Mian Attiq-ur-Rehman: A down-to-earth entrepreneur

A graduate from the University of Punjab and a business management degree holder from the Career Business College, Sydney (Australia), Mian Attiq-ur-Rehman is the chief executive officer of Pak Shalimar Carpets, one of the leading handmade carpet exporters of the country. This multi-million-dollar enterprise is exporting a variety of carpets to the United States, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

This successful entrepreneur has taken this business, inherited from his father, to new heights through innovative marketing practices and hard work. He is committed to passing on a much bigger empire to his only son, presently working with the Bank of Montreal.

Humble and down-to-earth Mian Attiq is pretty satisfied with the overall career progression of his son and three daughters. He has taught his children humility and love for humanity. A good aspect of his personality is that he is always ready to help the needy. He usually gives donations for the medical treatment of the deserving patients.

Having an interest in business politics, he is an executive committee member of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Following are the excerpts of an informal chat with him:

What was your first business venture?

After matriculation in 1986, I started assisting my father. It was a good learning experience.

Later, during my stay in Australia for further studies, I used to spend spare time marketing our products. I played an active role in increasing our carpet exports to Australia.

What is your biggest achievement?

I have taught my children humility and love for human beings. I am a satisfied father, husband and brother. After the demise of my beloved father, I treated my younger brother and sister as my son and daughter. I honestly distributed the inherited property among my siblings.

Who is your inspiration?

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is my role model as He is the only perfect human being.

My father is my teacher and ideal. Starting from the scratch, he (my father) managed to build a big business empire with dedication and hard work. I learnt business ethics from him.

What is your greatest fear in life?

I want this legacy and good name to continue. Keeping what I inherited from my father intact and passing it on to the coming generations even a bigger enterprise is a big challenge. I desired my son to continue the legacy of his grandfather and father.

How do you take part in public welfare?

I contribute to the public welfare through informal ways. I am always ready to help employees and the needy. Facilitating the treatment of deserving patients is always my priority.

What is your favourite sport? Have you ever been an athlete yourself?

Cricket! Like most of the people, I played cricket in streets, on roads, school and college grounds.

Your favourite sportsman?

Imran Khan is my favourite due to his leadership and cricketing abilities. He is the all-time best captain.

Your hobbies?

I love travelling. I am always ready to explore new destinations in the country and abroad.

Do you listen to music?

I have always been a music lover. I love light music and ghazals. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam are my favourite singers.

How many hours do you work in a day?

I usually spend eight to 10 hours.

Which is your favourite holiday destination and why?

I have visited almost all European countries, Australia, New Zealand and the US. I am a mountain and nature lover. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are my favourite destinations due to the mountains and scenic beauty.

iPhone or Android phones?

iPhone. Usually, I purchase the phone as soon as a new model is launched.

Which clothing brands do you frequently wear?

I don’t have a fad for brands, but I am quality conscious, and can wear any brand.

What inspires you to join business politics?

Politics is in my blood. An active member of the Founders Group, my father has served as an Executive Committee member of the LCCI.

I desired to make my experience and expertise productive by playing the role of a bridge between the policymakers, executors and the business community.

What can make the business environment easy and encouraging?

Though the business environment is not conducive for the existing players, it is extremely tough for the new entrants. New entrants should be given proper guidance through one-window and tax exemptions. I believe that the incumbent government must do something for clubbing the taxes and minimising the interference of departments for the existing players.

What is the future outlook of the overall business environment in Pakistan?

I am optimistic about the future of business due to enormous potential in Pakistan. The government should take practical measures for ensuring an enabling atmosphere. The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the cottage industries should be supported, as these are the backbones of any economy.

What measures can increase carpet exports?

Exemption of the sales tax on unfinished carpets can double the export of the finished products within a couple of years. The government should treat raw carpets imported from Afghanistan as raw materials. We can earn huge foreign exchange by exporting finished carpets.

Ansar Attiq, son of Mian Attiq-ur-Rehman, said: “My father is an inspirational role model for me and my siblings. Though business and politics are time consuming, he gives due attention to the family. He is always ready to help the needy people, especially deserving patients.”

Talking about his father daughter Alisha Attiq said: “My father is the best. He gives equal treatment to all his children. For me and my siblings, he is a friend with whom we can discuss any issue. He believes in giving quality time to the family.”