This story highlights the efforts of Asim Qureshi. A young man from Karachi, who had a dream of promoting Brand Pakistan globally, Particularly in the fashion and textile industry. By showcasing Pakistan’s leading fashion brands on the best Indian fashion and media platforms. This was made possible through collaboration, resilience, leadership, salesmanship, and diplomacy. Asim Qureshi’s achievements include the partnership between GEO TV and Libas Magazine with Femina India in 2004. Which led to the first-ever event featuring Pakistani fashion brands in India, and the launch of Pakistan Fashion Week with IMG Asia Pacific in 2007.
The Man Who Did It Twice In India For Pakistan
A Real Story : In India For Brand Pakistan
When I first heard about Asim Qureshi’s ambitious endeavor to bridge the gap between India and Pakistan through fashion and culture, my initial reaction was one of curiosity and intrigue. It was in Dubai in the year 2003 that I had the privilege of meeting this visionary man from Karachi, a 30-year-old with a dream that fell into the category of “don’t even think about it.”
Asim Qureshi candidly acknowledges the complexity of his mission, stating, “I have never been there before. Just imagine. Therefore, going to war is much simpler if you know anything about turmoil post 9/11 in Pakistan.” His honesty prompts us to ponder why someone would venture into what’s traditionally perceived as enemy territory, especially given the historical political and trade relations between India and Pakistan.
A Remarkable Journey
In India for Brand Pakistan. Some of us may wonder what this ambition truly means. It’s about winning hearts and minds on the other side of the border, where language, culture, and traditions are understood locally to enable global marketing, particularly in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. As Indian fashion weeks and events command global media coverage, the journey required resilience from both sides, coupled with leadership, salesmanship, and diplomacy. Asim Qureshi excelled in all these aspects, underscoring the importance of visionary leadership in driving change.
INDIA – OCTOBER 16: Models are walking on the ramp with Pakistani Designers outfit at Lakme Fashion Week Spring Summer-2007 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. ( LFW, LIFW, NCPA ) (The India Today Group via Getty Images)The Man Who Did It Twice In India For Pakistan
Presenting the Best of Pakistan in India
Asim Qureshi’s journey can be summed up in the following key observations:
International Impact: A few years after the turmoil of 9/11.Around 2003-2004 and 2007, he set out to create an international impact. Showcasing Brand Pakistan in a fashionable light. This became possible by gaining a presence on the most prominent Indian fashion and media platforms. Subsequently, facilitated by the conducive environment created by political leadership on both sides of the border.
Building Connections: Working from Dubai Media City and networking with like-minded individuals, including the editor of Femina India and influential figures in the fashion industry, played a pivotal role in his journey.
Historic Collaboration: The year 2004 marked a significant milestone when Asim Qureshi collaborated with GEO TV and Libas Magazine from Pakistan and Femina from India, with his BRAND TV as the co-producer and deal maker. This partnership brought the spotlight to Pakistan’s leading fashion brands, showcasing them to a global audience. The event was a groundbreaking cross-border initiative, lauded by the Indian press.
Expanding Horizons: Asim’s ambition didn’t stop there. He aimed to take Pakistan’s fashion and textile industry to a global marketplace. This involved bringing IMG Asia Pacific to Pakistan in 2006, a leading agency responsible for organizing fashion weeks worldwide and providing industry-wide training.
Watershed Moments: The years 2004 and 2007 stand out as pivotal moments in Asim’s journey. Achieving what he did for Pakistan in India, on one of the world’s leading media and fashion platforms, was truly priceless.
The Man Who Did It Twice
International experience teaches one the value of collaborating with like-minded professionals, visionaries, and leaders in the region. GEO TV and Libas Magazine partnering as event partners from Pakistan. Femina from India along with Asim Qureshi’s BRAND TV as Co-Producer and Deal Maker.
Asim Qureshi’s story is a testament to the power of conviction and determination in pursuing one’s dreams. His journey not only paved the way for Pakistan to shine on the global fashion stage, but also fostered cultural exchange and understanding between two nations.
Above all, having accomplished a game-changing moment in the history of Fashion from Pakistan.
Pakistan Fashion Week Launch: The Real Story
Asim is also instrumental in bringing IMG Asia Pacific to Pakistan in 2006 with support from Jang Media Group. The world’s leading agency is responsible for organizing leading fashion weeks around the world. Conducting industry-wide training and workshops in order to launch Pakistan Fashion Week. From designers to event managers to producers and distributors of fashion. To view pictures Join our Facebook Group (Click Here)
To sum up. Do watch the full story of Pakistan Fashion Week and Asim Qureshi’s incredible journey, please view the video below. In India for Brand Pakistan.
“In conclusion. Personally, for me, it was about a commitment to Brand Pakistan. Therefore, to produce “for the first time ever” a show internationally. That is to say, at a higher level of excellence. For example, at IMG Lakme Fashion Week in India. Above all in front of international fashion week buyers and media.
After all, Pakistan’s Fashion and Textile Industry deserves international recognition and branding. A collaboration promoting Peace and Possibility Of Trade. Hence.The rest as they say is History!.”
Asim Qureshi
In a world often marked by divisions, Asim’s remarkable journey serves as a beacon of hope and unity.
Content Writer at Starring Brands, Upwork, and Freelancer
A content writer based in Dubai with a diversified portfolio in websites, blogs and creative writing. Previously a beauty and fashion consultant with experience in London Mumbai Karachi Dubai.
A content writer based in Dubai with a diversified portfolio in websites, blogs and creative writing.
Previously a beauty and fashion consultant with experience in London Mumbai Karachi Dubai.
Outstanding
Wow that is some achievement. They should give you a noble prize
Asim Sir The Great. Peace Maker
Miracle Man.
Well Done Asim Saab. You are a good man.
Amazing contribution to Pakistan and Fashion Industry
Did they award you for it in your own country?
You should visit to Rio…fashion is kick ass here
Amazing. Cannot think of a Pakistani doing this level of promotion and service for Pakistan’s image. Salute !
Visit Munich its great fashion city. You like.
Very impressive Asim Sahab.
Japanese also face first opposition from some countries but won hearts with their hardworking. Reading about this reminds me of same same.
Visionary Man. Not much like Pakistan or India People.
Wow
Bravo !
Impressive
Wow! Mission Impossible 🙂
CLAP CLAP CLAP..take a bow Sir.
No example of this before or after you Asim Sir.. This will always be archived in history. Love from Mumbai.
Good One Asim. Very informative and engaging.