Written & Researched by: Abid Siddique Chaudhry

The World Ambassador

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The story of the Pakistan Business Association South Korea (PBA) spans over two decades of struggle, community organization, and active economic diplomacy. What began as an informal effort by Pakistani expatriates has today evolved into one of the most influential overseas Pakistani business platforms in East Asia.

Rise of the Pakistani Community in South Korea

The number of Pakistani expatriates in South Korea began increasing rapidly in the late 1990s. Many Pakistanis entered the country’s construction, manufacturing, technology, and import/export sectors.
As business activity grew, Pakistani entrepreneurs felt the need for a unified platform to support networking, trade, and community representation.

Formal Establishment of PBA: 2000–2002

This growing need led to the formal establishment of the Pakistan Business Association South Korea (PBA Korea) in the early 2000s.
Its founding objectives included:

Unifying Pakistani entrepreneurs under a common platform
Strengthening Pakistan–Korea bilateral trade
Facilitating market access for Pakistani products such as textiles, sports goods, surgical instruments, rice, and leather
Guiding new business entrants
Supporting economic and trade planning in cooperation with the Embassy of Pakistan

Initially operating informally as a community council, the association later became a formal organization.

Founding Leadership and Early Structure

The foundation of PBA was laid under Founding President Shahid Bashir, along with key contributors:

Asghar Bangi, Hafiz Waheed, Muhammad Ali, Mehr Sarwar, Arif Munir, Saleem Butt, Zulfiqar Khan, Sahibzada Haji, Khalid Khan, Israr Khan, and others.

They not only built the organization but also prepared its constitution.
Early meetings were held in the Itaewon Mosque, offices, and restaurants.
The first official office was set up in Yongsan-gu, Cheongmin Office.

National-Level Recognition: 2005–2007

PBA received major recognition during:

President Pervez Musharraf’s visit to South Korea (2005)
A special dinner hosted by the Pakistan Embassy
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz's visit, during which PBA organized an official dinner and received an honorary shield

These events elevated the association’s credibility and visibility at the national and diplomatic level.

Reactivation and Second Phase: 2008–2013

After the founding president left Korea, the organization became inactive for some time.
A renewed effort by dedicated members revived the association, leading to the election of Hafiz Waheed as President.
He played a significant role in restructuring and restoring the association’s membership and policies.

Growth of Institutional and Trade Activities After 2010

PBA Korea expanded its footprint through:

Joint programs with the Pakistan Embassy in Seoul
Pakistan Trade & Culture Week
Business seminars, workshops, and B2B sessions
Legal and commercial guidance for Pakistani entrepreneurs
Support in company registration, labor laws, and import/export formalities

Strengthening Bilateral Trade

South Korea is an important economic partner for Pakistan, especially in technology, IT, automobiles, and electronics.
PBA Korea contributed by:

Encouraging Korean firms to explore investment in Pakistan
Helping Pakistani exporters meet Korean market standards
Conducting SME training programs

Later, Mudasar Ali Cheema was elected President along with his team:

Sabir Khattak, Mehr Sarwar, Shafiq Khan, Nadeem Malik, Raja Amir Iqbal, Mian Saghir Ahmad, Javed Malik, Azeem Gujar, Jehanzaib Khan, and others.

Cheema was also elected unopposed as President, with Sabir Khattak serving as General Secretary.
They strengthened diplomatic ties with Ambassadors Nasrullah Khan, Rahim Hayat Qureshi, and Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.

Under their leadership:

National events were regularly celebrated
Community morale remained high
Pakistan’s positive global image improved
PBA’s prestige grew regionally and internationally

Democratic Structure and Organizational Stability

PBA has consistently operated as a democratic body.
Its foundation rests upon hundreds of members across South Korea, organized into local wings with regular elections.
The association strictly adheres to its constitution and organizational discipline.

In recognition of their contributions, Mudasar Ali Cheema was appointed Chairman and Sabir Khattak Vice Chairman.

In subsequent elections, the following office-bearers were elected:

Jehanzaib Khan — President
Hameed-ul-Haq — Vice President
Mian Saghir Ahmad — General Secretary

This leadership expanded PBA’s influence further and represented Pakistan at the Overseas Pakistanis Conference in Islamabad.

Modern Era: 2018–2025

During this period, PBA Korea introduced several modern initiatives:

Digital platforms and communication systems
Online business networking channels
Direct engagement with Korean Chambers of Commerce
Support for Pakistani startups and IT freelancers
Digital membership systems

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the association provided legal and emergency support to the community.

Recent Developments: Elections 2025–2027

In June 2025, per constitutional requirements, a new election committee was formed:

Mehr Sarwar, Asghar Bangi, Shakeel Ahmad, and Malik Nadeem.

Due to no competing nominations, the following were elected unopposed:

Raheem Shah — President
Muhammad Kazim — Vice President
Mian Saghir Ahmad — General Secretary

This uncontested election marked a strong moment of unity within the Pakistani community in Korea.

Current Objectives of PBA Korea

Today, PBA Korea continues to focus on:

Strengthening Pakistan–Korea trade relations
Guiding Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors
Expanding market access for Pakistani products
Protecting the commercial interests of overseas Pakistanis
Supporting economic diplomacy in partnership with the Pakistan Embassy

Conclusion

The Pakistan Business Association South Korea stands as a powerful example of determination, community commitment, and collective service.
It remains a guiding light for the Pakistani community in South Korea and continues to uplift Pakistan’s image on the global stage.

Pakistan Zindabad