Muneer Kamal, CEO and Secretary General of the Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA), has paid a heartfelt tribute to Arshad A. Zuberi, the late Deputy Chief Executive of Business Recorder, following his passing on December 29, 2024. Recognizing Zuberi’s unparalleled contributions, Kamal described his demise as a significant loss to Pakistan’s financial sector and business community.
Kamal highlighted Zuberi’s unique relationship with the financial industry, stating, “At one point, it seemed as though he owned Chundrigar Road, given his deep connections with bank heads and officials.” He added that Zuberi was not only well-liked but also deeply respected, even by senior personnel at the State Bank of Pakistan, for his comprehensive knowledge of Pakistan’s business landscape.
Describing him as both a friend and an elder brother, Kamal said Zuberi’s energy and passion for his work were profound. His vast repository of business data and insights made him an invaluable resource for countless individuals in the financial sector.
Arshad A. Zuberi passed away at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife and three children, who mourn his loss. Born in 1952, Zuberi graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States in 1973. A year later, he joined the Business Recorder Group’s Apex Printry as Technical Director, embarking on what would become a transformative journey in Pakistan’s media and financial journalism.
In 1983, Zuberi spearheaded the modernization of Business Recorder, transitioning its production from traditional hot metal typesetting to cold-set computerized film typesetting—a move that set the stage for the newspaper’s exponential growth. Under his leadership, Business Recorder, founded by his late father M.A. Zuberi, solidified its reputation as Pakistan’s premier business and financial daily.
Zuberi’s editorials were instrumental in advocating for economic reform, particularly deregulation and liberalization, during a time when Pakistan’s economy was heavily controlled. His thought leadership not only influenced policy but also empowered businesses to navigate an evolving economic landscape.
The financial sector and the broader business community have expressed their condolences, reflecting on Zuberi’s enduring contributions and the indelible mark he left on Pakistan’s journalistic and economic history.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire the financial sector and media professionals alike. Through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, Arshad A. Zuberi remains a revered figure whose impact will be felt for generations to come.