Haji Muhammad Iqbal Baloch with Chou-En-Lie 9th June 1965
Haji Muhammad Iqbal Baloch (Founding Father)
Haji Muhammad Iqbal Baloch was one of the leading activists in Pakistan movement who subsequently became the Advisor to the President of Pakistan, Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan. He was twice elected as the Father of Karachi (Mayor of Karachi) during early 50s when Karachi was the capital of Pakistan. He undertook many philanthropic works for the people of Balochistan during his life.
At a time when Gwadar was not a part of Pakistan, he pushed the initiative of consolidation to President Ayub Khan due to which the Government purchased Gwadar from Oman in 1958. CPEC’s base-work had started during his time, and due to his foresight, he built a deep relationship with Chinese leadership, Mao Zedong and Chu En Lye. Furthermore, he introduced Pakistan International Airlines into the remote corners of Balochistan as GSA and in 1988 Gwadar was air-linked to Muscat through his company National Express. He was awarded Tamgha-e-Khidmat by the Government of Pakistan for his exemplary services and historical role. The vision of Haji Muhammad Iqbal Baloch is kept alive by his sons Ahmed Iqbal Baloch and Ovais Iqbal Baloch through the Visionary Group.
Ahmed Iqbal Baloch
Chairman – Visionary Group
Following the footsteps of my great father Haji Muhammad Iqbal Baloch (late), I have always tried to work for the betterment of my country. His vision has inspired me to build my own philosophy according to which prosperity lies in human respect. As a writer, a passionate poet, a proven team builder and an upholder of cultures, I was motivated to found Visionary Group in 2002 with a dynamic vision. Throughout my 30 years of professional experience I have learnt that without people to people connectivity and economic growth, development is impossible. Therefore, my group aims to bridge the gap between the rich and poor, and work towards a progressive Balochistan.
It was because of this vision that in 2004, I pioneered an annual feature in the motorsports industry through Freedom Rally Pakistan which eventually brought business and tourism to this unseen province of Pakistan. By launching Vsh News TV 12 years ago, I gave a voice to the Baloch and provided them representation within Pakistan and abroad. Furthermore, a decade ago I sensed the need for building an elite social club to not only amplify but bring a great change in the economic activity of Balochistan. Therefore, I am now building Gwadar Gymkhana which will be a place where people will connect, and businesses will flourish. I firmly believe that success is destined for those who are fearless in the face of adversity and live through difficult times without compromising on their values. And so, I plan to consistently work towards materializing my dream of a prosperous Balochistan.
L-R: Mr. Wang Xudong President China Economic Net (Economic Daily), Mr. Ahmed Iqbal Baloch CEO Vsh News TV & Mr. Zhang Baozhong Chairman of China Overseas Port Holding Company COPHC at the first SCO Media Summit held in Beijing on 1st June 2018.
Mr. Ahmed Iqbal Baloch is the President of GBDA (Gwadar Builder and Developer Association) – Member of CPNE (Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors) – Member of PBA (Pakistan Broadcasters Association) – Vice President of CPEC Media Forum – Member of Gwadar Chamber of Commerce.
Ahmed Iqbal Baloch
Chairman – Visionary Group
L-R: Mr. Wang Xudong President China Economic Net (Economic Daily), Mr. Ahmed Iqbal Baloch CEO Vsh News TV & Zhang Baozhong Chairman of China Overseas Port Holding Company COPHC at the first SCO Media Summit held in Beijing on 1st June 2018.
Mr. Ahmed Iqbal Baloch is the President of GBDA (Gwadar Builder and Developer Association) – Member of CPNE (Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors) – Member of PBA (Pakistan Broadcasters Association) – Vice President of CPEC Media Forum – Member of Gwadar Chamber of Commerce.
Following the footsteps of my great father Haji Muhammad Iqbal Baloch (late), I have always tried to work for the betterment of my country. His vision has inspired me to build my own philosophy according to which prosperity lies in human respect. As a writer, a passionate poet, a proven team builder and an upholder of cultures, I was motivated to found Visionary Group in 2002 with a dynamic vision. Throughout my 30 years of professional experience I have learnt that without people to people connectivity and economic growth, development is impossible. Therefore, my group aims to bridge the gap between the rich and poor, and work towards a progressive Balochistan.
It was because of this vision that in 2004, I pioneered an annual feature in the motorsports industry through Freedom Rally Pakistan which eventually brought business and tourism to this unseen province of Pakistan. By launching Vsh News TV 12 years ago, I gave a voice to the Baloch and provided them representation within Pakistan and abroad. Furthermore, a decade ago I sensed the need for building an elite social club to not only amplify but bring a great change in the economic activity of Balochistan. Therefore, I am now building Gwadar Gymkhana which will be a place where people will connect, and businesses will flourish. I firmly believe that success is destined for those who are fearless in the face of adversity and live through difficult times without compromising on their values. And so, I plan to consistently work towards materializing my dream of a prosperous Balochistan.
Ovais Iqbal Baloch
Group Director – Visionary Group
Belonging from Pasni, a small city in the District of Gwadar, Balochistan but raised in Karachi, I am a son of a great leader Haji Muhammad Iqbal Baloch (late). To continue the legacy of my father who played a vital role in the social and political development of Balochistan and Pakistan, I aim to work towards the evolution of this province which will eventually lead to the growth of Pakistan. My goal is to provide fundamental human rights to the people of Balochistan so this province can progress. I believe that Balochistan has vast untapped potential which can help Pakistan boost its economy.
Over the years Visionary Group has achieved numerous milestones like introducing Pakistan’s first motorsports company, Freedom Rally Pakistan; Pakistan’s first Balochi satellite TV news channel, Vsh News Television and Balochistan’s first elite social club, Gwadar Gymkhana. Initiatives like these require a lot of traveling and engagement with the locals. The more I travelled, the more I realized the challenges the people of Balochistan face in terms of education, health and social uplifting. Therefore, in 2004, my brother and I established a nonprofit organization named after our father, Haji Muhammad Iqbal Baloch. The HMIB Foundation works in various fields of social welfare. We have also successfully connected the people of Balochistan with mainstream Pakistan through cultural integration by introducing 2nd March as Baloch Culture Day, a day celebrated with utmost enthusiasm across Pakistan. I believe it is such initiatives which keep the culture and heritage alive, and encourage talent to come forward and change the future.
Ovais Iqbal Baloch
Group Director – Visionary Group
Belonging from Pasni, a small city in the District of Gwadar, Balochistan but raised in Karachi, I am a son of a great leader Haji Muhammad Iqbal Baloch (late). To continue the legacy of my father who played a vital role in the social and political development of Balochistan and Pakistan, I aim to work towards the evolution of this province which will eventually lead to the growth of Pakistan. My goal is to provide fundamental human rights to the people of Balochistan so this province can progress. I believe that Balochistan has vast untapped potential which can help Pakistan boost its economy.
Over the years Visionary Group has achieved numerous milestones like introducing Pakistan’s first motorsports company, Freedom Rally Pakistan; Pakistan’s first Balochi satellite TV news channel, Vsh News Television and Balochistan’s first elite social club, Gwadar Gymkhana. Initiatives like these require a lot of traveling and engagement with the locals. The more I travelled, the more I realized the challenges the people of Balochistan face in terms of education, health and social uplifting. Therefore, in 2004, my brother and I established a nonprofit organization named after our father, Haji Muhammad Iqbal Baloch. The HMIB Foundation works in various fields of social welfare. We have also successfully connected the people of Balochistan with mainstream Pakistan through cultural integration by introducing 2nd March as Baloch Culture Day, a day celebrated with utmost enthusiasm across Pakistan. I believe it is such initiatives which keep the culture and heritage alive, and encourage talent to come forward and change the future.
Maryam Ahmed Baloch
Executive Director - Gwadar Gymkhana
To pursue my father and grandfather’s vision and to give back to the land which has given me an identity, I take it as my duty to make Balochistan’s potential known to the world. Gwadar Gymkhana is a step towards achieving my dream of leaving an impact in the world by generating employment opportunities. It will help raise the living standard in my homeland. I take great pride in Gwadar Gymkhana being the largest privately constructed building in Gwadar and about the fact that it will be a place where Balochi culture, art, customs, and traditions will be illuminated for all.
Shahmir Ahsanullah
COO - Gwadar Gymkhana
My grandfather Haji M. Iqbal Baloch used to say “When you hear a difficult news never panic and when you hear a great news never get carried away”. I believe this is the foundation of a sustainable vision, one which can grow in any environment. At Gwadar Gymkhana we believe in providing a platform to visionary people so they can run the beautiful city of Gwadar to its full potential. We at Visionary Group have always been pioneers in introducing unique and sustainable solutions to promote commerce in Balochistan and we shall continue to do so in the future too.
Maryam Ahmed Baloch
Executive Director - Gwadar Gymkhana
To pursue my father and grandfather’s vision and to give back to the land which has given me an identity, I take it as my duty to make Balochistan’s potential known to the world. Gwadar Gymkhana is a step towards achieving my dream of leaving an impact in the world by generating employment opportunities. It will help raise the living standard in my homeland. I take great pride in Gwadar Gymkhana being the largest privately constructed building in Gwadar and about the fact that it will be a place where Balochi culture, art, customs, and traditions will be illuminated for all.
Shahmir Ahsanullah
COO - Gwadar Gymkhana
My grandfather Haji M. Iqbal Baloch used to say “When you hear a difficult news never panic and when you hear a great news never feel over excited”. I believe this is the foundation of a sustainable vision, one which can grow in any environment. At Gwadar Gymkhana we believe in providing a platform to visionary people so they can run the beautiful city of Gwadar to its full potential. We at Visionary Group have always been a pioneer in introducing unique sustainable solutions to promote commerce in Balochistan and we shall continue to do so in the future too.
Read the story of Visionary Group's journey since 2002
or visit www.visionarygroup.com.pk
Read the story of Visionary Group's journey since 2002
or visit www.visionarygroup.com.pk