Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Dr. Omar Mukhtar Khan
Team Leader
Professionally trained as a doctor, Omar joined civil service in 2000 and worked with Pakistan Customs before doing a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. After that, he worked with the Department for International Development (now Foreign and Commonwealth Development office, UK) as Governance Advisor for eight years. Besides Pakistan, Omar has undertaken assignments in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Tanzania, Turkey, Austria, France, Ukraine and Slovenia. Currently, he is Team Leader for Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED) programme and oversees economic growth reforms in the province.
Omar was born in Lahore and has lived in many cities of Pakistan during the course of his life. A proud Abdalian, trekking and exploring Pakistan is a passion for Omar, and he has written extensively on sustainable tourism and heritage. Omar lives in Lahore with his family and can be contacted at omarmukhtar16@gmail.com.
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Team Leader
Professionally trained as a doctor, Omar joined civil service in 2000 and worked with Pakistan Customs before doing a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University…
Nazish Afraz
Program Economist
Nazish Afraz is a Teaching Fellow at the Department of Economics at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). She also teaches BCURE, a Harvard University-designed training program to equip civil servants to become more effective commissioners and consumers of evidence. She has over twenty years of experience teaching and conducting research to support evidence-based public policy in the UK and Pakistan. She is also an affiliate at the Consortium for Development Policy Research (CDPR). Her research interests include industrial development, skills and trade.
She completed an MPhil in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science, an MSc in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol, and an undergraduate degree from LUMS.
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Program Economist
Nazish Afraz is a Teaching Fellow at the Department of Economics at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). She also teaches BCURE, a Harvard University-designed…
Haroon Sethi
Investment Advisor
As an entrepreneur, Haroon is the founder of the software technology firm Proqura Technologies, providing business process management solutions to corporate and public sector organisations. Haroon graduated from Yale University with a double degree in Mechanical Engineering and Economics.
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Investment Advisor
Haroon is a senior advisor at Adam Smith International, specialising in topics of economic development, investment climate, and financial management. He has a 20-year track record…
Taimur Khan
Institutional Development Advisor
As an advisor with over 20 years of experience, Taimur has been providing consulting services in policy reforms, public investment management, evidence-based planning and policy research. Over the past many years, he has worked on many bilateral and multilateral programs where his advisory services include project designing, planning, better management, monitoring and evaluations. He also brings extensive experience of working with the public sector at different levels, where previously, he has worked with both federal and provincial governments in Pakistan.
In SEED, he is currently working as an Institutional Development Advisor, where his work focuses on improving public investment efficiency, investment climate, tech innovation for improving public sector efficiencies and evidence-based planning.
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Institutional Development Advisor
As an advisor with over 20 years of experience, Taimur has been providing consulting services in policy reforms, public investment management, evidence-based planning…
Guleena Khan
Program Manager
Guleena has over 4 years of management experience, working internationally, primarily with Ashoka, Global Innovators, before joining ASI on SEED Programme. She has also been the project manager of the Australia-Pakistan Water Security Initiative Project (APWASI). She has worked alongside the global team at ASI in multiple business development exercises, particularly in the climate and disaster risk management space, a technical area of her interest. On SEED, she manages the revenue mobilization and public-private investment workstreams.
Guleena holds a master’s in applied economics from George Mason University, U.S.A and completed her bachelor’s in economics from Comsats Islamabad. When she is not managing projects, Guleena likes to explore the food scene in the cities she works in.
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Program Manager
Guleena has over 4 years of management experience, working internationally, primarily with Ashoka, Global Innovators, before joining ASI on SEED Programme. She has also been the project manager…
Usama Bakhtiar
Fiscal & Governance Reforms: Public Reform Specialist
Usama Bakhtiar has over 16 years of experience conducting policy research, analysis & advocacy for programs funded by UNDP, USAID and FCDO, among others. He has an in-depth understanding of public investment planning, the rule of law; decentralization, and public service reform.
He has worked for governance reform throughout the Asia-Pacific region, as well as at the national and sub-national levels within Pakistan. He holds a Master of Science degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, USA.
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Public Reform Specialist
Usama Bakhtiar has over 16 years of experience conducting policy research, analysis & advocacy for programs funded by UNDP, USAID and FCDO, among others. He has an in-depth…
Zain Rahman
Program Manager
Zain has over 8 years of management experience in various roles within the development, corporate, and engineering sectors. He has acquired hands-on experience in leading and managing the successful delivery of large team projects, particularly those involving cross-cultural teams across the globe. Zain has also previously served as a project manager on the Justice Sector project and Business integrity project and spearheaded multiple business development/scoping exercises for Adam Smith International, particularly in the climate change space, which he is very passionate about.
He has also worked as a researcher alongside energy market consultants like HIS and Wood Mackenzie and supported assignments for the executive team at a multinational petrochemical company. Zain is a certified Climate Reality Leader, Mckinsey Forward Fellow, and holds an MBA from LUMS, which he completed after his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) focused in Mechanical Engineering from Ghulam Ishaq Khan (GIK) Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology. Zain is enthusiastic about technology, climate, and its intersection with public service delivery. He has supported a wide range of digitization initiatives across SEED and otherwise, e.g. development of the data portal, night light portal, infrastructure portal for Communication & Works (C&W) Department, flood disaster response portal etc.
Zain is a motorsport-racing enthusiast, a tough SIM racer to beat, and has participated in vehicle design and racing projects under Shell Pakistan.
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Program Manager
Zain has over 8 years of management experience in various roles within the development, corporate, and engineering sectors. He has acquired hands-on experience in leading and managing…
Nimra Ejaz
Delivery Associate
Nimra has over 3 years of experience in the social and development sector, having worked in health, trade, tourism and public finance management. Prior to SEED, she worked on a Power Sector Business Plan with a leading financial advisory firm. She was an Assistant Manager with Gallup Pakistan, where she undertook projects pertaining to financial & digital inclusion, renewable energy and IT export.
Nimra holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and enjoys literature, painting and competitive sports, having participated in numerous table tennis tournaments across the country.
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Delivery Associate
Nimra has over 3 years of experience in the social and development sector, having worked in health, trade, tourism and public finance management.
Usman Khan
Intervention Manager
Having 12 years of professional experience, Usman started his career as a Financial News Analyst at SNL Financial. He later joined a USAID programme, which involved the capacity building of government and civil society organizations. He has also worked as a Sales Manager with Nestle Pakistan, running a monthly business portfolio of PKR 150 million.
Usman completed his BSc in Business and a diploma in Economics from the London School of Economics. He earned a master’s degree in Programme and Project Management (PPM) from the University of Warwick, UK.
Usman also worked as an advisor to the finance minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, before joining the SEED Programme. He plays a vital role as an Intervention Manager, developing and maintaining effective relationships with various stakeholders while overseeing and executing the implementation of project interventions.
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Intervention Manager
Having 12 years of professional experience, Usman started his career as a Financial News Analyst at SNL Financial. He later joined a USAID programme, which involved the capacity building …
Osama Farooq
Investment Associate
Osama Farooq has over 6 years of experience in education, health, Agtech and investment. Before joining SEED, he worked in the agriculture sector on financial inclusion, among other things, and designing digital products for clean microlending by leveraging technology.
He has also worked as a Programme Coordinator with the British Council, Pakistan. Osama holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) with a major in finance from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad and a BA in Mass Communication from Forman Christian College (FCCU), Lahore.
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Public Reform Specialist
Osama Farooq has over 6 years of experience in education, health, Agtech and investment. Before joining SEED, he worked in the agriculture sector on financial inclusion, among other things…
Wajeeha Amir
Delivery Associate
Wajeeha Amir completed her undergraduate degree in Political Science from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) with high distinction in 2021. Since then, she has been working across all components of SEED, primarily supporting the establishment of Pakistan’s first behavioral insights unit, mainstreaming social inclusion within the programme, strengthening urban planning in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and striving to make Peshawar a more inclusive city, and lobbying for a clean air future.
Previously, she has worked on Pakistan’s Situational Analysis report for UNICEF, and as a research assistant at the Public Management and Political Science departments at LUMS.
Her research interests include urban and social policy, with a special focus on women’s rights in KP, and her previous research work includes projects on property tax in Punjab, social protection in Pakistan, and the politics of Pashto cinema in Pakistan.
Outside of work, she can usually be found taking pictures of the sky.
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Delivery Associate
Wajeeha Amir completed her undergraduate degree in Political Science from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) with high distinction in 2021.
Syed Muhammad Shaharyar
Public Private Partnership Analyst
Shaharyar has been working in Public Private Partnerships (PPP) for more than three years. He has co-authored the legal framework of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and assisted the Government of KP in devising institutional arrangements for its PPP regime. He is also advising the Government in excogitating its project pipeline and structuring PPP transactions.
Shaharyar has experience in science diplomacy, project finance and entrepreneurship. He obtained a graduate degree in electrical engineering from Lahore University of Management Sciences and has obtained APMG International’s Certified Public Private Partnership Professional (Foundation and Execution).
He likes collecting fine writing instruments and reading up on economics, finance, business, politics, and psychology.
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Public Private Partnership Analyst
Being an Economist, Financial Analyst and Sector Specialist, Umar has over four years of experience working in the development sector.
Umar Ali
Financial Analyst
Being an Economist, Financial Analyst and Sector Specialist, Umar has over four years of experience working in the development sector. He has a postgraduate degree in Economics from the National University of Sciences Technology (NUST) and Project Management Professional Certification from the Professional Development Center (PDC) NUST.
Umar has been actively involved in the development of the legal framework of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He has also been of service to the Government of KP in contriving institutional arrangements for its PPP regime. He is also working with the government to expand its project pipeline and give structure to the PPP transactions.
His determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit continue as he works towards methodological and insightful solutions to challenges institutions face today.
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Financial Analyst
Being an Economist, Financial Analyst and Sector Specialist, Umar has over four years of experience working in the development sector. He has a postgraduate degree in Economics…
Omair Khan
Sustainable Policy Manager
Having prior experience working in the development and public sectors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Omair’s resourcefulness brings together a diverse set of knowledge and skill set that is instrumental for sustainable planning and implementation of various crucial interventions of the Programme while ensuring expectations of all stakeholders are aligned towards achieving the shared goals.
Omair completed his undergraduate in Economics & Mathematics from LUMS and a postgraduate in Environment, Politics & Development from SOAS, University of London. Harboring a passion for climate change and resilient development, Omair’s holistic approach has contributed towards enhancing SEED’s footprint in the province and cementing the position of the Programme as one of the leading development partners of the Government of KP in the domain of climate action.
Omair oversees the planning and implementation of various interventions under SEED’s Climate Change portfolio, plus institutionalization of PIM tools for climate-resilient infrastructure development in the province.
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Sustainable Policy Manager
Having prior experience working in the development and public sectors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Omair’s resourcefulness brings together a diverse set of knowledge and skill set…
Sahar Zafar
Communication Advisor
Sahar is a recognized leader for her extensive work with non-profits internationally. She has successfully managed strategy, communications, and campaign execution for several developmental projects across Asia, including conflict zones.
Having worked with national media in Pakistan, Sahar is also a passionate digital storyteller. She completed her Bachelor’s in TV & Film Studies in 2011 and has been working with the development, education and media sectors since then. The projects have required her to travel to some of Pakistan’s most remote areas as well as to Burma, Kabul, Jalalabad, and Laghman in Afghanistan.
In 2018, she got selected as an Atlas Corps fellow and served in California with a non-profit organization as a Digital and Creative Manager. She has also worked as a freelance photographer for different donors, extensively documenting stories of resilience, persistence, and true grit that emerge in the face of adversity. Sahar is passionate about progressive solutions and sustainability in the developing world. You can view her work at www.saharzafar.com.
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Communication Advisor
Sahar is a recognized leader for her extensive work with non-profits internationally. She has successfully managed strategy, communications, and campaign execution for several…
Umar Ali
Financial Analyst
Being an Economist, Financial Analyst and Sector Specialist, Umar has over four years of experience working in the development sector. He has a postgraduate degree in Economics from the National University of Sciences Technology (NUST) and Project Management Professional Certification from the Professional Development Center (PDC) NUST.
Umar has been actively involved in the development of the legal framework of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He has also been of service to the Government of KP in contriving institutional arrangements for its PPP regime. He is also working with the government to expand its project pipeline and give structure to the PPP transactions.
His determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit continue as he works towards methodological and insightful solutions to challenges institutions face today.
Key Interventions
Financial Analyst
Being an Economist, Financial Analyst and Sector Specialist, Umar has over four years of experience working in the development sector. He has a postgraduate degree in Economics…
Omair Khan
Sustainable Policy Manager
Having prior experience working in the development and public sectors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Omair’s resourcefulness brings together a diverse set of knowledge and skill set that is instrumental for sustainable planning and implementation of various crucial interventions of the Programme while ensuring expectations of all stakeholders are aligned towards achieving the shared goals.
Omair completed his undergraduate in Economics & Mathematics from LUMS and a postgraduate in Environment, Politics & Development from SOAS, University of London. Harboring a passion for climate change and resilient development, Omair’s holistic approach has contributed towards enhancing SEED’s footprint in the province and cementing the position of the Programme as one of the leading development partners of the Government of KP in the domain of climate action.
Omair oversees the planning and implementation of various interventions under SEED’s Climate Change portfolio, plus institutionalization of PIM tools for climate-resilient infrastructure development in the province.
Key Interventions
Sustainable Policy Manager
Having prior experience working in the development and public sectors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Omair’s resourcefulness brings together a diverse set of knowledge and skill set…
Omair Khan
Sustainable Policy Manager
Having prior experience working in the development and public sectors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Omair’s resourcefulness brings together a diverse set of knowledge and skill set that is instrumental for sustainable planning and implementation of various crucial interventions of the Programme while ensuring expectations of all stakeholders are aligned towards achieving the shared goals.
Omair completed his undergraduate in Economics & Mathematics from LUMS and a postgraduate in Environment, Politics & Development from SOAS, University of London. Harboring a passion for climate change and resilient development, Omair’s holistic approach has contributed towards enhancing SEED’s footprint in the province and cementing the position of the Programme as one of the leading development partners of the Government of KP in the domain of climate action.
Omair oversees the planning and implementation of various interventions under SEED’s Climate Change portfolio, plus institutionalization of PIM tools for climate-resilient infrastructure development in the province.
Key Interventions
Sahar Zafar
Communication Advisor
Sahar is a recognized leader for her extensive work with non-profits internationally. She has successfully managed strategy, communications, and campaign execution for several developmental projects across Asia, including conflict zones.
Having worked with national media in Pakistan, Sahar is also a passionate digital storyteller. She completed her Bachelor’s in TV & Film Studies in 2011 and has been working with the development, education and media sectors since then. The projects have required her to travel to some of Pakistan’s most remote areas as well as to Burma, Kabul, Jalalabad, and Laghman in Afghanistan.
In 2018, she got selected as an Atlas Corps fellow and served in California with a non-profit organization as a Digital and Creative Manager. She has also worked as a freelance photographer for different donors, extensively documenting stories of resilience, persistence, and true grit that emerge in the face of adversity. Sahar is passionate about progressive solutions and sustainability in the developing world. You can view her work at www.saharzafar.com.
Key Interventions
Communication Advisor
Sahar is a recognized leader for her extensive work with non-profits internationally. She has successfully managed strategy, communications, and campaign execution for several…
Sahar Zafar
Communication Advisor
Sahar is a recognized leader for her extensive work with non-profits internationally. She has successfully managed strategy, communications, and campaign execution for several developmental projects across Asia, including conflict zones.
Having worked with national media in Pakistan, Sahar is also a passionate digital storyteller. She completed her Bachelor’s in TV & Film Studies in 2011 and has been working with the development, education and media sectors since then. The projects have required her to travel to some of Pakistan’s most remote areas as well as to Burma, Kabul, Jalalabad, and Laghman in Afghanistan.
In 2018, she got selected as an Atlas Corps fellow and served in California with a non-profit organization as a Digital and Creative Manager. She has also worked as a freelance photographer for different donors, extensively documenting stories of resilience, persistence, and true grit that emerge in the face of adversity. Sahar is passionate about progressive solutions and sustainability in the developing world. You can view her work at www.saharzafar.com.
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