ACCA global delegation meets Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif – Advancing youth empowerment, transparency, and strategic collaboration
A high-level delegation from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), led by Chief Executive Helen Brand OBE, met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in a landmark meeting today. The engagement reaffirmed ACCA’s 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 Minister’s 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 Pakistan’s greatest asset—its talented and dynamic youth. He reiterated the government’s priority to equip the workforce with internationally competitive skills and training, positioning Pakistan’s young professionals to thrive in a global economy.
Highlighting the administration’s focus on transparency, accountability, and improved governance, the Prime Minister noted the increasing importance of third-party validation in public sector projects. He referenced Fitch’s recent upgrade of Pakistan’s investment rating as a positive step forward, while stressing the need for sustained efforts to build investor confidence and economic stability.
Brand presented an overview of ACCA’s 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 Master’s degree, a milestone that enhances professional education standards in the country.
“We commend Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s 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 Pakistan’s youth to thrive in a future-ready economy,” said Brand.
The ACCA delegation expressed keen interest in supporting Pakistan’s 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 government’s efforts under Prime Minister Sharif’s 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 partnership’s impact on Pakistan’s economic and social progress.