A proud member of New Zealand’s Pakistani community and a committed advocate for unity, representation, and meaningful progress. Since migrating from Malaysia in 1998, I have devoted over two decades to serving our community through crisis response, policy advocacy, cultural preservation, and institution building. A firm belief in compassionate action, inclusive development, and collective empowerment has driven my leadership journey.
Crisis Response & Community Leadership
True leadership is tested in moments of hardship, and I am humbled to have led through some of the most challenging times in our recent history.
Christchurch Mosque Tragedy (2019)
The tragic events of March 15, 2019, changed the course of our nation. In the hours following the attacks, I led a dedicated PANZ response team, working directly with New Zealand Police, Immigration New Zealand, the Ministry of Health, and victim support services. Our actions included:
Coordinating emergency visa approvals for bereaved relatives from Pakistan and other countries
Personally overseeing local transport and logistics for incoming families.
Delivering financial aid and emotional support when government mechanisms were still mobilising
Advising the Chief Coroner and NZ Police cultural teams on Islamic funeral rites, grief customs, and appropriate handling of sensitive situations
Initiated live Facebook updates and interviews, becoming one of the first to provide accurate, timely, and culturally sensitive information to the public during the crisis
We were not just responders but the bridge between authorities and our grieving communities.
COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–2022)
When the pandemic brought uncertainty, isolation, and widespread hardship, our team rose to the occasion:
Distributed food parcels nationwide to families affected by job loss and lockdowns
Worked with the Ministry of Health and DHBs to promote vaccination access among ethnic minorities
Created multilingual campaigns to reach migrant families, seniors, and refugees
Built a network of volunteers for wellness checks, medicine delivery, and community support
Launched live Facebook sessions and interviews to share vital health updates, clarify public guidelines, and ensure trust and engagement within the community
Our work was honoured with the Community Heroes Award, but the true reward was in every family that found support in their moment of need.
Pakistan Flood Relief (2022)
In response to the devastating floods in Pakistan, I spearheaded a New Zealand-wide emergency appeal that raised $180,000. This was not just charity — it was a statement of solidarity. Our fundraising efforts supported food, medical, and housing relief for thousands of displaced families. It reminded the world that the Pakistani diaspora in New Zealand stands firmly with its homeland.
Policy Advocacy & Government Engagement
A strong voice in the community must also be a strong voice in policy. I have led and contributed to several major policy shifts:
Parent Category Visa: Our advocacy was instrumental in reopening this vital immigration pathway, enabling the reunion of families long separated by policy freezes.
Culturally Arranged Marriages: We achieved greater cultural recognition within the partner visa framework through direct engagement with immigration officials and ministers.
Overseas-Trained Pakistani Doctors: I lobbied against the structural disadvantages in the REX (Registration Examination) process, pushing for fairer pathways into the New Zealand health sector.
Pakistani Teachers: Our community’s educators faced delayed qualification assessments. I brought their concerns directly to the Teaching Council and Ministry of Education, which improved response timelines.
Urdu Language Recognition: I championed the inclusion of Urdu in official government communication, ensuring that thousands of Urdu-speaking migrants have equitable access to essential information.
Education & Cultural Preservation
Cultural identity is our inheritance and must be protected, especially for our children.
I established a free online Urdu School serving over 500 children has benifetited
The platform provides structured language education, cultural knowledge, and a space for diaspora youth to connect with their heritage.
The success of this initiative has gained international attention as a model for sustainable community-led education.
Institutional Relationships
I maintain consistent, respectful, and proactive relationships with New Zealand’s key institutions and have actively contributed to national-level consultations, including:
Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch Mosque Attacks – Provided cultural insights, on-the-ground context, and community-based recommendations to support long-term change in how institutions engage with Muslim and ethnic communities
New Zealand Police – Monthly advisory meetings to educate officers on Pakistani cultural norms, help resolve misunderstandings, and improve community trust
Ministry of Justice – Consultation on equitable access to justice, cultural competency, and domestic violence initiatives within migrant families
Immigration New Zealand – Urgent visa processing, policy advice, humanitarian case support
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) – Community diplomacy, Pakistan relations, and visa facilitation
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) – Engagement during national emergencies and cultural briefings
Ministry for Ethnic Communities – Policy consultations, grants, leadership forums, and youth integration programs
Community Development Projects
One of the most ambitious projects of my career is the:
Masjid-e-Syeda Zahra
A $2 million mosque and community centre project in Papatoetoe
Currently 85% completed, it is designed to host prayer services, youth education, women’s programs, interfaith dialogues, and social welfare events.
This centre will serve as a beacon for generations to come — a physical and spiritual home for our community.
Other initiatives:
Successfully advocated relocating the Pakistan Visa Centre from New Delhi to Beijing, making visa processing more accessible and efficient for Pakistan.
Led the $150,000 relief campaign for the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan
Participated in key discussions during President Pervez Musharraf’s 2005 visit, advocating for the establishment of the Pakistan High Commission in Wellington, which became a reality in 2006
Recognition & Awards
Community Heroes Award – Presented for leadership and service during the COVID-19 crisis
Leadership Awards – Recognised by ethnic forums, interfaith platforms, and civic organisations for my service to Aotearoa’s multicultural development.
Professional Background
Former team member at Entrecanales, involved in a major fit-out project for the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia, where I contributed to high-level project coordination, systems integration, and quality assurance
A skilled Information Technology Professional with project management and systems compliance experience
Current Financial Adviser, supporting Kiwi families with housing finance, budgeting, and long-term planning
My Commitment to You
I believe in service that speaks louder than words. I believe in a community that walks forward together. My work is not just for recognition — it is for legacy.
As a candidate for PANZ, I offer:
Experience backed by action
Vision grounded in reality.
Leadership defined by humility
Let us continue what we started. Let us grow stronger, wiser, and more united. With your support, I will continue to serve not just as a representative but as a servant of the people.
Together, for our community — now and for the future.
