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Mohammad Salman Iqbal | |
|---|---|
 CEO ARY Group, Owner Karachi Kings and Chairman ARY Laguna | |
| Born | Karachi, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Education | University of Houston |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Years active | 1998-present |
| Known for |
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| Relatives | Abdul Razzak Yaqoob (uncle) |
Mohammad Salman Iqbal (Urdu: سلمان اِقبال) is a Pakistani media businessman and media mogul.[1] Inheriting a passion for excellence and progress from his family, Salman Iqbal has become one of the most dynamic and effective members of the ARY Group. In over a span of more than two decades, he has to his credit Pakistan’s Leading Satellite Television Network, Pakistan’s premium property developer, one of the country’s favourite cricket teams and above all, spearheading one of the nations leading business groups.
A graduate from the University of Houston, at the age 25, he started perhaps as the youngest media entrepreneur in the world on a journey that he describes as “many would not have embarked on, and many are envious of!” He engineered and orchestrated strategic partnerships with global media organizations such as HBO and Viacom, Endemol, Celador to introduce them to the Pakistan Market. Along with this he developed his own television network consisting of entertainment, news, sports, education, food and other genres.
Prior to being given the responsibility to run the media business of the Group, he was involved in various businesses within the ARY Family such as Treasury, Gold & Jewellery, Gold Bullion, Asset Management, Forex, Construction and Property.
Moving a step forward, Salman Iqbal acquired the franchise for Pakistan Super League biggest and most expensive cricket team Karachi Kings. It has been nine seasons so far. Pakistan Super League has brought a lot of energy and positivity in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape. In 2020 Karachi Kings brought the PSL trophy home. Salman Iqbal has been deemed as instrumental behind the success of PSL through extensive promotional support extended by his television network. Apart from the Pakistan Super League, Salman Iqbal has also played his role in promoting the T10 league and the Abu Dhabi T10 league as well.
In 2021 Salman Iqbal launched A-Sports, Pakistan’s first HD sports channel. A-Sports quickly gained nationwide following due to its extensive live coverage of an impressive portfolio of sports events such as ICC Men’s T 20 Cricket World Cup, Pakistan Super League, FIFA World Cup 2022, Paris Olympics 2024, F1 Racing and LaLiga league etc.
Moving on with his exceptional business acumen Salman Iqbal has diversified his sphere of interest into the field of property business in Pakistan and UAE as well. Whereby he has successfully Launched ARY Laguna in DHA City Karachi and DHA Gujranwala. Pakistan’s first man made beach side community bringing in latest technology and concept of Lagoon side living to the country. Moreover in the UAE his latest venture VisionARY is achieving major milestones in the booming property market working with major local property developers.
Salman Iqbal takes great interest in the welfare and wellbeing of society. He has been involved in philanthropy at multiple levels, whether its is organizing concerts for charity (such as Bryan Adams in Karachi 2006), starting the trend of live telethons for charitable organizations or taking relentless part in supporting the nation during natural disasters. He has worked with a number of charities and social development organizations including the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, UNICEF and WWF.
Salman Iqbal has also been actively contributing support to the victims of various natural disasters such as in the Haiti earthquake in 2010 and other calamities like floods and droughts in Pakistan.
His efforts have also been recognized by the Government of Pakistan and awarded the Sitara-e-Isar by the then President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, for his active contribution during the October 8, 2005 earthquake disaster in the Northern Areas of Pakistan.
In 2007, he was selected for the prestigious ‘Young Global Leader’ Award by the World Economic Forum. In the same year he was nominated among the Muslim Power 100, a prestigious list whereby the most successful young Muslims are recognized for their contributions to British Society.
In May 2017, Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Talib Hussain, and Mayor of Lancashire Borough Council Oldham, Ateeq ur Rehman, bestowed Mr. Iqbal with the Lord Mayor’s Award in recognition of his role in the realm of news media and his valuable services for free press and for the promotion of cricket.
Besides this he has contributed his services and support to the Memon community as well and also served as the Youngest elected President of World Memon Organization for the second consecutive term.
Salman Iqbal’s name is listed among the The Muslim 500, which highlights the most influential Muslims globally.
He has also been awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of the highest civilian awards, conferred by the President of Pakistan in 2022, for his services of promoting the cricket and sports in Pakistan.
- ^ "Pakistan's leading media company to acquire 51 per cent stakes and management control of WorldCall Telecom". Gulf News (newspaper). 4 October 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2022.