British American Tobacco (BAT), a major consumer goods company, has officially inaugurated its Global Business Solutions (GBS) hub in Lahore. The launch event, “Digital Destination Pakistan,” underscored Pakistan’s potential as a burgeoning tech hub.
BAT invested $5 million in 2021 to establish the GBS hub, which currently employs over 350 people and offers services like finance, marketing, supply chain management, and data analytics to over 50 countries worldwide.
The company highlighted its commitment to expanding its footprint and capabilities in Pakistan over the coming years. Notably, BAT GBS Pakistan generated a foreign exchange inflow of $11.8 million in 2023.
Javed Iqbal, BAT Group Director for Digital and Information, emphasized the company’s intention to create jobs, nurture Pakistani IT talent, and bolster the country’s image as a viable tech destination. He believes this initiative will inspire other multinational corporations to invest in Pakistan.
Mueen Afzal, a retired bureaucrat and former chairman of Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited, applauded BAT for choosing Pakistan and commended their vision for a future-oriented hub.
Zafar Mahmood, current chairman of Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited, emphasized Pakistan’s abundant talent pool, ambition, and government support. He positioned the country as an ideal destination for multinational companies seeking skilled IT professionals.
Zubair Khan, General Manager for BAT GBS Pakistan, expressed pride in the rapid growth of the hub and its current service reach. He outlined their vision for the next decade, emphasizing continued investment in Pakistani talent and the national economy.
The launch of the BAT GBS hub signifies a significant development in Pakistan’s tech industry. The initiative holds the potential to create job opportunities, attract further foreign investment, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
