KARACHI, September 29, 2026: Umar Ahsan Khan, CEO and Managing Director of Dawlance (Private) Limited, has been elected President of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI).
The election result was announced during the Chamber’s Extra-Ordinary General Meeting held on Tuesday, with a new Managing Committee also announced for the 2026-28 term.
New OICCI Leadership Announced
Ahmed Zahid Zaheer, Country Chairman and General Manager of Chevron Lubricants Pakistan (Private) Limited, was elected Senior Vice President, while Dr. Syed Amir Ali, President and CEO of Meezan Bank Limited, was elected Vice President.
Umar Ahsan Khan succeeds Yousaf Hussain, who served as OICCI President during the 2024-26 term.
Outgoing President Highlights Need for Growth
Yousaf Hussain welcomed the progress made toward economic stability but stressed that stabilisation alone would not be sufficient.
He said the gains achieved on the economic front now needed to translate into stronger growth, supported by increased investment, exports, productivity and job creation.
Umar Ahsan Khan Calls for Evidence-Based Advocacy
Speaking after his election, Umar Ahsan Khan said OICCI’s advocacy during his tenure would remain constructive, credible and evidence-based.
He said the Chamber should not only identify areas requiring policy changes but should also put forward practical solutions and work with the government and other stakeholders to implement them wherever possible.
Khan also highlighted the challenges facing foreign investment in Pakistan. He noted that foreign direct investment declined 34 percent to USD 1.65 billion during the last financial year.
According to Khan, macroeconomic stabilisation can help put a country on an investor’s shortlist, but the broader investment environment ultimately determines whether investors commit capital.
OICCI to Strengthen Government and Institutional Engagement
During the 2026-28 term, the new Managing Committee plans to deepen engagement with government authorities, regulators and international institutions.
The Chamber will also strengthen its data-driven research and continue its work through platforms focused on climate, diversity and inclusion, technology and artificial intelligence.
Managing Committee 2026-28
The OICCI Managing Committee for the 2026-28 term comprises:
- Umar Ahsan Khan, President – Dawlance (Private) Limited
- Ahmed Zahid Zaheer, Senior Vice President – Chevron Pakistan Lubricants (Private) Limited
- Dr. Syed Amir Ali, Vice President – Meezan Bank Limited
- Ahsan Zafar Syed – Engro Corporation Limited
- Amin Mohammad Khowaja – J.P. Morgan Pakistan (Private) Limited
- Erum Shakir Rahim – GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan Limited
- Khurram Shahzad Khan – Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited
- Sami A. Wahid – Coca-Cola Export Corporation (THE)
- Syed Anis Ahmed – Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited
- Syed Kashan Hasan – FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited
The new leadership will take forward OICCI’s engagement with policymakers and stakeholders while focusing on investment, business conditions, research and issues affecting international investors in Pakistan.