DUSHANBE, January 31, 2013, Asia-Plus — The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has announced that Mr. Akbar Ali Pesnani presented his credentials as the newly-appointed AKDN Resident Representative for Tajikistan to Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi, on January 30, 2013.
Mr. Pesnani replaces Mr. Munir Merali who completed his term on January 28, 2013 after seven years of service.
According to press release issued by AKDN Tajikistan, Mr. Pesnani has over 40 years of experience within the Network in various capacities including, his current role as Chairman of the Board for the First Microfinance Bank in Afghanistan and Pakistan and the Aga Khan Cultural Services in Pakistan. He is also the Director on the Boards of the Jubilee Insurance Co., and Industrial Promotion Services for Pakistan. Previously, he has also chaired the Steering Committee for the development of the earthquake affected areas in Kashmir.
Professionally, Mr. Pesnani has worked with various organizations in senior financial and management positions including the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, the Ghulam Faruque Group, a manufacturing and trading group in Pakistan, as well as the Gwadar Port & Gwadar Port Implementation Authority in Pakistan.
Founded and guided by His Highness the Aga Khan, the Aga Khan Development Network brings together a number of development agencies, institutions, and programs that work to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s nine development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society.
AKDN agencies work in Tajikistan in a range of areas—from economic development to education, rural development to cultural revitalization, health care to financial services. Operating in the country since 1992, AKDN draws on a strong base of experience in working with mountain societies. The Network is present in all regions of Tajikistan through its operations and investments, including the PamirEnergy Company, Tcell Telecommunications, and the First MicroFinanceBank.
The Aga Khan Development Network serves as Tajikistan’s largest private employer, through a committed staff of 3500 in 8 agencies. It is also the largest taxpayer and remains dedicated towards improving the long-term livelihoods, living conditions, and economic opportunities of all Tajiks.
