Pakistani entrepreneur honored with UK’s MBE eyes ‘innovative approaches’ for sustainable future

Pakistani entrepreneur Faraz Khan, right, shares a handshake with Britain's Prince William as he receives his Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in London, United Kingdom on December 7, 2023. (Photo courtesy: @fksquared/X)
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Updated 10 December 2023
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Pakistani entrepreneur honored with UK’s MBE eyes ‘innovative approaches’ for sustainable future

  • Faraz Khan was conferred with Order of the British Empire award last month for his services to UK-Pakistan relations
  • Khan is CEO and partner of tech and data advisory firm Spectreco which simplifies, accelerates sustainability transitions

KARACHI: Pakistani entrepreneur Faraz Khan, who was conferred with the prestigious Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in November for his services to UK-Pakistan relations, said on Sunday he plans to introduce “innovative approaches” in the fields of impact investment and climate advocacy for a more sustainable future. 

Prince William conferred the MBE award on Khan during a ceremony at Windsor Castle in November for his “services to UK/Pakistan relations,” the UK government said on its website. Khan is the chief executive officer (CEO) and partner at Spectreco— a technology, data, and advisory firm that simplifies and accelerates sustainability and economic, social, and governance (ESG) transitions.

Born in Pakistan’s southwestern Quetta city, Khan earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Karachi, before traveling to the UK for his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Lincoln University from 1998-2000. 

According to Faraz, he has over 25 years of experience in multi-stakeholder investments, ESG policy, and impact development. He is also the founder and director of Social, Entrepreneurship & Equity Development (SEED) Ventures, an investment and impact development organization in emerging markets. 

As per his LinkedIn profile, Khan has transformed the group into a sustainable organization, which has achieved a turnover of $40 million for SEED and its portfolio companies over the past decade.

“I view this honor as a catalyst for fostering collaborative opportunities and partnerships that will contribute significantly to the sustainable development of both nations,” Khan said about the MBE award, speaking to Arab News over the phone from Dubai. 

He added that the MBE award underscored the positive impact of his endeavors in strengthening ties between Pakistan and the UK in ESG and climate advocacy.

“I am actively exploring innovative approaches in the realms of impact investment, social enterprise, and climate advocacy,” he said. “To address the evolving challenges our world faces. I am committed to advancing initiatives that align with our vision for a sustainable future.”

Impact investments are investments made to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return.

Khan said the realization that every action can bring about a “positive ripple effect” became the driving force behind his commitment to the fields of impact investment and social enterprise.

The Pakistani entrepreneur hoped Spectreco would contribute to a “greener, more resilient” future. 

“In the urgent landscape of climate action, we champion ESG initiatives, spearhead climate investments, and navigate the complex terrains of sustainable development, propelling Spectreco as a torchbearer in the global pursuit of a greener, more resilient future.”


Pakistan, Malaysia discuss halal food, energy and tourism to boost cooperation

Updated 47 min 44 sec ago
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Pakistan, Malaysia discuss halal food, energy and tourism to boost cooperation

  • Bilateral trade between both countries stands at about $1.4 billion a year
  • In Oct., both countries announced a new $200 million halal meat trade quota

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Malaysian officials have held talks on halal food, green energy and tourism sectors as part of renewed efforts to expand ties between the two Muslim-majority nations, the Pakistani High Commission in Malaysia on Monday.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah and Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, governor of Malaysia’s Sarawak state.

Bilateral trade between the two countries stands at about $1.4 billion a year, according to official data from both governments. In Oct., both countries announced a new $200 million halal meat trade quota.

“Constructive talks on Pakistan-Malaysia ties in halal [food], palm oil, green energy, rice, labor, tourism, culture & sustainable development,” the Pakistani High Commission in Malaysia said on X.

Malaysia’s exports to Pakistan are led by palm oil and other vegetable fats, followed by machinery, rubber products and organic chemicals. Pakistan’s main exports to Malaysia include rice, textiles, seafood and minerals.

The two countries have also traded under the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement since 2008, which provides preferential market access for goods and services.

Pakistan has been rapidly growing its green energy, halal food, and tourism sectors. Its halal food industry is attracting global buyers with Shariah-compliant products, while tourism is leveraging the country’s natural beauty, heritage sites and cultural attractions to draw international visitors.