December 2004 - Present (19 years 1 month)
     
    Century Paper & Board Mills Ltd
    Board Member
    September 2021 - Present (2 years 4 months)
     
    OMI Hospital
    Board | Investor
    October 2018 - Present (5 years 3 months)
     
    Roomy
    Board | Investor
    April 2021 - Present (2 years 9 months)
    Islamabad | Batakundi, Naran | Minapin, Nagar | Gulmit, Hunza
     
    Knowledge Platform
    Board | Investor
    April 2021 - Present (2 years 9 months) Islāmābād, Pakistan
    A leading ed-tech company, providing holistic learning solutions in the form of strategy, content, technology & support.
     
    Bagallery
    Board | Investor
    October 2020 - Present (3 years 3 months) Karāchi, Sindh, Pakistan
     
    Bookme.pk
    Board | Investor
    April 2019 - Present (4 years 9 months) Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
    Pakistan's leading online ticketing platform.
     
    MEDZnMORE
    Co-Founder
    February 2020 - May 2023 (3 years 4 months)
     
    Century Insurance Company Limited
    Chief Investment Officer
    December 2004 - January 2007 (2 years 2 months)
     
    High Street
    Investment Associate
    February 2000 - June 2002 (2 years 5 months)
     
    Credit Suisse First Boston
    Research Analyst
    May 1999 - January 2000 (9 months)
     
    Education
    Brandeis University
    MBA
     
    Bentley College
    BA, Finance
     
    Millfield School
     
    Rugby School
     
    KGS
  • Meet
    Amin
    Amin Mohammed Lakhani
    Director
    Amin Mohammed Lakhani
    Director

    Mr. Amin Lakhani is the Chief Executive Office of SIZA Foods (Private) Ltd., the franchise holders of McDonald’s restaurants in Pakistan, a world known Multinational Corporation serving fast foods. Under his dynamic leadership, SIZA has succeeded in a short period of 18 years in making McDonald’s almost a household name in Pakistan, expanding the network of its restaurants to 70+ in key cities of the country. He has also won “Golden Arches Award” 2011 from McDonald’s Corporation.

    An MBA in Finance and International Business from The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania (USA) and holder of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University (USA), Mr. Lakhani is a part of the Executive Leadership Team of Lakson Group of Companies.

    His rich experience in finance, marketing, management and production spanning over 31 years has enabled him to serve as CEO of 16 unlisted public and private limited companies, Director on the Corporate Boards of 4 Lakson Group Companies listed on Stock Exchanges in Pakistan and Director in 12 other private companies of the Lakson Group.

    Mr. Lakhani is the Honorary Consul General of Singapore in Pakistan since July 1992. Previously he served as Singapore’s Honorary Consul since April 1989. Acknowledging his services, the Republic of Singapore awarded him Public Service Star.

    Mr. Lakhani actively participates in social activities. He is a Founder Member of Pakistan Chapter of Young Presidents’ Organization, and served as the local Chapter’s chairman for the 2006-07 term. He is a Member of Stanford Alumni Association as well of The Wharton Alumni Association. He is an ardent sport enthusiast and his favourite sporting activities include riding, playing polo, tennis and golf. He has widely travelled around the globe and takes interest in international/current affairs.

    Mr. Lakhani strongly believes in Lakson Group’s philosophy of paying back to the society. He is a Trustee of Hasanali and Gulbano Lakhani Foundation, a Lakson Group welfare trust. The Foundation provides educational and medical facilities to the deserving and needy persons and helps people in other areas.

  • Meet
    Jamil
    Jamil A. Mughal
    Jamil A. Mughal

    Mr. Mughal has over 25 years of experience in marketing, public relations and real estate development. He is currently serving as the Chief Marketing, Development & Supply Chain Officer at McDonald’s Pakistan.

    Mr. Mughal received his Business Planning Process certification from Hamburger Marketing University, Oak Brook, Chicago and his Bachelor of Engineering from Mehran University of Engineering & Technology.

    He frequently provides professional representation and brand ambassadorship at numerous forums, events and panels. Mr. Mughal has also been a guest speaker on various occasions to academia such as I.B.A, A.M.I & SZABIST Karachi.

    Mr. Mughal has travelled across most of Europe, U.S.A, Middle East, Asia, Australia and the Far East on professional career assignments & professional development initiatives.

Core Team

The management team has a combined experience of 65 years in both domestic and international markets. A Majority of our team members have worked together for up to 7 years in different capacities in the asset management industry in Pakistan. All of our department heads have a proven track record of delivering results and working together as a team in an exemplary fashion.

  • Meet
    Babar
    Babar Lakhani
    Chief Executive Officer
    Babar Lakhani
    Chief Executive Officer
    Babar Lakhani has over 20 years of investment and portfolio management experience in public and private markets. Babar Lakhani most recently served as the CIO of Century Insurance, a Public Limited company listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange of Pakistan. Prior to joining Lakson Group his positions were as an Investment Associate at High Street Advisors and an Research Associate at Credit Suisse First Boston.
     
    Babar serves on the board of many of the investee companies of Lakson’s PE and VC funds.  In addition to this, he sits on the board of several Lakson Group companies.
    He received his BA in Finance from Bentley College, and his MBA from Brandeis University. Babar Lakhani is a member of the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), the Society of Financial Service Professionals, and the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO Pakistan and YPO Emirates). He is also a member of the Alumni Trustee Committee of Brandeis University, the school’s representative in Pakistan, a Board Member of Developments in Literacy (DIL.org), and a founder of the Special Olympics Marathon (Pakistan).
     
    Mr. Lakhani’s passions include spending time with his family, philanthropy, ultra-distance running, technology, reading, and film.
     
    Experience
    Lakson Investments Limited
    Founder and CEO
    January 2009 - Present (15 years)
     
    Lakson Group
    Co-Owner
    December 2004 - Present (19 years 1 month)
     
    Century Paper & Board Mills Ltd
    Board Member
    September 2021 - Present (2 years 4 months)
     
    OMI Hospital
    Board | Investor
    October 2018 - Present (5 years 3 months)
     
    Roomy
    Board | Investor
    April 2021 - Present (2 years 9 months)
    Islamabad | Batakundi, Naran | Minapin, Nagar | Gulmit, Hunza
     
    Knowledge Platform
    Board | Investor
    April 2021 - Present (2 years 9 months) Islāmābād, Pakistan
    A leading ed-tech company, providing holistic learning solutions in the form of strategy, content, technology & support.
     
    Bagallery
    Board | Investor
    October 2020 - Present (3 years 3 months) Karāchi, Sindh, Pakistan
     
    Bookme.pk
    Board | Investor
    April 2019 - Present (4 years 9 months) Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
    Pakistan's leading online ticketing platform.
     
    MEDZnMORE
    Co-Founder
    February 2020 - May 2023 (3 years 4 months)
     
    Century Insurance Company Limited
    Chief Investment Officer
    December 2004 - January 2007 (2 years 2 months)
     
    High Street
    Investment Associate
    February 2000 - June 2002 (2 years 5 months)
     
    Credit Suisse First Boston
    Research Analyst
    May 1999 - January 2000 (9 months)
     
    Education
    Brandeis University
    MBA
     
    Bentley College
    BA, Finance
     
    Millfield School
     
    Rugby School
     
    KGS
  • Meet
    Kashif
    Kashif Mustafa
    Executive Director
    Kashif Mustafa
    Executive Director

    Kashif Mustafa is a financial professional with over 21 years of remarkable experience in various key roles within leading financial and healthcare institutions. He has been a driving force at Lakson Investments since joining in 2011. He currently serves as the Executive Director and is an integral part of the core team.

    Professional Accomplishments:
    Throughout his career, Kashif Mustafa has exhibited expertise in Investment & Financial Advisory, Private Equity, Operations and Business Management, Turnaround Management, Family Governance Structuring, Economic Research, and Lead Negotiation/Business Development. His lead role has played a pivotal role in shaping Lakson Investments into a preferred choice for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs) and family offices, particularly in the realm of discretionary investment advisory management. He is the member of the Investment Committees of Public Equities, Private Equity and Venture Capital

    He is widely recognized for his instrumental role in establishing Pakistan's first-ever Private Funds' Regulations in collaboration with regulators. He also led the successful launch of the inaugural Lakson Private Equity Fund and Lakson Venture Capital Fund. He sits on the board of Bookme, Bagallery and OMI Hospital.

    Educational Background:
    Mr. Mustafa's academic achievements are equally impressive. He holds a Master's degree in Wealth Management from Singapore Management University, earned through a prestigious partnership program with Yale School of Management, USA, and St. Gallen University, Switzerland. His academic pursuits also encompass a second Master's degree in Economics and an undergraduate degree in Mathematics. He is a certified professional from the Institute of Banking & Finance (Advanced), Singapore, and boasts certifications in Alternative Investments from Yale SOM and Preserving Wealth for Generations from St. Gallen, SL. Kashif Mustafa is an alumnus of Wealth Management Institute, Singapore.

    Media Presence:
    Kashif Mustafa's insights and expertise are frequently sought after by the media. He has become a respected voice in discussions covering financial, economic, regulatory, and political issues.

  • Meet
    Mustafa
    Mustafa O. Pasha, CFA
    Executive Director & CIO
    Mustafa O. Pasha, CFA
    Executive Director & CIO

    Mr. Pasha has over thirteen (13) years of experience in the asset management and investment advisory industry. He completed his undergraduate degree from McGill University (Montreal, Canada) in 2006 with a focus on Economics, History and Political Science and was awarded his CFA charter in 2012.

    As Chief Investment Officer at Lakson Investments, he leads the investments process by formulating strategy and asset allocation in collaboration with a team of fund managers and analysts. He is responsible for driving the performance of all assets under management across public markets including mutual funds and managed accounts. As a member of senior management he is actively involved with all facets of the company's business strategy and in developing its long term vision.

    Mr. Pasha was previously associated with BMA where he initially served as a fixed income analyst and later became the in-house economist for the entire BMA group. Between 2009 and 2012, he managed fixed income/money market investments across all mutual funds and institutional/HNW accounts advised by BMA.

  • Meet
    Sameera
    Sameera Ali
    Manager Marketing
    Sameera Ali
    Manager Marketing

    Ms. Ali has had over twelve years of experience and is currently serving as Manager Marketing at Lakson Investments. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Administration from Coe College (Iowa, USA). Her areas of expertise include Corporate marketing and communication. Other than her vast experience at Lakson Investments, she has also worked at Interflow Communications and Citibank.

    Ms. Ali is passionate about travelling.

  • Meet
    Junaid
    Junaid Arshad
    Chief Financial Officer
    Junaid Arshad
    Chief Financial Officer

    Mr. Arshad an ACCA member, having over 11 years of experience in the asset management industry and currently holds the position of Chief Financial Officer. He possesses sound knowledge of financial management, tax regulations, financial procedures, and NBFC Rules & Regulations. He was actively involved in system development and implementation during his stay at different organizations. He was previously associated with JS Investments and Alfalah Investments as a finance professional.

    Mr. Arshad’s passion is to travel to new and exotic locations. His favorite quote is - “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

Venture Capital

  • Meet
    Noor
    Noor Lalani
    Advisor
    Noor Lalani
    Advisor

    Noor has joined Lakson Investments as Managing Partner of Lakson Venture Capital with over 17 years of experience in Capital Markets, Venture Capital & Portfolio Management. Before joining LVC, he was the Investment Director at Arix Bioscience Plc managing its public investments portfolio. Prior to this, he served as Executive Director in the Capital Markets Derivatives Group at JPMorgan, London, co-running LDI insurance & pension solutions. Noor is also an early stage investor and his investments include MedTech, Fintech and Cloud services.

    Noor holds an undergraduate degree in Computing and Electrical Engineering from Imperial College London and a Master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge.

  • Meet
    Babar
    Babar Lakhani
    Managing Partner
    Babar Lakhani
    Managing Partner
    Babar Lakhani has over 20 years of investment and portfolio management experience in public and private markets. Babar Lakhani most recently served as the CIO of Century Insurance, a Public Limited company listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange of Pakistan. Prior to joining Lakson Group his positions were as an Investment Associate at High Street Advisors and an Research Associate at Credit Suisse First Boston.
     
    Babar serves on the board of many of the investee companies of Lakson’s PE and VC funds.  In addition to this, he sits on the board of several Lakson Group companies.
    He received his BA in Finance from Bentley College, and his MBA from Brandeis University. Babar Lakhani is a member of the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), the Society of Financial Service Professionals, and the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO Pakistan and YPO Emirates). He is also a member of the Alumni Trustee Committee of Brandeis University, the school’s representative in Pakistan, a Board Member of Developments in Literacy (DIL.org), and a founder of the Special Olympics Marathon (Pakistan).
     
    Mr. Lakhani’s passions include spending time with his family, philanthropy, ultra-distance running, technology, reading, and film.
     
    Experience
    Lakson Investments Limited
    Founder and CEO
    January 2009 - Present (15 years)
     
    Lakson Group
    Co-Owner
    December 2004 - Present (19 years 1 month)
     
    Century Paper & Board Mills Ltd
    Board Member
    September 2021 - Present (2 years 4 months)
     
    OMI Hospital
    Board | Investor
    October 2018 - Present (5 years 3 months)
     
    Roomy
    Board | Investor
    April 2021 - Present (2 years 9 months)
    Islamabad | Batakundi, Naran | Minapin, Nagar | Gulmit, Hunza
     
    Knowledge Platform
    Board | Investor
    April 2021 - Present (2 years 9 months) Islāmābād, Pakistan
    A leading ed-tech company, providing holistic learning solutions in the form of strategy, content, technology & support.
     
    Bagallery
    Board | Investor
    October 2020 - Present (3 years 3 months) Karāchi, Sindh, Pakistan
     
    Bookme.pk
    Board | Investor
    April 2019 - Present (4 years 9 months) Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
    Pakistan's leading online ticketing platform.
     
    MEDZnMORE
    Co-Founder
    February 2020 - May 2023 (3 years 4 months)
     
    Century Insurance Company Limited
    Chief Investment Officer
    December 2004 - January 2007 (2 years 2 months)
     
    High Street
    Investment Associate
    February 2000 - June 2002 (2 years 5 months)
     
    Credit Suisse First Boston
    Research Analyst
    May 1999 - January 2000 (9 months)
     
    Education
    Brandeis University
    MBA
     
    Bentley College
    BA, Finance
     
    Millfield School
     
    Rugby School
     
    KGS
  • Meet
    Amin
    Amin Mohammed Lakhani
    Director
    Amin Mohammed Lakhani
    Director

    Mr. Amin Lakhani is the Chief Executive Office of SIZA Foods (Private) Ltd., the franchise holders of McDonald’s restaurants in Pakistan, a world known Multinational Corporation serving fast foods. Under his dynamic leadership, SIZA has succeeded in a short period of 18 years in making McDonald’s almost a household name in Pakistan, expanding the network of its restaurants to 70+ in key cities of the country. He has also won “Golden Arches Award” 2011 from McDonald’s Corporation.

    An MBA in Finance and International Business from The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania (USA) and holder of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University (USA), Mr. Lakhani is a part of the Executive Leadership Team of Lakson Group of Companies.

    His rich experience in finance, marketing, management and production spanning over 31 years has enabled him to serve as CEO of 16 unlisted public and private limited companies, Director on the Corporate Boards of 4 Lakson Group Companies listed on Stock Exchanges in Pakistan and Director in 12 other private companies of the Lakson Group.

    Mr. Lakhani is the Honorary Consul General of Singapore in Pakistan since July 1992. Previously he served as Singapore’s Honorary Consul since April 1989. Acknowledging his services, the Republic of Singapore awarded him Public Service Star.

    Mr. Lakhani actively participates in social activities. He is a Founder Member of Pakistan Chapter of Young Presidents’ Organization, and served as the local Chapter’s chairman for the 2006-07 term. He is a Member of Stanford Alumni Association as well of The Wharton Alumni Association. He is an ardent sport enthusiast and his favourite sporting activities include riding, playing polo, tennis and golf. He has widely travelled around the globe and takes interest in international/current affairs.

    Mr. Lakhani strongly believes in Lakson Group’s philosophy of paying back to the society. He is a Trustee of Hasanali and Gulbano Lakhani Foundation, a Lakson Group welfare trust. The Foundation provides educational and medical facilities to the deserving and needy persons and helps people in other areas.

  • Meet
    Ayesha
    Ayesha Saleem
    Principal
    Ayesha Saleem
    Principal

    Ms. Ayesha Saleem is an Investment Analyst in Venture Capital at Lakson Investments. Prior to joining Lakson Investments, she was associated with NexDegree as a Data Analyst. She has completed her Masters from the London School of Economics with a distinction in Economics and Political Economy in 2019, and completed her undergraduate from the London School of Economics in 2018. Ms Ayesha is a Special Advisor at the ESG Foundation UK and a board member for the Alumni Committee of the London School of Economics in Pakistan. 

    Her areas of expertise include strategy, research, market analysis and responsible investment practices. 

    Ms. Saleem’s passions include travelling, volunteering, film, drama and connecting with like minded individuals.

Private Equity

  • Meet
    Kashif
    Kashif Mustafa
    Managing Partner
    Kashif Mustafa
    Managing Partner

    Kashif Mustafa is a financial professional with over 21 years of remarkable experience in various key roles within leading financial and healthcare institutions. He has been a driving force at Lakson Investments since joining in 2011. He currently serves as the Executive Director and is an integral part of the core team.

    Professional Accomplishments:
    Throughout his career, Kashif Mustafa has exhibited expertise in Investment & Financial Advisory, Private Equity, Operations and Business Management, Turnaround Management, Family Governance Structuring, Economic Research, and Lead Negotiation/Business Development. His lead role has played a pivotal role in shaping Lakson Investments into a preferred choice for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs) and family offices, particularly in the realm of discretionary investment advisory management. He is the member of the Investment Committees of Public Equities, Private Equity and Venture Capital

    He is widely recognized for his instrumental role in establishing Pakistan's first-ever Private Funds' Regulations in collaboration with regulators. He also led the successful launch of the inaugural Lakson Private Equity Fund and Lakson Venture Capital Fund. He sits on the board of Bookme, Bagallery and OMI Hospital.

    Educational Background:
    Mr. Mustafa's academic achievements are equally impressive. He holds a Master's degree in Wealth Management from Singapore Management University, earned through a prestigious partnership program with Yale School of Management, USA, and St. Gallen University, Switzerland. His academic pursuits also encompass a second Master's degree in Economics and an undergraduate degree in Mathematics. He is a certified professional from the Institute of Banking & Finance (Advanced), Singapore, and boasts certifications in Alternative Investments from Yale SOM and Preserving Wealth for Generations from St. Gallen, SL. Kashif Mustafa is an alumnus of Wealth Management Institute, Singapore.

    Media Presence:
    Kashif Mustafa's insights and expertise are frequently sought after by the media. He has become a respected voice in discussions covering financial, economic, regulatory, and political issues.

  • Meet
    Amin
    Amin Mohammad Lakhani
    Director
    Amin Mohammad Lakhani
    Director

    Mr. Amin Lakhani is the Chief Executive Office of SIZA Foods (Private) Ltd., the franchise holders of McDonald’s restaurants in Pakistan, a world known Multinational Corporation serving fast foods. Under his dynamic leadership, SIZA has succeeded in a short period of 18 years in making McDonald’s almost a household name in Pakistan, expanding the network of its restaurants to 70+ in key cities of the country. He has also won “Golden Arches Award” 2011 from McDonald’s Corporation.

    An MBA in Finance and International Business from The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania (USA) and holder of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University (USA), Mr. Lakhani is a part of the Executive Leadership Team of Lakson Group of Companies.

    His rich experience in finance, marketing, management and production spanning over 31 years has enabled him to serve as CEO of 16 unlisted public and private limited companies, Director on the Corporate Boards of 4 Lakson Group Companies listed on Stock Exchanges in Pakistan and Director in 12 other private companies of the Lakson Group.

    Mr. Lakhani is the Honorary Consul General of Singapore in Pakistan since July 1992. Previously he served as Singapore’s Honorary Consul since April 1989. Acknowledging his services, the Republic of Singapore awarded him Public Service Star.

    Mr. Lakhani actively participates in social activities. He is a Founder Member of Pakistan Chapter of Young Presidents’ Organization, and served as the local Chapter’s chairman for the 2006-07 term. He is a Member of Stanford Alumni Association as well of The Wharton Alumni Association. He is an ardent sport enthusiast and his favourite sporting activities include riding, playing polo, tennis and golf. He has widely travelled around the globe and takes interest in international/current affairs.

    Mr. Lakhani strongly believes in Lakson Group’s philosophy of paying back to the society. He is a Trustee of Hasanali and Gulbano Lakhani Foundation, a Lakson Group welfare trust. The Foundation provides educational and medical facilities to the deserving and needy persons and helps people in other areas.

  • Meet
    Aziz
    Aziz Faqir
    Advisor
    Aziz Faqir
    Advisor

    Aziz joins from Goldman Sachs International and has fifteen (15) years of banking and asset management experience with a track-record in principal investments, financial structuring and sales across both private and public companies, and has extensively evaluated transactions and executed trades in the CEEMEA region. From 2010 to 2016, at Goldman Sachs, he was responsible for the coverage of hedge fund allocators across the UK and Middle East as well as Prime Brokerage sales for the Middle East region.

    Aziz graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 2002 and began his career in the Project Finance and Debt Capital Markets division at Standard Chartered Bank, in Pakistan. In 2004, he was recruited by ABN AMRO Bank N.V. in London to join the Project Finance division and subsequently in 2007, Aziz joined the Emerging Markets team at Merrill Lynch International. Between 2008 and 2010, Aziz was Partner and Head of Research at Valiance Advisors LLP, a U$ 230M boutique, special situations fund that invested across the capital structure and is based in London. In 2013 and 2015, Aziz was awarded the Financial News 40 Under 40 Rising Stars of Hedge Funds in London.

  • Meet
    Agha
    Agha Jahanzeb
    Junior Partner
    Agha Jahanzeb
    Junior Partner

    Mr. Jahanzeb has over 10 years of experience in the private equity, transaction advisory and financial services industry. He completed his MSc. in Business Management from Anglia Ruskin University (UK) in 2012. He is also a member of Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) and passed CFA level 1 exam previously.

    Prior to joining Lakson Investments, he was associated with Faysal Funds, Ijara Capital Partners, JASB & Associates and Ijara group. During his career he was part of successful transactions like acquisition of AGP, OBS, MonSalwa, Aspin Pharma (J&J), OMI Hospital and Oplal labs.

    His core area of expertise include, financial analysis, strategic and business planning, business process re-engineering, due diligence, business valuations, deal negotiation, transaction structuring, pricing, costing, budgeting, investments and capital structuring.

Investment Committee
Equities and Fixed Income

  • Meet
    Babar
    Babar Lakhani
    Chief Executive Officer
    Babar Lakhani
    Chief Executive Officer
    Babar Lakhani has over 20 years of investment and portfolio management experience in public and private markets. Babar Lakhani most recently served as the CIO of Century Insurance, a Public Limited company listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange of Pakistan. Prior to joining Lakson Group his positions were as an Investment Associate at High Street Advisors and an Research Associate at Credit Suisse First Boston.
     
    Babar serves on the board of many of the investee companies of Lakson’s PE and VC funds.  In addition to this, he sits on the board of several Lakson Group companies.
    He received his BA in Finance from Bentley College, and his MBA from Brandeis University. Babar Lakhani is a member of the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), the Society of Financial Service Professionals, and the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO Pakistan and YPO Emirates). He is also a member of the Alumni Trustee Committee of Brandeis University, the school’s representative in Pakistan, a Board Member of Developments in Literacy (DIL.org), and a founder of the Special Olympics Marathon (Pakistan).
     
    Mr. Lakhani’s passions include spending time with his family, philanthropy, ultra-distance running, technology, reading, and film.
     
    Experience
    Lakson Investments Limited
    Founder and CEO
    January 2009 - Present (15 years)
     
    Lakson Group
    Co-Owner
    December 2004 - Present (19 years 1 month)
     
    Century Paper & Board Mills Ltd
    Board Member
    September 2021 - Present (2 years 4 months)
     
    OMI Hospital
    Board | Investor
    October 2018 - Present (5 years 3 months)
     
    Roomy
    Board | Investor
    April 2021 - Present (2 years 9 months)
    Islamabad | Batakundi, Naran | Minapin, Nagar | Gulmit, Hunza
     
    Knowledge Platform
    Board | Investor
    April 2021 - Present (2 years 9 months) Islāmābād, Pakistan
    A leading ed-tech company, providing holistic learning solutions in the form of strategy, content, technology & support.
     
    Bagallery
    Board | Investor
    October 2020 - Present (3 years 3 months) Karāchi, Sindh, Pakistan
     
    Bookme.pk
    Board | Investor
    April 2019 - Present (4 years 9 months) Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
    Pakistan's leading online ticketing platform.
     
    MEDZnMORE
    Co-Founder
    February 2020 - May 2023 (3 years 4 months)
     
    Century Insurance Company Limited
    Chief Investment Officer
    December 2004 - January 2007 (2 years 2 months)
     
    High Street
    Investment Associate
    February 2000 - June 2002 (2 years 5 months)
     
    Credit Suisse First Boston
    Research Analyst
    May 1999 - January 2000 (9 months)
     
    Education
    Brandeis University
    MBA
     
    Bentley College
    BA, Finance
     
    Millfield School
     
    Rugby School
     
    KGS
  • Meet
    Mustafa
    Mustafa O. Pasha, CFA
    Executive Director & CIO
    Mustafa O. Pasha, CFA
    Executive Director & CIO

    Mr. Pasha has over thirteen (13) years of experience in the asset management and investment advisory industry. He completed his undergraduate degree from McGill University (Montreal, Canada) in 2006 with a focus on Economics, History and Political Science and was awarded his CFA charter in 2012.

    As Chief Investment Officer at Lakson Investments, he leads the investments process by formulating strategy and asset allocation in collaboration with a team of fund managers and analysts. He is responsible for driving the performance of all assets under management across public markets including mutual funds and managed accounts. As a member of senior management he is actively involved with all facets of the company's business strategy and in developing its long term vision.

    Mr. Pasha was previously associated with BMA where he initially served as a fixed income analyst and later became the in-house economist for the entire BMA group. Between 2009 and 2012, he managed fixed income/money market investments across all mutual funds and institutional/HNW accounts advised by BMA.

  • Meet
    Kashif
    Kashif Mustafa
    Executive Director
    Kashif Mustafa
    Executive Director

    Kashif Mustafa is a financial professional with over 21 years of remarkable experience in various key roles within leading financial and healthcare institutions. He has been a driving force at Lakson Investments since joining in 2011. He currently serves as the Executive Director and is an integral part of the core team.

    Professional Accomplishments:
    Throughout his career, Kashif Mustafa has exhibited expertise in Investment & Financial Advisory, Private Equity, Operations and Business Management, Turnaround Management, Family Governance Structuring, Economic Research, and Lead Negotiation/Business Development. His lead role has played a pivotal role in shaping Lakson Investments into a preferred choice for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs) and family offices, particularly in the realm of discretionary investment advisory management. He is the member of the Investment Committees of Public Equities, Private Equity and Venture Capital

    He is widely recognized for his instrumental role in establishing Pakistan's first-ever Private Funds' Regulations in collaboration with regulators. He also led the successful launch of the inaugural Lakson Private Equity Fund and Lakson Venture Capital Fund. He sits on the board of Bookme, Bagallery and OMI Hospital.

    Educational Background:
    Mr. Mustafa's academic achievements are equally impressive. He holds a Master's degree in Wealth Management from Singapore Management University, earned through a prestigious partnership program with Yale School of Management, USA, and St. Gallen University, Switzerland. His academic pursuits also encompass a second Master's degree in Economics and an undergraduate degree in Mathematics. He is a certified professional from the Institute of Banking & Finance (Advanced), Singapore, and boasts certifications in Alternative Investments from Yale SOM and Preserving Wealth for Generations from St. Gallen, SL. Kashif Mustafa is an alumnus of Wealth Management Institute, Singapore.

    Media Presence:
    Kashif Mustafa's insights and expertise are frequently sought after by the media. He has become a respected voice in discussions covering financial, economic, regulatory, and political issues.

  • Meet
    Hassan
    Hassan Bin Nasir
    Head of Fixed Income
    Hassan Bin Nasir
    Head of Fixed Income

    Mr. Nasir has over twelve years of experience and currently holds the position of Vice President - Fixed Income at Lakson Investments Limited. He completed his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Bahria University, Pakistan.

    At Lakson Investments, he is responsible for managing the fixed income portfolios of mutual funds and separately managed accounts. As a senior member of the team he is actively involved with both the front and back office to drive the company's strategy and vision forward.

    He has extensive experience in fixed income investment strategy and trading conventional and Shariah compliant government securities, corporate debt and banking products.

    Mr. Nasir has previously been associated with MCB - Arif Habib, Faysal Funds, BMA Funds and GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan Limited in various capacities of portfolio management.

  • Meet
    Talha
    Talha Siddiqui
    Head of Equities
    Talha Siddiqui
    Head of Equities

    Mr. Talha A. Siddiqui is a seasoned investment professional with over 10 years of rich experience in the Pakistani Capital Markets. He currently holds a position of Vice President – Head of Equities at Lakson Investments. He has completed his master’s degree in economics from the University of Manchester with focus on Behavioural Economics. 

    At Lakson Investments, he is responsible for devising investment strategies for Equity Portfolios. This would primarily involve maintaining adequate exposures, managing liquidity requirements and actively pursuing alpha generating strategies for the portfolios. 

    Previously, Mr. Siddiqui has been associated with AL Habib Asset Management Ltd. where the funds under his management were industry leading in generating significant returns for investors. Furthermore, he has also worked in the capacity of Head of Research at BMA Asset Management Company Ltd.

  • Meet
    Ahsan
    Ahsan Ali
    Head of Research
    Ahsan Ali
    Head of Research

    Mr. Ali has over nine years of experience and presently holds the position of Vice President – Head of Research at Lakson Investments. He completed his MBA and BBA from the Institute of Business Management and is a CFA Charter holder. 

    At Lakson Investments, he is responsible for overseeing the research function ensuring that all investment research is meticulously conducted to support informed decision making, strategic planning and overall investment strategy at Lakson Investments. 

    Previously, Mr. Ali has been associated with HBL Asset Management, The Aga Khan University and Optimus Capital Management, where he significantly contributed to research, portfolio management, budgeting, management reporting and preparation of feasibility studies.

Portfolio Management

  • Meet
    Mustafa
    Mustafa O. Pasha, CFA
    Executive Director & CIO
    Mustafa O. Pasha, CFA
    Executive Director & CIO

    Mr. Pasha has over thirteen (13) years of experience in the asset management and investment advisory industry. He completed his undergraduate degree from McGill University (Montreal, Canada) in 2006 with a focus on Economics, History and Political Science and was awarded his CFA charter in 2012.

    As Chief Investment Officer at Lakson Investments, he leads the investments process by formulating strategy and asset allocation in collaboration with a team of fund managers and analysts. He is responsible for driving the performance of all assets under management across public markets including mutual funds and managed accounts. As a member of senior management he is actively involved with all facets of the company's business strategy and in developing its long term vision.

    Mr. Pasha was previously associated with BMA where he initially served as a fixed income analyst and later became the in-house economist for the entire BMA group. Between 2009 and 2012, he managed fixed income/money market investments across all mutual funds and institutional/HNW accounts advised by BMA.

  • Meet
    Hassan
    Hassan Bin Nasir
    Head of Fixed Income
    Hassan Bin Nasir
    Head of Fixed Income

    Mr. Nasir has over twelve years of experience and currently holds the position of Vice President - Fixed Income at Lakson Investments Limited. He completed his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Bahria University, Pakistan.

    At Lakson Investments, he is responsible for managing the fixed income portfolios of mutual funds and separately managed accounts. As a senior member of the team he is actively involved with both the front and back office to drive the company's strategy and vision forward.

    He has extensive experience in fixed income investment strategy and trading conventional and Shariah compliant government securities, corporate debt and banking products.

    Mr. Nasir has previously been associated with MCB - Arif Habib, Faysal Funds, BMA Funds and GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan Limited in various capacities of portfolio management.

  • Meet
    Talha
    Talha Siddiqui
    Head of Equities
    Talha Siddiqui
    Head of Equities

    Mr. Talha A. Siddiqui is a seasoned investment professional with over 10 years of rich experience in the Pakistani Capital Markets. He currently holds a position of Vice President – Head of Equities at Lakson Investments. He has completed his master’s degree in economics from the University of Manchester with focus on Behavioural Economics. 

    At Lakson Investments, he is responsible for devising investment strategies for Equity Portfolios. This would primarily involve maintaining adequate exposures, managing liquidity requirements and actively pursuing alpha generating strategies for the portfolios. 

    Previously, Mr. Siddiqui has been associated with AL Habib Asset Management Ltd. where the funds under his management were industry leading in generating significant returns for investors. Furthermore, he has also worked in the capacity of Head of Research at BMA Asset Management Company Ltd.

  • Meet
    Kashif
    Kashif Abbas Rizvi
    Head of Trading
    Kashif Abbas Rizvi
    Head of Trading

    Kashif Abbas started his career in financial markets in 1998. Prior to joining Lakson Investments, he worked as a Senior Dealer Fixed Income at Optimus Capital and Invisor Securities for over 18 years.

    He has also served as a Dealer Money Market at Crescent Capital Management. Kashif Abbas also worked with First Capital Securities as Assistant Manager in Settlement Department. He has extensive experience spanning over 28 years in Money and Bond Markets together with specialization in Brokerage and Corporate Advisory Roles that have helped him in maintaining sizable portfolios for his clients.

    Mr. Kashif holds a Bachelors in Commerce degree from University of Karachi. Kashif is an avid reader and chef.

  • Meet
    Urooj
    Urooj Fatima
    Investment Analyst
    Urooj Fatima
    Investment Analyst

    Ms. Urooj is an Investment Analyst at Lakson Investments Limited. She graduated in 2023 with a degree in Accounting and Finance from the Institute of Business Management. 

    With over a year of experience at Lakson Investments, Urooj has contributed to various investment activities. Prior to joining Lakson, she gained valuable insights as a Finance Intern at AGP Limited. She has also demonstrated her strong interpersonal skills and brand awareness as a Brand Ambassador for Munchies Unilever.

    Enriching her academic experience, Urooj participated in an exchange program at TED University in Turkey, where she delved into International Finance and actively engaged in extracurricular activities.  During her exchange semester, she was selected to participate in a prestigious CFA Institute Local Research Challenge based in Istanbul, where she conducted a comprehensive analysis of Sisecam, a globally recognized Turkish company.

    Beyond her professional pursuits, Urooj is passionate about travel and sports.

Research

  • Meet
    Ahsan
    Ahsan Ali
    Head of Research
    Ahsan Ali
    Head of Research

    Mr. Ali has over nine years of experience and presently holds the position of Vice President – Head of Research at Lakson Investments. He completed his MBA and BBA from the Institute of Business Management and is a CFA Charter holder. 

    At Lakson Investments, he is responsible for overseeing the research function ensuring that all investment research is meticulously conducted to support informed decision making, strategic planning and overall investment strategy at Lakson Investments. 

    Previously, Mr. Ali has been associated with HBL Asset Management, The Aga Khan University and Optimus Capital Management, where he significantly contributed to research, portfolio management, budgeting, management reporting and preparation of feasibility studies.

Compliance

    Business Development

    • Meet
      Lubna
      Lubna Zulnoor
      Head of Investor Relations
      Lubna Zulnoor
      Head of Investor Relations

      Ms. Lubna Zulnoor has over fifteen years of experience in the Mutual Funds industry. Prior to joining Lakson Investments she was associated with UBL Fund Managers. She has strong and seasoned background of Customer Services and has been an active part
      of the team involved in structuring and reshaping the Customer Services function. Ms. Zulnoor has taken part in various workshops, quotients and conferences. She is a commerce graduate from University of Karachi.

      Ms. Zulnoor has a passion for new learnings and travelling.

    • Meet
      Umer
      Umer Raza Javed
      Regional Manager Business Development North
      Umer Raza Javed
      Regional Manager Business Development North

      Mr. Umer Raza Javed has over 11 years of diverse experience in the asset management industry, specializing in business development, institutional sales, mutual funds, wealth management, and financial planning. He holds an MSc in Accounting and Finance Awarded by University of Lahore (2010) and studied ACCA at the London School of Business and Finance (2011-2013). A certified member of IFMP, he earned his CMFD certification in 2016.

      Currently serving as the Regional Manager of Business Development (North) at Lakson Investments, Mr. Javed is responsible for driving strategic growth, cultivating relationships with corporate and institutional clients, and overseeing business development initiatives.

      Previously, he held leadership roles at Pak Qatar Asset Management as Zonal Manager and NBP Funds as Area Manager, where he managed AUM exceeding PKR 10 billion and served a diverse client base of over 1,400 clients. During this time, he demonstrated expertise in team building, training, and delivering tailored financial and pension fund solutions.

      Mr. Javed is recognized for his strategic insights, leadership in financial planning, and his ability to deliver robust wealth management solutions to institutional and retail clients.

    • Meet
      Syed
      Syed Kamran Hasnain
      Regional Head Business Development, South
      Syed Kamran Hasnain
      Regional Head Business Development, South

      Mr. Syed Kamran Hasnain has over 19 years of extensive experience in the financial services industry, specializing in sales, marketing, product development, wealth management, and Premier Banking in Pakistan, UAE and USA.

      In his present position, he plays a pivotal role in driving the growth and expansion of the business by building client relationships, developing tailored financial solutions, and spearheading strategic initiatives. Hisexpertise spans across retail and institutional channels, enabling him to deliver exceptional results across diverse market segments.

      Mr. Hasnain’s career includes senior leadership roles such as Head of Product Development at HBL AMC, Head of Retail Business at MCB Funds, and Head of Wealth Sales at HSBC UAE. He has also served as Regional Head of Investment and Bancassurance Sales at Standard Chartered Bank and began his career as an Analyst at Phoenix Investments in the USA.

      Mr. Hasnain is a Certified Financial Advisor (IFS UK) and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in Economics and Mathematics from Connecticut College, USA.. His passions include global travel, swimming,  philanthropy and poetry.

    LVC Advisory Board

    • Meet
      Anand
      Anand Prasanna
      (Independent)
    • Meet
      Anirudh
      Anirudh Patni
      (Independent)
    • Meet
      Asad
      Asad Khan
      (Independent)
    • Meet
      Bassel
      Bassel Hamwi
      (Independent)
    • Meet
      Daniel
      Daniel Kimerling
      (Independent)
    • Meet
      Gaite
      Gaite Ali
      (Independent)
    • Meet
      Martin
      Martin Bell
      (Independent)
    • Meet
      Nate
      Nate Redmond
      Independent
    • Meet
      Rehan
      Rehan Khursheed
      Independent