Umar Ahsan Khan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Dawlance, has been elected as President of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) for the 2026-28 term. He succeeds Yousaf Hussain, who previously served as president of the business organisation. Khan’s appointment places him at the head of an organisation representing the interests of overseas investors and multinational companies operating in Pakistan, with his tenure expected to focus on policy engagement and investment-related issues.
Following his election, Khan said that OICCI under his leadership will place emphasis on evidence-based advocacy and practical policy proposals. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening engagement with the government, regulators and international institutions. The approach outlined by the new OICCI president indicates a focus on using industry information and policy proposals to engage with relevant public-sector and regulatory stakeholders on matters affecting businesses and investors operating in Pakistan.
Khan’s appointment comes at a period when foreign investment remains an important issue for Pakistan’s economy and business community. According to the information provided, foreign direct investment in Pakistan declined by 34 percent to $1.65 billion during the last financial year. The decline places greater attention on the conditions that influence investment decisions, including the wider business environment, regulatory processes and the policy framework faced by companies operating in the country.
Khan has emphasised that economic stability by itself will not be enough to attract foreign investment. In his view, broader improvements in the business environment will also be required to create conditions that can support investor confidence and encourage companies to commit capital to Pakistan. His comments place business and regulatory conditions alongside economic stability as important considerations for attracting and retaining investment.
The OICCI has a role in representing the concerns and interests of overseas investors and providing a platform for engagement between the business community and policymakers. Under Khan’s two-year term, the organisation is expected to continue its engagement with government authorities, regulators and international institutions. His stated focus on evidence-based advocacy and practical policy proposals is intended to support discussions around measures affecting the investment climate and business operations.
Khan brings his experience as the CEO and Managing Director of Dawlance to the OICCI presidency. His appointment comes as Pakistan continues to seek stronger foreign investment and improved conditions for businesses operating in the country. With foreign direct investment recorded at $1.65 billion in the last financial year following a 34 percent decline, investment conditions are likely to remain an important area of discussion among businesses, policymakers and investor groups during the 2026-28 OICCI term.
The new OICCI president has therefore identified engagement with government bodies, regulators and international institutions as a central part of his leadership agenda. Alongside this engagement, his emphasis on evidence-based advocacy and practical policy proposals is aimed at addressing business environment issues that can influence investment decisions. Khan’s election marks the beginning of his 2026-28 term as OICCI president, succeeding Yousaf Hussain in the role.
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