The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMA International) has continued its efforts to strengthen engagement with overseas members through two virtual sessions led by its President, Muhammad Yasin. Held on October 20 and 22, 2026, the sessions formed part of the President’s Connect 2026 initiative, titled Overseas Members’ Engagement. The programme brought together members from Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar, providing a platform for communication between the institute’s leadership and its international membership. The initiative focused on maintaining professional connections across geographical boundaries and creating opportunities for members to share their experiences, expectations and career-related concerns.
During the sessions, Muhammad Yasin highlighted the importance of strengthening global connectivity and maintaining regular engagement with members working in different international markets. He emphasized the need to understand their professional aspirations and explore ways to expand opportunities for collaboration and professional development. Overseas members can bring valuable industry experience, international exposure and knowledge of changing professional practices to the wider accountancy community. Direct interaction with the institute’s leadership also provides an opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by professionals in different countries and identify areas where the institution can improve its support and engagement.
The discussions were held under the President’s Connect 2026 platform, which is intended to bring the institute’s leadership closer to its members and encourage a more connected professional community. Virtual engagement provides a practical way to involve members living and working across different time zones without requiring international travel. For a professional body with members spread across multiple regions, these sessions can help maintain communication, encourage the exchange of ideas and strengthen relationships between overseas professionals and the institute. They also provide a channel for gathering feedback on members’ expectations regarding career progression, professional learning and international networking.
Several senior officeholders participated alongside the president. They included Vice President Abdul Qayyum, Secretary Intzar Hussain, Honorary Treasurer Ghulam Mustafa Qazi and Executive Director Aamir Ijaz Khan. Their participation brought together representatives of the institute’s leadership and administration for discussions centred on overseas member engagement. The involvement of senior officials also provided a setting for members to communicate their views and discuss opportunities for closer coordination with ICMA International. Such interactions can help professional institutions better understand the needs of members working in diverse economic and business environments.
International collaboration and continuing professional development remain important considerations for accountancy professionals as business practices, financial reporting requirements and management expectations evolve across markets. Members working overseas may encounter different regulatory frameworks, industry structures and career opportunities, making access to professional networks and relevant learning resources valuable. By creating opportunities for direct dialogue, ICMA International can gather feedback and identify areas where its services, activities and professional development initiatives may better support members. The effectiveness of such engagement ultimately depends on how discussions and suggestions are translated into practical initiatives and sustained communication.
The October sessions demonstrate ICMA International’s focus on maintaining links with its overseas membership through structured engagement with the institute’s leadership. By bringing together professionals from eight countries, President’s Connect 2026 provided a forum for discussing global connectivity, professional aspirations and potential areas of cooperation. The initiative reflects the importance of building a professional community that remains connected despite geographical distance, with a shared focus on professional growth, collaboration and the continued development of the accountancy profession.
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