- Just as financial management ensures stability, Pakistan needs accountability, reforms and education-driven progress for national development
Interview with Mr. Adnan Saeed — a dedicated educator
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself:
Adnan Saeed: I am a dedicated educator and a strong proponent of accounting education, with over 25 years of experience in some of Pakistan’s most esteemed institutions. My academic journey has been driven by a passion for empowering students with a robust, standards – based understanding of accounting, with a special emphasis on International Accounting Standards (IAS), IFRS, and GAAP.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of mentoring students through the complexities of financial accounting, cost accounting, and public sector accounting, along with conducting more than 50 professional workshops. Currently, I hold the position of Manager of Academics at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP). Prior to this, I was a faculty member at the Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP), where I was honored with multiple Faculty Roll of Honor awards — a testament to my dedication to teaching excellence and student mentorship.
Additionally, I led the Saeed Academy of Commerce & Economics (SACE), an institution established by my late father, Mr. Anwer Saeed Khan, for over two decades, providing quality education at an affordable cost to support underprivileged students. Throughout my career, I have also taught at SZABIST, IoBM, and Federal Urdu University, designing courses in both foundational and advanced accounting, incorporating real-world applications and critical thinking into the curriculum.
Beyond my teaching responsibilities, I have contributed to academic research and curriculum development. I had the honor of collaborating with Mr. Mark S. Bettner, former Head of Management Science at Bucknell University, on his renowned book, Accounting: The Basis of Business Decisions, originally authored by Walter B. Meigs (Late). Additionally, I reviewed a financial accounting book compiled by Kaplan for ICMAP and authored a chapter on Consignment Accounting, which was included in Advanced Accounting for Graduate Students by Uzair Hassan (Late).
My work extends beyond the traditional classroom setting — I am also an education writer and content creator, regularly sharing insights on accounting concepts, student engagement, and the future of learning. Through platforms such as Medium and Instagram (@mindful_educator), I strive to make accounting more accessible, engaging, and practical for a wider audience.
For me, education is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about empowerment. I strongly believe that by integrating practical applications, financial literacy, and strategic thinking into learning, we can prepare students not only for examinations but for real-world challenges. My lifelong dedication to student success and continuous learning fuels my desire to make a meaningful contribution to the global educational landscape.
PAGE: Pakistan Day commemorates the Lahore Resolution passed on March 23, 1940. How would you comment on its significance?
Adnan Saeed: Pakistan Day is not just a historical event; it is a turning point that reshaped the destiny of millions. The Lahore Resolution, passed on March 23, 1940, was a defining moment in the struggle for independence. It provided a clear direction — a structured demand for a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent. From an educator’s perspective, this day is a lesson in vision, strategic planning, and execution – principles that apply not just in history but also in fields like business, finance, and education. Just as we emphasize clarity and precision in financial reporting and decision-making, the leaders of 1940 demonstrated foresight, unity, and determination to achieve a well-defined goal. For me, Pakistan Day is a reminder that great achievements require planning, perseverance, and adaptability — qualities that I try to in still in my students. It also highlights the importance of education and leadership in shaping the future, just as the visionary leaders of that time educated and mobilized the masses for a greater cause.
Today, as we reflect on this historic day, the question is: Are we living up to the ideals that led to the creation of Pakistan? Just as we prepare financial statements to assess an organization’s progress, we must also evaluate our progress as a nation and as individuals, ensuring that we contribute meaningfully to society.
PAGE: Pakistan is facing a confluence of economic, social and political challenges, including an increasing population, climate change, unemployment and poverty. What is your perspective on it?
Adnan Saeed: Pakistan is at a critical juncture where economic, social, and political factors are deeply interconnected, influencing national stability and progress. From my perspective as an accounting educator, I see these challenges as complex yet solvable – provided we adopt financial discipline, strategic decision-making, and a long-term vision.
1- Economic challenges: Managing resources efficiently
Pakistan’s economic instability, rising inflation, and debt burden require fiscal responsibility and transparent financial governance. Just as businesses require effective cost control and revenue generation strategies, the country needs structural reforms to improve tax collection, financial management, and public sector efficiency.
2- Social challenges: Education & employment linkage
As an educator, I see unemployment and poverty not just as economic problems but as an outcome of educational misalignment with market needs. We need to shift our focus towards skill-based education, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship so that young people are job creators rather than job seekers.
3- Climate change: A financial & policy issue
Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and its economic implications are significant. Floods, droughts, and extreme weather events disrupt agriculture, infrastructure, and industries, affecting GDP. Addressing this requires financial planning, sustainable policies, and investment in green energy and disaster resilience — similar to how businesses implement risk management strategies to ensure sustainability.
4- Political instability: The cost of uncertainty
Political uncertainty affects investor confidence and economic stability. Just as businesses suffer from poor corporate governance, a nation without political stability faces capital flight, reduced foreign investment, and economic stagnation. Stability, transparency, and institutional strengthening are critical for long-term progress.
A way forward: Leveraging financial & educational reforms
Pakistan’s challenges are not insurmountable. With better financial management, accountability, and an education system aligned with economic realities, we can turn our weaknesses into strengths. Just as in accounting, where accurate financial reporting ensures better decision-making, data-driven governance and policy-making can help Pakistan navigate these crises effectively.
PAGE: Pakistan Day parade is an imperative event. What is your take on it?
Adnan Saeed: The Pakistan Day Parade is more than just a ceremonial event – it is a symbol of national unity, discipline, and resilience. From my perspective as an accounting educator, I see this event as a well-coordinated demonstration of strategic planning, resource management, and institutional strength, much like the key principles in financial and organisational management.
1- A symbol of national strength & discipline
The parade showcases Pakistan’s military and technological advancements, reflecting discipline, preparation, and teamwork — values that are equally essential in professional fields like finance, business, and education. Just as an organization thrives on structured processes and efficiency, a nation strengthens itself through order, strategy, and vision.
2- A reflection of national unity
Pakistan is a diverse country with various ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. The Pakistan Day Parade brings together people from all regions and institutions, reinforcing the idea that collective success requires collaboration – a principle that holds true in education and financial management as well.
3- A reminder of our historical journey
March 23rd marks a day when visionary leaders made a firm resolution for a separate homeland. The parade serves as a reminder that great achievements — whether in nation-building or business success — require long-term planning, commitment, and sacrifices. Just as in accounting, where accuracy and transparency lead to better financial health, clear vision and determination lead a nation towards progress.
4- A boost to national morale & global image
The parade also highlights Pakistan’s progress, security capabilities, and national pride on an international level. Similar to how a company strengthens its brand image through strategic investments, this event strengthens Pakistan’s global presence and diplomatic relations.
Final thoughts: A lesson in excellence & leadership
For educators like me, the Pakistan Day Parade is a lesson in leadership, coordination, and excellence. It reinforces the importance of precision, accountability, and teamwork, which are essential not only in the military but in every profession — including education, finance, and governance. Just as financial reports reflect a company’s growth and stability, this event reflects Pakistan’s strength and commitment to its future.
PAGE: On March 23, 1940, the Muslims of the British Indian Empire demanded a separate nation, as well as the declaration of Pakistan as an Islamic republic. How would you comment on it?
Adnan Saeed: March 23, 1940, was a turning point in the history of the Indian subcontinent, as it laid the foundation for an independent nation where Muslims could live freely according to their beliefs, values, and cultural identity. The Lahore Resolution was not just a political statement; it was a well-structured demand based on social, economic, and religious realities that shaped the future of Pakistan.
1- Demand for a separate nation: A visionary decision
The demand for a separate homeland arose because of the economic, political, and social marginalization of Muslims in British India. Just as financial reports highlight disparities and inefficiencies in business operations, Muslim leaders analysed the prevailing conditions and recognized that self-governance was the only path to long-term prosperity and security.
2- The Islamic Republic: A governance framework
The vision of Pakistan as an Islamic Republic was not just about religious identity – it was about establishing a just and fair system that upholds values of equality, accountability, and social welfare. Much like the concepts of corporate governance in finance, where transparency and ethical decision-making drive success, the goal of an Islamic Republic was to ensure justice, economic stability, and equal opportunities for all citizens.
3- Economic and social aspects: Building a strong foundation
One of the key reasons behind the demand for Pakistan was economic empowerment. The Muslims of British India faced limited access to wealth, education, and economic opportunities. The creation of Pakistan was aimed at providing a system where financial independence, business growth, and education could flourish – values that remain critical to our progress today.
4- Lessons for today: Aligning vision with implementation
While the resolution of 1940 provided a clear vision, the real challenge lies in fulfilling its objectives. Just as in financial management, where a strategy must be implemented with discipline and accountability, Pakistan needs to ensure that its economic, legal, and educational systems align with the principles laid down by its founders.
As an educator and accounting professional, I see March 23, 1940, as a well-thought-out strategic decision — one that required careful planning, unity, and execution. The challenge today is to ensure that Pakistan continues to develop as a nation that upholds justice, economic stability, and education-driven progress, fulfilling the true essence of the vision set forth in 1940.