Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Kashmali Khan
Project Director
Kashmali joined ASI in 2011 in the South Asia team, with a focus on business growth in Pakistan. Since then she has led several multi-million pound, multi-year programs in economic development, governance and institutional reform, climate change, and education. Kashmali was awarded the presidential award from the President of Pakistan in recognition of her work in economic and social reform in 2023.
Project Director
Kashmali joined ASI in 2011 in the South Asia team, with a focus on business growth in Pakistan. Since then she has led several multi-million pound…
Hasaan Khawar
Team Leader
Hasaan Khawar is a seasoned management and international development consultant, public policy commentator and researcher with over 20 years of experience in the public, private and development sectors. His expertise are in the areas of institutional reforms, economic growth, and climate change.
Hasaan holds an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, USA and an undergraduate degree in engineering. He also received executive education from Harvard University and was trained in law, public administration and leadership from the Pakistan Civil Services Academy and National School of Public Policy.
A former civil servant, belonging to the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), Hasaan later served as a provincial cabinet member in Punjab, overseeing portfolios including Information, Tourism, Parks and Horticulture Authorities and Special Initiatives. In addition to his government roles, he has contributed thought leadership as a weekly policy op-ed writer for The Express Tribune.
Team Leader
Hasaan Khawar is a seasoned management and international development consultant, public policy commentator and researcher with over 20 years of experience in the public…
Niaz Akbar
Investment Advisory Lead
Niaz Akbar is an accomplished professional with over 27 years of diverse experience spanning the public and private sectors. He has held various roles within the Federal and Provincial governments, a leading multinational FMCG, and numerous bilateral, multilateral, and government-led reform initiatives.
Niaz brings specialised expertise in public investment management, revenue mobilisation, climate policy, SME development, local governance, minority rights, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and capacity building.
He holds a Master’s degree in International and Development Economics from the Australian National University in Canberra and a Master’s in Business Management from the Asian Institute of Management in Manila, Philippines.
Investment Advisory Lead
Niaz Akbar is an accomplished professional with over 27 years of diverse experience spanning the public and private sectors. He has held various roles…
Taimur Khan
Policy and Institutional Development Lead
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.
Policy and Institutional Development Lead
As an advisor with over 20 years of experience, Taimur has been providing consulting services in policy reforms, public investment management, evidence-based planning…
Usama Bakhtiar
Results and Mainstreaming Lead
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.
Results and Mainstreaming Lead
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
Programme Manager
Zain Rahman is a program manager with over 8 years of experience working across global management consulting, private business, and engineering sectors. He has taken on diverse roles in complex, fast-paced environments, developing key partnerships and managing the design and delivery of projects for international clients.
As the Environment Manager for Adam Smith International (ASI) Global, Zain also leads sustainability initiatives, ensuring that the company’s operations align with its strategic sustainability goals.
In his current work on the SEED program, Zain is focused on Output 1, providing investment advisory and driving investments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His work supports public sector reform and helps foster conditions for climate action.
With a background in business and finance, Zain is committed to bringing climate finance to projects that can make a difference, particularly in Pakistan, where he has been involved in initiatives aimed at strengthening climate resilience and mobilizing finance for climate-related projects.
Programme Manager
Zain Rahman is a program manager with over 8 years of experience working across global management consulting, private business, and engineering sectors…
Zahra Gardezi
Programme Manager
Zahra Gardezi is an international relations and development professional with approximately six years of program management and communications experience in the fields of climate change and sustainability, economic development, humanitarian response, and governance.
As the Program Manager at SEED, Zahra plays an integral role in program planning and design, financial management, donor and stakeholder engagement, tracking progress, and strategic planning. She is deeply committed to gender mainstreaming and promoting sustainable development.
Zahra holds an MSc in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London, an MSc specialized in Global Refugee Studies from Aalborg University, Denmark, and a BSc (Hons.) in Political Science from LUMS, Pakistan. Outside of work, she is passionate about photography and supporting marginalised communities.
Programme Manager
Zahra Gardezi is an international relations and development professional with approximately six years of program management and communications experience in the fields of climate…
Aamna Asif
Programme Management Officer
Aamna Asif is a driven professional with expertise in program management, research, and economic development. With a proven track record of managing high-stakes projects, she has demonstrated excellence in stakeholder engagement, financial oversight, and quality assurance. Aamna has also contributed to major research initiatives when she worked with Gallup Pakistan, delivering actionable insights through data-driven analysis. Her diverse professional background includes experience with Nestlé, TCF, and the Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company. A graduate of LUMS in Management Science, Aamna combines her analytical acumen, strategic leadership, and commitment to sustainable development in every role she undertakes.
Outside of work, Aamna enjoys gardening, watching and playing sports and listening to music. She also takes interest in international affairs and world politics.
Programme Management Officer
Aamna Asif is a driven professional with expertise in program management, research, and economic development. With a proven track record…
M. Ahmed Rabbani
Delivery Associate
Ahmed Rabbani is a management consultant with over 5 years of experience working directly with the government on developing reforms and driving implementation. He has worked with the Provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, focusing on the Health, Finance, and Planning and Development Departments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ahmed played a key role in designing and executing testing models for the provincial health department. His experience also includes supporting the Planning Department in annual development planning, budgeting, and operational efficiency improvements.
At SEED, Ahmed is involved in supporting pension reforms for the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, BIU MindLab, and investment initiatives. He holds both an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Lahore University of Management Sciences in Pakistan. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his daughter, who brings him endless joy!
Delivery Associate
Ahmed Rabbani is a management consultant with over 5 years of experience working directly with the government on developing reforms and driving implementation…
Usman Khan
Intervention Manager
Usman Khan is an accomplished professional with 12 years of experience across financial analysis, capacity building, sales, and advisory roles in the public and private sectors. He began his career as a Financial News Analyst at SNL Financial and later contributed to a USAID program focused on strengthening government and civil society organizations. As a Sales Manager with Nestle Pakistan, he successfully managed a monthly business portfolio of PKR 150 million.
Usman holds a BSc in Business and a diploma in Economics from the London School of Economics, along with a master’s degree in Programme and Project Management (PPM) from the University of Warwick, UK.
As an advisor to the Finance Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he oversaw portfolios including universal health insurance, skill development, digital governance, investments, and local government initiatives. Currently, as an Intervention Manager with the SEED Programme, Usman builds relationships with key stakeholders and drives impactful project interventions. He led the Climate Action Plan for KP, delivering an IT system for monitoring progress and mobilizing investors to attract capital to the province.
He is also the founder and board member of the Rukhsana Mother and Childcare Hospital, which provides free healthcare to women and children, with plans to scale it province-wide. A former athlete, Usman has represented university and city teams in cricket and tennis at a professional level.
Intervention Manager
Usman Khan is an accomplished professional with 12 years of experience across financial analysis, capacity building, sales, and advisory…
Umar Ali
Public Private Partnership Specialist
Umar Ali, a Certified Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Professional from APMG International and a Postgraduate in Economics from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), brings over seven years of experience in the development sector.
He worked as Sector specialist and has played a pivotal role in shaping the legal framework for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s PPP regime and has been instrumental in designing institutional arrangements that support the province’s expanding PPP landscape.
Umar’s expertise extends to developing a robust project pipeline and structuring complex PPP transactions. Driven by his dedication to finding innovative and practical solutions, he continues to address the evolving challenges that institutions face today.
Outside of work, Umar enjoys writing articles on various governance challenges, sharing insights to foster policy reform and public understanding. He is also passionate about networking with professionals in his field, building connections to exchange ideas and foster collaborative solutions.
Public Private Partnership Specialist
Umar Ali, a Certified Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Professional from APMG International and a Postgraduate in Economics from the National University…
Dawood Iqbal
Public Private Partnership Analyst
Dawood is a legal professional with extensive experience in Public-Private Partnership (PPP), competition law, and commercial practice. Currently serving as a Public-Private Partnership Analyst with the SEED Programme, an initiative of Adam Smith International, he provides strategic support to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s PPP Unit. His work focuses on strengthening the project pipeline and enhancing the government’s capacity to deliver successful PPPs. Previously, as a Law Officer at the Competition Commission of Pakistan, Dawood played a key role in improving enforcement mechanisms, proposing amendments to competition laws, and representing the Commission in high-profile cases before superior courts and tribunals. With an LL.M in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary University of London, Dawood blends academic rigor with practical expertise. He has advised on multi-million-dollar transactions, drafted legislative frameworks, and represented clients in complex litigation, delivering impactful legal and policy solutions. Outside work, Dawood is a keen reader of English and Urdu literature. He also enjoys cricket and remains actively engaged with international politics. |
Public Private Partnership Analyst
Dawood is a legal professional with extensive experience in Public-Private Partnership (PPP), competition law, and commercial practice. Currently serving as a Public-Private…
Usama Zarif
Institutional Development Specialist
Usama Bin Zarif is a highly accomplished Delivery & Governance Specialist with over a decade of experience driving public sector reforms and strengthening governance frameworks. He has implemented impactful initiatives to improve service delivery across critical sectors, including health, education, local government, and climate resilience. His expertise lies in promoting data-driven decision-making and technical project management to enhance public sector efficiency.
Usama has played a pivotal role in implementing key donor-funded projects in collaboration with renowned organizations such as UNDP, Adam Smith International, UNICEF, and other leading developmental partners, contributing to sustainable development and reform in Pakistan.
When not at work, Usama channels his energy into activities that reflect his dynamic and adventurous personality. A dedicated sports enthusiast, he is passionate about both soccer and cricket, frequently playing in local matches and enjoying the thrill of watching his favorite teams in action.
Institutional Development Specialist
Usama Bin Zarif is a highly accomplished Delivery & Governance Specialist with over a decade of experience driving public sector reforms and strengthening…
Osama Farooq
Investment Associate
Osama Farooq brings over 8 years of experience across energy, education, health, agriculture, and investments. Since joining SEED in 2021, he has been responsible for clean energy development, focusing on hydro and solar projects, along with investment initiatives. Previously, he worked on financial inclusion and digital microlending solutions in the agriculture sector. Osama contributed to education program at the British Council, focusing on increasing enrollment of out-of-school children. He holds an MBA in Finance from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, and a BA from Forman Christian College (FCCU), Lahore.
Osama is an avid reader with a keen interest in books on politics, history, and global affairs. His passion for understanding complex ideas drives his exploration of diverse perspectives. He believes in the power of knowledge to inspire change and innovation. He brings this intellectual curiosity to his work, enriching his professional pursuits
Investment Associate
Osama Farooq brings over 8 years of experience across energy, education, health, agriculture, and investments. Since joining SEED in 2021…
Mughees Jerral
Research Associate
Mughees Jerral has completed his undergraduate from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) Institute in Economics. During his time at LUMS, he established the “Economic Research” department at the LUMS Policy Research Institute and served as the Project Head working to promote student leadership in various economical discourses, quality research, and economic policy awareness. He has previously interned at the Sub-National Governance (SNG) programme and Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) where he gained valuable experience in the field of development. He has been a part of multiple research works, experiments and projects within LUMS and since graduating as part of the Batch of 2024 has joined the SEED Programme.
Outside of Work, Mughees has a keen interest for sports, business, finance, and traveling. He is part of the management team of a travel community ‘TeenMusafir’ and has a general knack for people management.
Research Associate
Mughees Jerral has completed his undergraduate from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) Institute in Economics…
Amber Rafi
Monitoring and Evaluation Associate
Amber Rafi holds an ACCA qualification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the UK, with a diverse background in Audit and Finance. In her role as a Senior Auditor at Baker Tilly International, she has led complex external audits across a spectrum of sectors, including health, development, education, and government. Her portfolio includes serving both large enterprises and SMEs. Her extensive expertise spans Strategic Business Reporting, Advanced Audit, Cost Management, and Business Analysis. Amber has effectively managed a diverse portfolio of clients from the UK and the US, adhering to international audit and accounting standards.
At SEED, she previously focused on the digital upskilling of youth in KP and managed the KP government’s online knowledge repository. Currently, as an M&E Associate, she oversees the development of monitoring templates, prepares components for value-for-money assessments, evaluation of skills program and manages SEED’s knowledge management system. In addition to her professional work, she has a creative side; she enjoys sketching and has a keen interest in photography.
Monitoring and Evaluation Associate
Amber Rafi holds an ACCA qualification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the UK, with a diverse background in Audit…
Wajeeha Amir
Research and Impact Specialist
Wajeeha Amir completed her Master’s in Evidence-Based Social Policy, as an OPP scholar, from the University of Oxford with a distinction in 2024. Previously, she has done her Undergraduate in Political Science from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), graduating in 2021 with high distinction.
Since 2021, she has worked across SEED’s outputs, including the establishment of Pakistan’s first Behavioural Insights Unit, mainstreaming social inclusion within the programme, bringing international climate finance to KP, and lobbying for a clean air future. Most recently, she has supported the documentation and reporting of SEED’s work across the programme life.
Her research interest lies at the intersection of climate, gender, and health, with a special focus on Pakistan and KP. Outside of work, she can usually be found taking pictures of the sky.
Research and Impact Specialist
Wajeeha Amir completed her Master’s in Evidence-Based Social Policy, as an OPP scholar, from the University of Oxford with a distinction…
Zareen Nayyar
Communication Specialist
Zareen Nayyar is a communications specialist and project management professional with extensive experience in international development, public policy, and strategic communications. Over the course of seven years, Zareen has contributed to projects funded by UNICEF, WFP, and FCDO, focusing on areas such as gender inclusion, climate resilience, and sustainable energy. She holds a degree in Communication and Professional Writing from the University of California Davis (UC Davis) and has worked on initiatives ranging from menstrual health awareness in rural Pakistan to regulatory reforms and public-private dialogues. Currently serving as a Communication Specialist for the SEED programme, Zareen is driving efforts to amplify the project’s impact on sustainable energy and economic development in Pakistan and is passionate about driving meaningful change through effective communication strategies.
Outside of work, Zareen is an advocate for animal welfare and women empowerment. She has made multiple television appearances to create awareness on the topics and engages in animal rescue initiatives.
Communication Specialist
Zareen Nayyar is a communications specialist and project management professional with extensive experience in international development…
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