A high-level delegation from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants ACCA Global, led by Chief Executive Helen Brand OBE, met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in a landmark meeting today. The engagement reaffirmed ACCAโs commitment to supporting Pakistan in advancing youth skills, promoting transparency in governance, and driving sustainable economic growth.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Ministerโs Adviser Syed Tauqir Shah, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, and other distinguished dignitaries.
Prime Minister Sharif warmly welcomed the ACCA delegation, emphasizing Pakistanโs greatest assetโits talented and dynamic youth. He reiterated the governmentโs priority to equip the workforce with internationally competitive skills and training, positioning Pakistanโs young professionals to thrive in a global economy.
Highlighting the administrationโs focus on transparency, accountability, and improved governance, the Prime Minister noted the increasing importance of third-party validation in public sector projects. He referenced Fitchโs recent upgrade of Pakistanโs investment rating as a positive step forward, while stressing the need for sustained efforts to build investor confidence and economic stability.
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Brand presented an overview of ACCAโs longstanding presence and impact in Pakistan. She highlighted that over 13,000 ACCA-qualified professionals from Pakistan are contributing across diverse sectors worldwide, with more than 40,000 students currently pursuing ACCA qualifications. The delegation expressed gratitude to the Higher Education Commission for recognizing ACCA membership as equivalent to a Masterโs degree, a milestone that enhances professional education standards in the country.
โWe commend Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharifโs focus on transparency, skills development, and economic resilience. ACCA is proud to support these national priorities by contributing global expertise in public financial management, sustainable finance, and capacity building. With a strong presence in Pakistan, and our recent recognition by the Higher Education Commission, we are well-positioned to deepen our collaboration with government and institutions. Together, we can co-create solutions that strengthen governance, build investor confidence, and equip Pakistanโs youth to thrive in a future-ready economy,โ said Brand.
The ACCA delegation expressed keen interest in supporting Pakistanโs Green Economy Transformation Plan. They proposed collaborative initiatives focused on sustainable development, climate resilience, innovation in accountancy and auditing practices, and the outsourcing of corporate services. They also commended the governmentโs efforts under Prime Minister Sharifโs leadership to strengthen the economy, improve transparency, and increase revenue collection.
Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed relevant authorities to engage in detailed consultations with ACCA to develop a strategic roadmap for deepening cooperation and maximizing the partnershipโs impact on Pakistanโs economic and social progress.