EDUCATION
- M.B.A. (Oklahoma State University, USA - 1977)
- M.A. Economics (Punjab University, Lahore, 1973) – 1st Division
Gold Medal in Agricultural Economics - M.Sc. Engineering (Engineering University, Lahore, 1970) – 1st Division
- B.Sc. Engineering (Engineering University, Lahore, 1969) – 1st Division
CERTIFICATIONS
- Diploma – Institute of Bankers Pakistan (Gold Medal)
- Associate – Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Pakistan (ACIS)
- Associate – Development Bank Management (ADFIAP-Manila)
- Certified Director – Director Education Program, PICG
Skills Summary
NEWLY ADDED
Arif Hasan's Blog and Working Papers:
http://iied.org/people/arif-hasan
https://www.dawn.com/authors/162/arif-hasan
Books by Zaigham Mahmood Rizvi
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Expert Consultant on Housing and Housing Finance
Chief Executive of Three Development Finance Institutions
Led Pak-Libya Investment Co. (PLHC), Pak-Kuwait Investment Co. (PKIC), and House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC). Also served as Senior Executive at Saudi-Pak Investment Co. (SAPICO).
Key Role in Establishing Oman Development Bank
Played a pivotal role in establishing and operating the Oman Development Bank (ODB), which was instrumental in initiating the Sultanate's industrialization and economic growth.
Architect of Pakistan's Affordable Housing Policy (2018–2019)
Developed Pakistan's Low-Income Housing Policy, introducing fiscal, regulatory, and financial incentives for housing finance and leading the framework for establishing RERA.
Pioneering Long-Term Liquidity and Market Instruments
Developed tools like Mortgage-Backed Bonds, Sukuks, and REITs. Contributed to Pakistan's first Rs. 1 billion Mortgage-Backed Sukuk for HBFC and the first listed Islamic REIT for Dolmen Mall.
Mortgage Refinance Institutions
Served on Boards of EMRC and PMHC as IFC Nominee Director. Also assisted the World Bank in the feasibility of the Pakistan Mortgage Refinance Company (PMRC).
Five Decades of Professional Experience
Over 50 years of experience in housing finance, development banking, industry, and academia, including 30 years in Pakistan's financial sector and 10+ years with multilateral institutions.
Successful Turnaround of Financial Institutions
Led restructuring of three financial institutions in Pakistan and one in the Middle East, restoring operational efficiency and financial sustainability through strategic reforms.
Global Experience and Exposure
Extensive exposure to over 20 countries across Asia-Pacific, MENA, and Africa through assignments on affordable housing, microfinance, and regulatory frameworks.
Deep Cultural and Regional Understanding
Well-versed in the socio-economic and business contexts of Asia-Pacific and MENA regions, enabling effective international collaboration and project execution.
Establishment of Islamic Financial Institutions
Played a key role in establishing major Islamic financial institutions, including Meezan Bank, Al-Meezan Investment Co., and Takaful Pakistan pioneers in Islamic banking, asset management, and insurance.
Promotion of Islamic Mutual Funds and Industry Leadership
Served as Founder Chairman of MUFAP and member of IIFA, leading the development of Shariah-compliant mutual funds and strengthening Pakistan's Islamic finance ecosystem.
Contributor to Housing Finance International (HFI)
Regular contributor to Housing Finance International (HFI), a journal by the International Union of Housing Finance (IUHF), providing insights on housing sector trends in the Asia-Pacific region.
Founding Chairman of National Platform for Housing Research (NPHR)
Founded the NPHR, a network of 28 universities promoting housing and construction research while bridging academia and industry collaboration. The platform fosters innovation in sustainable housing materials and technologies through joint research projects and serves as a national think tank providing evidence-based recommendations for advancing Pakistan's housing sector.
Architect of PTI Housing Policy and "Naya Pakistan Housing Program"
Architect of PTI's flagship Naya Pakistan Housing Program — a national initiative to build affordable housing across urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. Also serving as Chairman of the Prime Minister's Housing Task Force for developing policy support measures on both supply and demand sides of affordable housing.
Advocacy for Alleviation of Energy Poverty
Active advocate for reducing energy poverty among low-income populations by promoting alternative and solar energy solutions. Engaged in project development to expand affordable clean energy access for underserved communities.
Promotion of Renewable Energy and Green Housing
Advocates for environmentally friendly renewable energy and promotes awareness on Green Housing, Carbon Footprint Reduction, and the Clean Development Mechanism to encourage sustainable construction practices in Pakistan.
Social Service: Empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
Dedicated over 40 years to serving Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), especially the hearing and visually impaired. Founder and patron of multiple organizations supporting PwDs. Authored the State Policy for Persons with Disabilities for the PTI Government and continues to work with the Government on inclusive initiatives.
Honorary Adviser to the Ministry of Science & Technology
Served as Honorary Adviser to the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of Pakistan, contributing to policy development, innovation promotion, and strategic guidance on national technological initiatives.
Research and Publications on Housing and Energy
Authored numerous articles, papers, and research contributions on Pro-Poor Affordable Housing, Housing Finance, and Alternate Energy Solutions for low-income populations, contributing significantly to policy and academic discourse.
Water Conservation and Sustainable Housing
Actively working on water conservation, water recycling, and rainwater harvesting initiatives to promote sustainability and resource efficiency in housing and habitat development projects.
Housing & Housing Finance: World Bank Group, USA January 2008 onwards
International Boards & IFC Assignments
- Served as IFC's Nominee Director on the Board of Palestinian Mortgage & Housing Corporation (PMHC), Palestine, and Egypt Mortgage Refinance Company (EMRC), Egypt.
- In Palestine, involved in the World Bank's Technical Assistance Program for the design and execution of a large-scale Affordable Housing Initiative.
South Asia Housing Finance
- In 2008, as STC for the World Bank, prepared a report on Housing Finance in the South Asia region, covering Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
- The report served as background and research material for the World Bank publication "Expanding Housing Finance to the Underserved in South Asia" authored by Ms. Tatiana Nenova (August 2010).
Housing Sector Review (2023)
- Prepared a comprehensive housing sector review in 2023 under a World Bank assignment, analyzing current trends, emerging challenges, and potential opportunities in housing development and finance.
- The study covered Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, focusing on housing policies, financing mechanisms, and programs promoting affordable housing.
East Asia Housing Finance Study
- Worked on a World Bank assignment to prepare a comprehensive study on the East-Asia housing finance scenario, assessing market trends, financing gaps, and opportunities for growth.
- Conducted a detailed diagnostic study for Bangladesh House Building Finance Corporation and analyzed housing regulatory frameworks across the region to identify best practices and areas for improvement.
Pakistan Mortgage Refinance Company (PMRC) Feasibility Study
- Member of the team conducting a feasibility study on PMRC for the World Bank.
- Assisted in evaluating financial, regulatory, and operational aspects of the proposed company.
Low-Income Housing Studies in Pakistan (2016)
- Served as a team member on two separate studies focused on low-income housing.
- Clients included the State Bank of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank.
Bangladesh Housing Sector & BHBFC Assessment
- Conducted a diagnostic study of BHBFC to develop reform and rehabilitation programs.
- Carried out a comprehensive assessment of Bangladesh's housing sector, identifying key issues and proposing solutions.
IFC Board & Affordable Housing Initiatives
- Served as IFC's Nominee Director on the Board of Palestinian Mortgage & Housing Corporation (PMHC) and Egypt Mortgage Refinance Company (EMRC).
- Involved in World Bank's Technical Assistance Program in Palestine for designing and executing a large-scale Affordable Housing Initiative.
Low-Income Housing Studies – Pakistan (2016)
- Served as a Team Member on two different Low-Income Housing Studies in Pakistan.
- Clients included the State Bank of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank.
Housing Finance Report – South Asia (2010)
- Prepared a report on Housing Finance covering Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
- Provided background research for the World Bank publication "Expanding Housing Finance to the Underserved in South Asia" (August 2010, authored by Ms. Tatiana Nenova).
Pakistan Mortgage Refinance Company (PMRC) Study
- Served as a team member on the PMRC study project.
- Contributed to research, analysis, and recommendations for the mortgage sector.
Pakistan Mortgage Refinance Company (PMRC) Study
East-Asia Housing Finance Study – World Bank
- Worked on an assignment for the World Bank to prepare a comprehensive study on East-Asia Housing Finance.
- Analyzed housing regulatory regimes and financial frameworks across the region.
DIRECTORSHIPS
Stock Exchanges
Served as Director on the Boards of Islamabad Stock Exchange, Karachi Stock Exchange, and the National Commodities Exchange of Pakistan.
Founder/Director
Founder/Director on the Boards of Meezan Bank Ltd Pakistan, Al-Meezan Investment Co., and Takaful Pakistan Ltd.
Dubai Islamic Bank
Director on the Board of Dubai Islamic Bank of Pakistan as an Independent Director.
Nominee Director
Nominee Director on the Boards of various corporate entities in the financial and manufacturing sectors.
International Boards
Board of Egyptian Mortgage Refinance Company (EMRC) and Board of Palestine Mortgage and Housing Corporations (PMHC) as IFC Nominee.
Academic & Agricultural Boards
Director Board of Governors at Virtual University, Pakistan and Director Board at Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan-ZTBL.
Housing Finance
Director at Akhuwat Housing Finance Company (AHFC), focusing on low and lower-middle-income housing finance.
House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC), Pakistan
Pakistan 2005 - 2007
Chairman & Managing Director
Served as Chairman and MD of HBFC. Initiated Pakistan's first "Small and Medium Housing (SMH)" finance program targeting low and middle-income groups.
Strategic Loan Recovery Initiatives
Recovered large amounts of default loans and transformed a massive non-performing loan portfolio into performing assets through aggressive loan recovery programs. The NPLs Ratio improved from 67% to 37% during the period.
Remarkable Journey
HBFC experienced a complete turnaround from an ailing financial institution to a proactive, socially responsible and commercially viable housing finance entity during three-year tenor.
Organizational Excellence
Implemented a comprehensive reforms program covering human resource development, preparation of systems and manuals, computerized the loan origination process, etc. HBFC attained ISO 9001-2000 Certification under his tenure.
Elevating Market Perception
Enhanced market image through improved customer service.
International Support
Elicited International Finance Corporation's (IFC) technical support for development of long-term Business Plan, and Capacity Building Program.
Breaking New Ground
Introduced and launched country's first Securitization of Mortgage-Backed Debt Obligation-MBS (Sukuk or Islamic Bonds).
Innovative Real Estate Investment
Also introduced the concept of Pakistan's first Sharia-compatible REIT (i-REIT).
Pioneering Social Housing Initiatives
Instituted a plan for setting up a Social Housing Company to specialize in the development of housing for the low and middle-income groups and a Social Housing Bank to focus on micro-housing finance.
HONORS, AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
SOCIAL SERVICES
https://apuhf.info
Housing and Housing Finance:
Advisor
Served as GCC Advisor on Housing Policy and Finance to Affordable Housing Institute (AHI) of USA for an assignment in ME.
Expert Consultant — Housing & Housing Finance
Worked with World Bank, IFC, UN-ESCAP, UN-HABITAT, CMHC of Canada, and ShoreBank Int'l USA across various international assignments.
MENA Region: Oman, Egypt, Palestine, Saudi Arabia
South Asia: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
East Asia: Indonesia, Mongolia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Korea, Fiji
Africa: Kenya, Zambia, Uganda, Botswana, Malawi, Senegal, Ghana

Pakistan
- Actively engaged in affordable housing development and finance for rural & peri-urban regions.
- Advisor on Infrastructure and Housing to State Bank of Pakistan.
- Authored national housing finance policies.

Afghanistan
Worked on low-income housing, sharia-compatible finance, regulatory frameworks, and institutional systems.
Developed Microhousing Finance Product with FMFB-A.

Bangladesh
Consultant for World Bank on Housing Finance sector reforms & diagnostic assessments.
Conducted review of Bangladesh House Building Finance Corporation and Islamic housing finance.
ACADEMICS
Recent Articles
I have compiled an extensive collection of housing research studies.
Success Story
Worldwide housing programs show how planning transforms communities.


