Akbar Ali Shah

Corporate | AME Region | CPG | Tech | Cultures & Geo Pol.

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

Great to see Pakistani-origin brands like Shan and Mehran competing across Middle East shelves. Shan, with local UAE manufacturing, leads in the UAE, while Mehran dominates in KSA.

Interesting overlap: Bayara (a UAE brand acquired by Savola, KSA) is also led by a Pakistani CEO.

Even MDH, the iconic Indian brand founded by Dharampal Gulati (born in Sialkot), traces roots back to Pakistan, though it’s less visible on shelves now.

Quietly, the spices/masala/baharat category across the region has strong Pakistani influence, no matter which brand you pick, there’s a bit of Pakistan in the mix.

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

Out of curiosity, how is Indian Govt letting Mr Sawhney visit Pakistan, while Indian Punjab CM is showing concern that he may not get permission to attend Punjabi Conference in Lahore?

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

Despite confounding the company, “One share one vote” at Nvidia meant only 3.6% of voting rights for the founding CEO vs “Dual class share” by other tech founders who retain majority control of the board.

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

@rrizwanasad It’s generally available in the Federal Govt Hospital at the Port. They keep it there for the sailors.

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

Nigerian vs Pakistan, Yellow Fever Card.

[PIA @Official_PIA]

PIA' Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Adrian Hamilton-Manns as the CEO.

He brings a wealth of leadership & strategic experience and his appointment marks a pivotal chapter in PIA’s ongoing transformation. He has to his credit managing three airlines as a CEO and many others in leadership roles, and is considered a world expert in transformation and reviving airlines. His professional experience spans over 30 years.

[Dubai Policeشرطة دبي @DubaiPoliceHQ]

What you say online matters. Think before you post, choose your words carefully, and treat others with respect. Remember, insulting or defaming others on social media is a criminal offence punishable by law.

#CybersecurityAwarenessMonth
#TheUAEisSafeWithYourDigitalAwareness

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

It was a pleasure meeting so many talented doctors from EverCare Lahore, who are visiting at EverCare Hospital in Lagos. Their perspectives on the nursing profession in Nigeria were insightful, though it was sobering to hear how many skilled Nigerian medical professionals continue to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
With a doctor-to-patient ratio of roughly 1:850 in Pakistan compared to about 1:9,000 in Nigeria, the gap is significant. Closing it will require the next generation of Nigerian medical professionals, whether they practice at home or as part of the diaspora to help strengthen the healthcare system.

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

Banana Island elections in full swing.

[Nikkei Asia @NikkeiAsia]

Pakistan companies move into lithium battery assembly with China partners https://t.co/ZQn5iD06Kt

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

@omar_quraishi Only dumb phones should be allowed in certain social gatherings. Party admin should be fined for negligence.

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

It’s never pleasant to be prescribed something, but today’s was a Getz Pharma medicine. Encouraging to see Getz, from Karachi, reaching clinics across Africa and Asia.

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

@Arzookazmi30 Thi Arzoo k Daikhay yea Duniya
Hum jaisa koi Zamanay may naheen
Suni Naheen
Zamanay nay teri meri kahaniyan
Ker de Koi
Nawazishain Karam Mehrbania’n

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

Whoever saves a single life, it is as if he saved the whole world. Talmud / Quran

[Hamdan bin Mohammed @HamdanMohammed]

During a visit to Captain Smit Machchhar… the flydubai pilot who embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life.

From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise.

We are proud that he is part of our team… part of the story of our nation… and part of what the UAE stands for… a nation of compassion… a nation of peace… and a nation of life.

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

US based AI engines are obliged to report an imminent self harm or threat.

[omar r quraishi @omar_quraishi]

Teens in Pakistan arrested after they discussed plans with AI chatbots on how to kill someone

Teenaged boy from Bahawalpur asked Claude about how to poison his father - FBI was alerted and it alerted Pakistani authorities who arrested the teenager

In another case, a teenager from Karachi asked Claude what could be done to physically hurt another teenaged boy who was a policeman's son and had insulted his (the boy's) father

In this case also, the FBI was alerted and it alerted Pakistani authorities and they arrested the teenager

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

Brilliant. That’s the way towards good governance & institutionalizing legacy.

[Bloomberg @business]

Khaadi Pakistan, a fashion retail company, is planning an initial public offering next month to fund its outlet expansion plan. https://t.co/5UbRvgKLTy

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

@sabeer We are not. Never met an unfriendly Indian in 20 years.

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

FYI

[Reuters @Reuters]

Two Pakistani pilots are memorizing Mandarin, spinning in centrifuge drills and learning to eat, sleep and repair equipment while weightless as a decision nears on which one will become the first foreign astronaut aboard China's Tiangong space station https://t.co/6iG1Z19vTt

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

Non Resident Pakistanis can win prizes worth PKR 100m, if they send remittances every month for three consecutive months through banking channel.

https://t.co/pIOrCwncIU

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

Besides many other things, the case highlights, how certain prompts can trigger FBI alerts. It also highlights a close cooperation between US and Pakistani LEA.

[South Asia Index @SouthAsiaIndex]

Story of the Week from South Asia:

A teenager from Bahawalpur, Pakistan was arrested after FBI tipped Pakistani authorities that he had allegedly used AI to create a lethal poison.

◾ 17 years old boy from Bahawalpur, Pakistan was using ChatGPT to research about lethal poison to kill his own father.

◾The teenager had previously tried to poison his father with a poison that he created with the help of AI, but it didn't work and his father didn't die.

◾ The teenager reportedly had a strong interest in chemistry and AI and had set up a small chemical laboratory at home.

◾Officials noted he was influenced by the American crime series Breaking Bad. Boy has been arrested by Police.

🚨The case highlights growing concerns about the misuse of AI and the potential real-world consequences.

[Akbar Ali Shah @akbaralishah]

It’s time for Dubai.