Junaid Naqi: Empowering Industry and Youth – The Vision of KATI President
KATI President Junaid Naqi opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, government policies, trade with India, and why youth and women hold the key to Pakistan’s growth.
- Youth and Women Are the Future of Pakistan’s Industry
- Pakistan Can Compete Globally in the Pharma Sector
- We Don’t Need Aid—We Need Access to Global Markets
- KATI Is Not Just for Korangi—It’s a National Voice for Industry
- Government Must Offer Long-Term Industrial Policies
Karachi, Pakistan – In an exclusive interview, Junaid Naqi, President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), shared his journey, vision, and insights on Pakistan’s industrial landscape, government policies, and economic growth. With over 25 years of experience in the textile export industry and a strong belief in youth and women empowerment, Mr. Naqi has become a vital voice for the business community of Pakistan.
🌟 Who is Junaid Naqi?
Junaid Naqi is a seasoned businessman in his early 50s with a remarkable career in Pakistan’s textile sector. His journey started in 1992 when he joined his father’s plastic molding business. Later, inspired by his elder brother Masood Naqi, he entered the garment export business, working for two years as an intern at Cosine Agency.
In 2000, he founded his own company under the brand “Prestige Pallet” and continued in fabric export. In 2008, he ventured into safe drinking water supply for the corporate sector. His business journey runs parallel to his academic years, demonstrating his commitment and resilience from an early stage.
🏭 Industrial Growth and Government Support
When asked about the role of the federal government’s economic policies, Mr. Naqi pointed out significant progress. He noted that in recent years, the interest rate has decreased from 22% to 12%, and fuel prices have also come down, making operations more sustainable for industries.
These steps reflect the government’s responsiveness to business concerns raised in forums like the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and KATI. According to Naqi, such collaborative efforts have built positive momentum for Pakistan’s economy and industrial sector.
🔗 Trade Relations and Strategic Challenges
Discussing regional trade, Naqi highlighted the impact of Pakistan’s strained relations with India. Sectors like pharmaceuticals, which heavily depended on Indian raw materials, faced severe disruptions. At one point, over 50% of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical raw materials were imported from India.
However, businesses quickly adapted by shifting to alternative sources, including China and other countries. Today, only about 20–30% of pharmaceutical imports are India-dependent. Naqi sees this as a blessing in disguise—an opportunity for import substitution and local research and development (R&D).
💊 Pharmaceutical Industry: Resilience Amid Crisis
Despite geopolitical tensions, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry has shown resilience. Local manufacturers have stepped up efforts in R&D and supply chain diversification. Naqi revealed that the sector aims to eliminate the remaining 25% dependency on Indian imports through local solutions and international alternatives.
Although this shift may slightly increase the cost of production, it also creates opportunities for local employment, technological innovation, and long-term self-reliance.
🥦 Food Supply & Consumer Behavior
Naqi acknowledged that some food items—such as vegetables, pulses, and spices—were also imported from India. Due to current restrictions, Pakistanis must now explore local alternatives and become more self-sufficient in food production and consumption.
While it may require temporary sacrifice, Naqi encourages citizens to view this shift positively. For instance, focusing on life-saving drugs as essential imports, while reducing reliance on non-critical goods, can support national economic stability.
👩🎓 Empowering Female Youth for Economic Growth
At the heart of Naqi’s vision is the belief in empowering female youth. He emphasized the critical role of women in Pakistan’s progress and called for targeted programs and policies to support female entrepreneurs, students, and young professionals.
By investing in skills training, business mentoring, and inclusive opportunities, Pakistan can unlock the true potential of its next generation, particularly young women.
🔍 Key Takeaways
| Topic | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| Business Journey | 25+ years in textile export, water supply & corporate sector |
| Economic Policies | Lower interest rates and energy prices supporting industry |
| Trade Challenges | Shift from India to China & others for raw material import |
| Pharma Sector | Strong move towards import substitution & local R&D |
| Women Empowerment | Female youth are key to Pakistan’s future economic success |
💬 Final Thoughts
Junaid Naqi’s leadership at KATI reflects a balanced blend of experience, vision, and patriotism. As Pakistan navigates complex economic and geopolitical waters, voices like his help guide the industry with pragmatism and optimism.
By aligning government policies, trade strategies, and youth empowerment, Pakistan can aim for a resilient, innovative, and inclusive economy.
