In Memoriam: Honoring the Legacy of Fasihul Karim Siddiqi, Founder of Global Compact Network Pakistan

Today, we mourn the loss of a visionary leader, a trailblazer, and a true champion of sustainability. Fasihul Karim Siddiqi’s impact will be forever cherished and his legacy will endure, shaping a more sustainable future for generations.

Fasihul Karim Siddiqi, visionary leader, champion of sustainability, and founder of Global Compact Network Pakistan, has left an indelible mark on the corporate world. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of a true visionary, whose pioneering spirit laid the foundation of the United Nations Global Compact Network in Pakistan back in 2005 and transformed the landscape of responsible business practices in Pakistan and beyond.

Mr. Siddiqi passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 27th, 2023 at the age of 74 years, leaving a void that will be felt by colleagues, partners, and the wider global community.

Born on the first of January 1948, Mr. Siddiqi was driven by a profound sense of purpose and a deep commitment to social responsibility.  He embarked on his professional journey in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) and migrated to Pakistan prior to the fall of East Pakistan. Later on, he joined Philips Pakistan and rose to the heights of the corporate level through the domains of Industrial Relations and Human Rights. He then joined Hinopak Motors as its General Manager of HR and Admin for the next 24 and as Director of HR, Admin, and Supply Chain in 2010.

He possessed extensive practical experience in matters pertaining to IR, labor issues, and labor unions, and displayed strong advocacy and commitment to industrial legal affairs. Having been elected as Vice President of the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan on two occasions, he served the organization in various capacities for the past four decades including its Secretary General for quite some time.

His expertise also extended to the realm of academia, where he imparted the knowledge at several universities in Karachi and business institutes, including IBA, Bahria University, IoBM, NICE, and PIQC, among others. Notably, it was at IBA where he delivered his final lecture on Industrial Relations, drawing his last breaths thereafter. As a seasoned trainer, he approached HR matters with a practical outlook and conducted numerous training sessions on HR, IR, and HSE.

Moreover, he spearheaded several projects with the ILO, MACN, and United Nations, among others. He was known for his erudition and humility, always ready to assist those seeking knowledge.

Let us honor his memory by redoubling our efforts to create a world where businesses thrive alongside communities and the environment, where profit is harmonized with purpose, and where social impact is an integral part of every organization’s DNA.

We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Fasihul Karim Siddiqi’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May his legacy serve as a guiding light for generations to come, inspiring us all to strive for a more sustainable and just world.

He is survived by two daughters, Farheen Rashid, and Bushra Raza.

Regards;
President
Majyd Aziz & Team GCNP