Biography of Syed Babar Ali: Founder of Packages Ltd, Nestle Pakistan
Biography of Syed Babar Ali:
Syed Babar Ali, a distinguished figure in Pakistan, has left
an indelible mark as a businessman, philanthropist, and pioneer in education.
His contributions span across founding enterprises like Packages Limited and
Milkpak Limited (now Nestlé Pakistan), as well as establishing the esteemed
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).
Early Life and Education
Born on January 15, 1926, in Lahore, Syed Babar Ali hailed
from a family deeply involved in business and community affairs. His father,
Syed Maratib Ali, was a prominent contractor for the British Indian Army, while
his maternal lineage traced back to Lahore's notable landlord family and the
Afghan royal heritage. Educated at Aitchison College and Government College in
Lahore, Syed Babar Ali pursued higher education at the University of Michigan
before returning to Pakistan upon its formation in 1947. He completed his
studies at the University of the Punjab and also gained insights from Harvard
School of Business, which later influenced his vision for establishing a
business school in Pakistan.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Syed Babar Ali's entrepreneurial journey began with the
founding of Packages Limited, a pivotal player in Pakistan's industrial sector.
He also pioneered Milkpak Limited, which evolved into Nestlé Pakistan,
significantly impacting the dairy and food industry in the region. His
foresight and leadership in business not only spurred economic growth but also
set benchmarks for corporate excellence in Pakistan.
Syed Babar Ali: Entrepreneurship, Philanthropy, and the
Legacy of LUMS
Syed Babar Ali is a pivotal figure in Pakistan's business
and educational landscape, renowned for founding Lahore University of
Management Sciences (LUMS), a beacon of academic excellence. His journey began
post-college during the partition of Pakistan in 1947, when he joined his
family's cotton exporting business. Recognizing a need for packaging solutions,
he established Packages Limited, marking his foray into entrepreneurship.
Navigating Economic Shifts and Challenges
During the period of 1955-1968, Pakistan encouraged
privatization, allowing Babar Ali to establish joint ventures with global
giants like Unilever and Coca-Cola. However, the nationalization policies under
President Bhutto in 1970 led to the loss of several family businesses. Despite
setbacks, Babar Ali's leadership at a government-owned fertilizer plant
provided invaluable experience in business management.
Founding Lahore University of Management Sciences
Inspired by the need for managerial education in Pakistan,
Babar Ali conceived LUMS in the 1970s amidst economic reforms favoring
privatization. Despite initial challenges, including securing funding and
navigating geopolitical influences, Babar Ali's vision for LUMS was realized
with support from the United States, emphasizing the case method of teaching
inspired by Harvard Business School.
Syed Babar Ali's Vision for Pakistan's Development
Syed Babar Ali, renowned for his contributions as a business
tycoon, educationist, and philanthropist, recently addressed the Lahore Chamber
of Commerce and Industry, underscoring the pivotal role of the business
community in nation-building. He emphasized that both the government and
private sector must prioritize education and health sectors, citing education
as the country's most urgent need.
Key Areas for Economic Growth
Highlighting critical areas for economic development, Syed
Babar Ali stressed the importance of infrastructure enhancement, particularly
in railways, ports, and transportation networks. He advocated for substantial
investments in logistic infrastructure like roads and railways to facilitate
smoother trade operations, crucial for economic growth.
The Importance of Education
Syed Babar Ali lamented the neglected state of Pakistan's
public education system, attributing the low literacy rates to insufficient
investment. He called for increased funding from both government and private
sectors, urging businesses to adopt schools as part of their corporate social
responsibility initiatives. He proudly mentioned founding the Lahore University
of Management Sciences (LUMS) and its significant scholarship contributions
amounting to Rs 1 billion.
Environmental Concerns and Population Control
Addressing environmental challenges, Syed Babar Ali
expressed grave concerns over deforestation in Pakistan, likening it
unfavorably to Sweden's forest cover. He called for immediate governmental
action to curb deforestation, stressing its critical role in environmental
sustainability. Additionally, he highlighted the pressing need for population
control to mitigate various socio-economic challenges, particularly
malnutrition among women and children.
Expanding Educational Horizons
Under Babar Ali's stewardship, LUMS expanded to encompass
undergraduate, law, and engineering programs. Emphasizing inclusivity, LUMS has
successfully admitted and graduated women who contribute significantly to
Pakistan's workforce, enhancing the nation's economic fabric.
Ethics and Long-term Vision
Throughout his career, Babar Ali emphasized the importance
of ethical business practices and encouraged entrepreneurs to think beyond
their lifetimes when establishing ventures. His dedication to ethics has been
integral to his success and remains a cornerstone of LUMS's educational
philosophy.
Legacy in Education
A visionary in education, Syed Babar Ali founded Lahore
University of Management Sciences (LUMS), envisioning a world-class institution
that would nurture future leaders in business and management. LUMS has since
become a beacon of academic excellence, shaping the minds of countless students
and contributing significantly to Pakistan's educational landscape.
Philanthropy and Recognition
Syed Babar Ali's philanthropic endeavors extend beyond
education, encompassing various community welfare projects. His contributions
have earned him widespread recognition, including the Order of the British
Empire (OBE) and accolades for his role as caretaker Finance Minister of
Pakistan.
Syed Babar Ali's life and achievements epitomize a blend of
entrepreneurship, academic vision, and social responsibility. His enduring
impact continues to inspire generations in Pakistan and beyond, reflecting a
commitment to excellence and service to society that remains unmatched.
Achievements:
Babar Ali's achievements and honors include serving as
Pakistan's Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs from 1993 to 1997. He also
held the prestigious position of International President of WWF from 1996 to
1999. In recognition of his contributions, he received an Honorary Doctorate
Degree of Laws from McGill University, Canada, in 1997. He was awarded an OBE
(Order of the British Empire) by Britain in the same year and has received
numerous awards from the governments of Sweden and the Netherlands.
