Our Leadership Team
Message from the President
Salam-o-Alaikum / Kia ora
It’s an honour to serve as the President of the Pakistan Association of Otago. As a long-time educator, an active community member, and a mother raising a young family in Dunedin, I understand the importance of staying connected to our roots while building a future together here in Aotearoa.
Our association is more than just an organisation. It’s a community of shared culture, care, and collaboration. We aim to provide a welcoming space where every Pakistani living in Otago feels a sense of belonging, pride, and support. From cultural events and children’s activities to outreach initiatives and educational opportunities, our goal is to bring people together and celebrate the richness of our identity.
I invite each of you — families, students, professionals, elders — to get involved, lend your voice, and be part of something meaningful. Your participation strengthens our community and helps us grow in spirit and unity.
Thank you to everyone who continues to give their time, energy, and heart to the work we do. I look forward to working alongside you to make our community even stronger, more inclusive, and full of life.
Warm regards
Anam Nawaz
President, Pakistan Association of Otago
Ms. Sidra Iqbal is a founding member of the Pakistan Association of Otago and currently serves as the Head of the Community Engagement Wing. Since the Association’s inception, Sidra has been a driving force behind its growth, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership, creativity, and commitment to community building.
Over the years, she has played a central role in organizing and hosting a wide range of successful events—from cultural festivals and family fun days to formal gatherings and public celebrations. Her ability to connect with people, coordinate teams, and bring energy to every occasion has helped create memorable experiences that strengthen unity and pride within the Pakistani community in Otago.
Professionally, Sidra holds a master’s degree in economics and has gained valuable experience in academic, strategic, and community-focused roles. Her skills in planning, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement contribute meaningfully to her work within the Association.
As Head of the Community Engagement Wing, Sidra leads with a vision of inclusivity, diversity, and connection. She is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels valued, involved, and proud of their heritage. Her goal is to foster meaningful relationships within the community, promote cultural understanding, and ensure that PAO continues to grow as a vibrant and unified platform for all generations.
My name is Shabeeha E Zahra. My academic background in Engineering and Business Administration has given me strong analytical and problem-solving skills, but my true passion has always been in serving people and contributing to community development.
Since arriving in New Zealand in 2023, I have dedicated much of my time to volunteering with a number of charities and organisations. My work has involved supporting children, refugees, and migrant communities, and through this I have been able to connect with people from diverse walks of life. These experiences have taught me not only about how the community service and development sector functions in New Zealand, but also about the challenges faced by people who are trying to build new lives here. It has been a journey of learning, empathy, and personal growth, allowing me to better understand the rich and complex nature of human relationships and societal integration.
Community service for me is more than just volunteering; it is about building bridges, creating safe spaces, and finding practical solutions that can make a real difference in people’s lives. I have learned that with patience, dedication, and open communication, every challenge carries within it the seeds of a solution.
As I step into the role of Treasurer for the Pakistan Association of Otago, I look forward to using both my professional skills and community experience to serve our members with honesty and transparency. I see this role not just as managing finances, but as being part of a collective effort to strengthen our community, celebrate our culture, and ensure that every voice is heard and valued.
Iftekhar Ahmed is a purpose-driven leader and passionate community advocate, currently serving as the Chief People and Media Officer (CPMO) at the Pakistan Association of Otago. With over a decade of experience in human resources management and an MBA in HR, Iftekhar brings a wealth of strategic and people-focused expertise to his role. His professional journey has included leadership roles across both public and private sectors, where he has consistently championed inclusion, cultural awareness, and workforce development.
His approach to leadership is grounded in the belief that strong communities are built through empathy, connection, and opportunity. At PAO, he is dedicated to cultivating a supportive and empowering environment where all members feel a sense of belonging and are equipped to thrive both within the association and in their personal and professional lives.
As CPMO, Iftekhar has played a key role in shaping the direction and identity of the association. His contributions include leading the drafting of PAO’s vision, mission, and values statements, as well as developing systems and processes for managing appointments and departures within the team. He has also introduced initiatives focused on wellbeing and community engagement, and continues to be actively involved in many other strategic and people-focused areas that support the growth and cohesion of the association.
His vision for the association is rooted in creating a thriving, inclusive community where diversity is celebrated and lifelong learning is encouraged. By nurturing talent and promoting participation, Iftekhar is helping to position PAO as not just a cultural association, but as a platform for advancement and empowerment.
Known for his empathetic leadership style and collaborative spirit, Iftekhar is a trusted and respected figure in the community. His work is informed by a genuine passion for social good and a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Rizwan Azher is currently serving as the General Secretary of the Pakistan Association of Otago. He has over 11 years of experience in networking and cybersecurity. Rizwan has a strong passion for community service and plays a key role in coordinating PAO’s operations, events, and strategic communication. He is dedicated to strengthening community ties and supporting initiatives that promote the cultural and social well-being of the Pakistani community in Otago.
Rizwan migrated to New Zealand in 2024 and enjoys spending his free time playing badminton, trekking, and exploring the scenic landscapes of Aotearoa with his family.