Board of Directors

Mahmood Ahmed

Founder & Executive Chairman

Mahmood Ahmed, the esteemed founder of Character Education Foundation (CEF), brings with him a distinguished record of accomplishment of over 25 years in non-profit management. His visionary leadership is exemplified by the success of the READ Foundation, which caters to the educational needs of more than 118,000 students spanning 400 schools. Through Quranic teachings and character education, he positively empowers the lives of over 1.5 million children.

Prof. Dr. Javed Iqbal

President & Director

Prof. Dr. Javed Iqbal, a distinguished Laparoscopic surgeon in Bahawalpur, boasts over 3 decades of experience. Currently serving as Professor of Surgery and Director of DME at Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, his passion for medical education is rivaled only by his talent as a published poet and Urdu prose writer. With an MBBS from Nishter Medical College and FCPS (Surgery) from both the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons in Glasgow, he champions education through his YouTube channel, offering motivational insights while advocating for societal issues. His expertise extends to laparoscopic and endocrine surgery, reflecting his multifaceted dedication to medicine and literature.

Dr. Sohaib Zafar

Vice Chairman

Dr. Sohaib Zafar Malik is an accomplished Director of the Tarbiyah Resource Center, he conceived and conducted Youth Leadership Program at Riphah International University with a PhD in Pharmaceutical Science from Uppsala University, Sweden. He holds a PGD in Professional Ethics & Teaching Methodology and is a UGSBR Graduate from Uppsala Graduate School in Biomedical Research. With expertise in Value Based Education and extensive training experience, he has mentored over 950 university faculty members across multiple institutions, conducted specialized trainings for educational and corporate sectors, and contributed to leading research journals and international conferences worldwide. Additionally, he imparts knowledge through teaching methodology courses and is adept at fostering learning environments.

Syed Muhammad Mansoor Shakil

Vice Chairman & CEO

Mansoor is a volunteer CEO and vice Chairman of Character Education Foundation (CEF). He is responsible for its strategic direction and overall operation.
Mansoor started his career with International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) as a Research Associate assisting Dr. Zafar Ishaq Ansari. He also briefly taught Islamic Jurisprudence at International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI).
The Islamic Finance Project at Harvard Law School has published two of his papers. He is also an editor and co-author of the textbook used for the Islamic Finance Qualification offered by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, UK.
In the past he has worked as a volunteer with Akhuwat, Indus Hospital, Alkhidmat Foundation and Roshni.
Mansoor is also an independent social impact investor across asset classes with over 18 years of experience. Previously, he was Managing Director Investments at Fajr Capital, a leading private equity company based in Dubai. He has also worked as a Director with HSBC Amanah (Dubai) and Al Rayan Investment (Doha).
He holds LL.M. degrees from Harvard Law School and Cambridge University, as well as LL.B. (Hon.) degree in Shariah & Law (Gold Medal) from International Islamic University, Islamabad.

Muhammad Khaleeq

Director

Muhammad Khaleeq, a seasoned executive with an MBA from Athabasca University, Canada, boasts over four decades of diverse experience in strategic planning, human resource development, and operations across sectors like Education, Healthcare, Telecommunications, and Real Estate Development. Holding leadership positions in global conglomerates and advising NGOs, he blends his expertise in people management with a passion for social impact. Khaleeq’s international exposure, particularly in the Middle East, enriches his deep understanding of global business dynamics. An active social worker, he contributes to various NGOs, emphasizing education and community development. His leadership workshops and coaching sessions worldwide highlight his commitment to organizational excellence and social responsibility.

Shah Sohail Masood

Director

Shah Sohail Masood is a result-driven and self-motivated professional with over 39 years of experience in Pakistan Navy and the corporate sector. Skilled in strategic planning, decision-making, and turning ideas into realities. Known for goal-oriented leadership, networking, and effective relationship management. Currently advising various organizations and serving in leadership roles. Successfully led Bahria Foundation as Managing Director, achieving short and long-term goals while maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders. Retired as Vice Admiral from Pakistan Navy, holding major appointments including Commander Naval Strategic Forces and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. Holds MSc in War Studies and numerous honors. Interested in reading, writing, traveling, and horse riding.

Brigadier Zakir Hussain

Director

Brigadier Zakir Hussain, SI (M), is from the Bagh district of AJK. He was commissioned in the Pakistan Army in 1982 and has extensive experience serving in various regions of Pakistan as well as in Afghanistan, Morocco, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Libya, and Germany. A graduate of Punjab University, Quetta Command and Staff College, and National Defence University Islamabad, he holds diplomas in strategic leadership from GLOMACS (USA) and the Australian Institute of Management (Australia). After retiring from the army in 2015, he served as the Regional Incharge of Fauji Fertilizer Company Karachi for four years. He is particularly qualified in human resource and organizational management. He devotes most of his time to nation-building projects and contributing to society.

Faheem Ahmed Khan

Director

Faheem Ahmed Khan is a distinguished professional police officer from AJ&K. Recently retired as Inspector General, the officer has well-recognized meritorious service both at national and international levels spanning over thirty-seven years. The joint development plan, he had spearheaded in East Timor under UN auspices earned him The Medal of Merit award and is included in UN best practices. He is a recipient of numerous UN medals and certificates besides the President police medal gallantry conferred upon him by GOAJK. He has also served in various civilian key roles, demonstrating expertise in administration health, tourism, and disaster management. As chairman of CBR, he introduced critical reforms resulting in an unprecedented surge in revenue collection. His extensive training portfolio encompasses strategic workshops, leadership programs, and specialized courses, reflecting his commitment to continuous professional development. Khan’s multifaceted experience and dedication make him a valuable asset in ensuring public safety, security, and institutional development.

Lt Gen Hidayat Ur Rehman

Director

Lt Gen Hidayat Ur Rehman, HI (M), (Retd) was commissioned in an Infantry Regiment of Pakistan Army in September 1983. During his service he has had extensive experience in command, administration and management, both at home and abroad. He is a graduate of Command and Staff College Quetta, National Defence University Pakistan and Command and General Staff College USA. He holds masters degrees in War and Strategic Studies and International Affairs.
His assignments during service have equipped him with requisite experience to handle intricate and sensitive issues both at policy and operational levels. Currently he is Chairman of AJK public service commission.
He has extensively traveled and enjoys long distance walks, golfing and reading.

Qanit Khalilullah

Director

Qanit Khalilullah is a seasoned finance and business leader with expertise in financial management, supply chain, and tax. He held key roles at Unilever Pakistan and Ufone and is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan and England & Wales. He completed a Senior Leadership program at Harvard Business School and serves as an Executive Director at a consulting firm. Engaged in nonprofit work, he chairs the Audit Committee at the Character Education Foundation. Qanit frequently speaks at seminars on economics, public policy, and financial reporting, demonstrating his thought leadership and commitment to professional development and community service.

Saad Shah

Director

Saad Shah is a seasoned tech entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. He has successfully founded and led numerous technology companies both locally and internationally. Currently, he serves as the CEO of Hexalyze Consulting Services and UCAAZ. Beyond his business endeavors, Saad is a dedicated social activist assosicated with various community development projects. Notably, his internationally recognized contribution includes Vshine and CEF. Additionally, Saad has also successfully ventured into digital publishing, with his flagship project being The News Tribe.

Noaman Asar

Director

Noaman has over 26 years of experience with companies like P&G, JWT, and Kantar. In his career, he has worked on brands like Pantene, Pampers, Ariel, Olpers and Nido. Noaman’s passion and luck from the start of his career have been linked to “copies and commercials”. He started his career with Procter and Gamble in 1998 and soon was responsible for their “Copy testing system” for MENA. In 2003, he moved to the Middle East and worked with food giants (Al-Ghurair Foods & Sunbulah) in their marketing departments. He also had the honor of leading the Planning department of JWT in Pakistan from 2010 to 2014. It was after this role that he joined Kantar. At Kantar alone, he has been associated with adding more than 400 copies to its database. In his entire career, he and his team have worked on more than 600 communications only in Pakistan. In his 7 years with Kantar, he can be credited for the successful launch of Millward Brown in Pakistan. Then, he effectively brought together all brands in Pakistan under the roof of Kantar. In 2021, he transformed the Kantar team in Pakistan into Oula (a company in collaboration with Kantar). Noaman is also a visiting professor at “Karachi School of Business and Leadership” (KSBL) and at Dr. Ziauddin University.
Dr. Muhammad Kashif Sheikh, a Graduate of Dars e Nizami and PhD, is an Associate Professor of Islamic Studies at Riphah International University Islamabad and Deputy Director of the Centre of Education and Research in Islamabad. Specializing in Tafsir, Hadith, Fiqh, and the History of Islam, he supervises PhD and MPhil research and contributes to modernizing religious education in Pakistan. Dr. Sheikh is dedicated to promoting Islamic values through academia, mentorship programs, and social media outreach.

Dr. Muhammad Kashif Sheikh

Director

Dr. Muhammad Kashif Sheikh, Graduate of Dars e Nizami and PhD, is Associate Professor of Islamic Studies at Riphah International University Islamabad and Deputy Director of Centre of Education and Research in Islamabad. Specializing in Tafsir, Hadith, Fiqh, and the History of Islam, he supervises PhD and MPhil research and contributes to modernizing religious education in Pakistan. Dr. Sheikh is dedicated to promote Islamic values through academia, mentorship programs, and social media outreach.

Bushra Zahid

Director

Bushra Zahid is an accomplished professional serving as Principal at Fehm e Quran Centre. With an MSc in Anthropology from Quaid-e-Azam University and an MA in Islamic Education from the University of Gloucestershire, she brings a diverse educational background. Her prior experience includes completing diplomas in Quranic Sciences from Al Falah Institute and Baseerah Institute. Despite lacking formal awards, she excelled academically, securing first positions in both her anthropology master’s and Quranic diploma programs. Additionally, she has authored articles and blogs published in Jasarat and Iffat magazines, showcasing her expertise and writing proficiency.

Shagufta Humayun

Director

Shagufta, a Computer Engineer with a passion for technology. Graduated from UET Peshawar with a degree in Computer System Engineering and later earned MS in Computer Engineering from CEME NUST Rawalpindi. With over a decade of experience, she is a seasoned software developer, having worked on various projects across different platforms. Beyond her technical expertise, Shagufta has a compassionate side. She’s lent her skills to the charity sector, creating systems to streamline daily operations and manage budgets effectively. Currently, Shagufta serves as a Software Engineer at a leading UK-based software company, where she continues to innovate and make a difference through her work.

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