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Hottie of the week: Azeem Ibrahim

Published: June 24, 2012

Who is he?

He’s a scholar, a respected entrepreneur, and a philanthropist. Yale calls him an ‘emerging world leader’, his columns are published in various international newspapers, he’s dined at the White House and met with the Queen. With three masters’ degrees under his belt and an entire bank to his credit, it’s no wonder he’s considered one of the most influential young Brits. In March this year, the chairman of PTI, Imran Khan appointed him as the strategic policy advisor for the party.

Why we’re crushing on him

Ibrahim had a rough start growing up. His dad died and his business went bankrupt, so our hottie supported his family and has worked tirelessly from the age of 13. His Don Draper-like appeal, mixed with his distinctive style — quintessential bow ties and clean side part — make him look every bit the gentleman that he is. But, since Ibrahim is a marathon runner and self-admitted “fitness fanatic”, it is safe to assume that underneath that well-tailored suit is  a killer bod. But the real cherry on this sumptuous cake is that he can speak four languages … and  we’re absolute suckers for dreamy accents!

Why he’s a keeper

He’s charitable and devotes much of his time to non-profit enterprises like his most recent venture, a private grant-giving foundation. Aww, Ibrahim, wouldn’t we like a grant of your love!

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, June 24th, 2012.

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Reader Comments (39)

  • Umair Khan
    Jun 24, 2012 - 8:59PM

    Proud to have him as PTI supporter :)

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  • Jun 24, 2012 - 9:03PM

    “His dad died and his business went bankrupt, so our hottie supported his family and has worked tirelessly from the age of 13.” I believe there is a problem here.

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  • Aayan
    Jun 24, 2012 - 9:16PM

    I have listened couple of his speeches on conferences.. Really love the personality of this guy.. m so glad he is attached to PTI, it will surely result in something great for the party ad the country..

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  • Sheharyar
    Jun 24, 2012 - 9:18PM

    PTI has gems! People like Asad Umar & Azeem Ibrahim are leading professionals.

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  • M_ALI
    Jun 24, 2012 - 10:27PM

    his speech at the honorary doctorate ceremony at Glasgow Caledonian University was really inspirational, just watch it on you tube and you will get to learn how life is dealt,

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  • Ch. Allah Daad
    Jun 24, 2012 - 10:44PM

    Whatever this gentleman has done is for U.K. How many industries and employment opportunities he has created for people of Pakistan? People like him cannot cross an intersection in Pakistan. We need experienced leaders who should have immense knowledge and experience to do things in local conditions. Luckily we have those leaders are in PML(N) therefore we need no outsider. PML(N) leaders have vast experience of creating jobs and good administration. If this guy has dined once in his life with a poweless figure head, our Mian has dined hundreds of times with a real King.

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  • Waseem Sindhu
    Jun 24, 2012 - 10:52PM

    When businessmen becomes politicians, wouldn’t they be caring more about their business and using their power to grow from millionaires to billionaires? Isn’t this the case with Sugar, Rice and Flour mafia? What benefit do you see in inducting businessmen into a politician party?

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  • just_someone
    Jun 24, 2012 - 11:01PM

    So I went to his website, read all the accolades but couldnt find any record of academic publications. For me, the definition of a scholar is someone who is academically active (or used to be active i.e. has influential academic publications to his name), but this guy is more of a non-academic. Hence, I dont consider him a scholar.
    If you want to see REAL Pakistani scholars, look up Asim Khawaja, Atif Mian or Amir Sufi.

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  • Fahed Pervez
    Jun 24, 2012 - 11:18PM

    What Article all about PTI joins Hotties or Hotties Joins PTI

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  • PPP fan
    Jun 25, 2012 - 12:23AM

    rubbish article. The quality keeps taking a nose dive at ET

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  • current
    Jun 25, 2012 - 1:05AM

    @ Ch Daud.. All your leader has to Show is Bald patched covered with a nice hair transplant.. and his colleagues where a Wig.. my friend i thought maybe with new hair he wud bring new hope.. He has nothing to show.. no leadership.. Only Imran khan! only PTI !

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  • khoya pakistani
    Jun 25, 2012 - 1:12AM

    A look at this guy’s website shows he is more interested in self promotion than anything. There are quite a few people like this in Pakistan, too many if you ask me

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  • curious
    Jun 25, 2012 - 1:27AM

    This is why I love/respect Imran Khan, He will bring with him a genuine/competent team!

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  • Uzair Javaid
    Jun 25, 2012 - 2:08AM

    A Scottish Pakistani =)

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  • imposter
    Jun 25, 2012 - 2:49AM

    what is that@Uzair Javaid:

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  • javed
    Jun 25, 2012 - 3:30AM

    Brilliant

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  • Usman
    Jun 25, 2012 - 4:34AM

    @just_someone: Get a life

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  • A Pakistani
    Jun 25, 2012 - 7:49AM

    I have gone through his official website. Looks like a self-styled self-promoting guy, declaring himself an international scholar. He’s basically an arm-chair analyst.

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  • adeel
    Jun 25, 2012 - 8:27AM

    Ch Allahdad: He is British and therefore, he did for UK but charity work for Pakistan. However, I am afraid that there are some Pakistani Billionaire who transfer money from Pakistan through Money Laundering (as per affidavit submitted by Ishaq Dar in Supreme Court), Use capital earn to establish industries in Saudi Arabia and then set up half dozen of companies with Billions in UK as per official website and no denial yet.Recommend

  • popsaeed
    Jun 25, 2012 - 9:20AM

    As ususal ET promoting PTIRecommend

  • who
    Jun 25, 2012 - 9:42AM

    never heard of this gentleman until now? what is hot about him or his business?Recommend

  • Princess
    Jun 25, 2012 - 10:02AM

    Hotties? Really? what a pathetic article

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  • wah wah
    Jun 25, 2012 - 10:10AM

    ET really needs to wake and ask its editorial staff to work. This gentlemen was in the news (ET rather) a couple of months back as well, that time he had joined PTI as an advisor. No other newspaper carried that report. The last article simply quoted his own website without any independent research. And the interesting bit is that he as gone from a world bank youth leader (no mention of his name anywhere on their website) to an emerging leader courtesy Yale.
    Seriously ET? Recommend

  • omar
    Jun 25, 2012 - 10:31AM

    What a hopeless way of celebrating a successful individual… who writes this stuff?

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  • roadkashehzada
    Jun 25, 2012 - 10:35AM

    @Usman:
    if u criticise PTI or its any member, you have no life…..
    PTI needs to be more tolerant

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  • Akshay
    Jun 25, 2012 - 11:00AM

    Is this article written by a girl? Looks more like a love letter to me.

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  • Teal
    Jun 25, 2012 - 11:33AM

    If this man really is very accomplished and deserves to be admired; this article is an injustice and makes him into a joke.

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  • mystreeman
    Jun 25, 2012 - 11:57AM

    Somebody who serves the British Army and is British National how could he be loyal to Pakistan?

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  • RS
    Jun 25, 2012 - 1:28PM

    Ahahahahahhahahahaha. No. Tribune, seriously? Jus no.

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  • Shaista Tufail
    Jun 25, 2012 - 1:41PM

    @just_someone:

    He is a scholar who has a phd from cambridge and was at harvard and advised many many world leaders and written lots and lots of policy papers. Not sure what your defination of scholar is.

    Too many negative people leaving comments. We should be happy for anyone who is trying to help Pakistan

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  • God Help us!
    Jun 25, 2012 - 1:56PM

    @mystreeman
    I do not know this guy and can’t vouch for him. However, atleast if he is a British National and has served their Army he doesn’t hide that unlike a dual-nationality holder we had as an interior minister for many years who tried to hide about his dual nationality and then finally when it was revealed, had to step down as minister!

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  • mystreeman
    Jun 25, 2012 - 7:53PM

    @Shaista Tufail: Really, he is trying to help Pakistan? Did we ask for his help? He wants to help Pakistan, come and stay here for few months at least. Pakistanis are sick of foreign born experts imposed on them. Go dude serve Scotland, we don’t need you.

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  • AMAZED
    Jun 26, 2012 - 5:42AM

    He’s a total fraud. Most of his academic accomplishments are fake — please call up the registrar of any of the Universities mentioned to verify. PTI should be ashamed of not having done their due diligence before appointing him as their advisor.

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  • Ayesha P
    Jun 27, 2012 - 12:19PM

    Not impressed.

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  • rahman ali
    Jun 28, 2012 - 5:22PM

    who is pkistan about u its boundaies or it its people.Imran khan is a man like ahero but v should know what is new in PTI constitution. What is the difference between PTIand a muslim league constitution.Recommend

  • B
    Jul 2, 2012 - 8:10PM

    @Shaista Tufail:
    @Ch. Allah Daad:
    er…our Mian

    I agree. Unfortunately, it is typical Pakistani attitude to condemn the same people who have the potential of bringing something good to our country and its probably due to pur own inferiority complex. I mean,when Dr Ibrahim was made analyst of PTI, ET reported it. You should have seen the comments. A bunch of people actually suspected him of being a CIA agent…

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  • Timmy
    Jul 3, 2012 - 4:48PM

    Why does the word “success” has all to be associated with what a person achievs in this world only? Why dont we see articles praising someone whos tried truely hard, hasnt been able to achieve much in life, but has remained religiously strong, has managed to save himself from wrongdoings(which belive me not is undoubtly the mother of all struggles, and im not pointing out to taliban if thats the picture ur painting in ur mind rite now)and doesnt wear a suit and bow tie..? Im sure the answer aint,”Cuz there arent any!”, but the fact that our own myopia that has clowded our thoughts to term success from a funnel vision and by not keeping both aspects in mind..how broadminded is that?

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  • Hashmi
    Jul 17, 2012 - 1:20PM

    So many people jealous of the ever growing popularity of PTI

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  • HH
    Jul 27, 2012 - 8:43PM

    Such a shameful series of comments on such a talented and bright individual. To all the losers calling him fake and making fun of his achievements, my only feelings are “so sorry for your lack of common sense and information in this age of global media” – Just because some of you were not “informed” of his achievements list, and doesn;t appear on Geo Tv’s Political Manazaray, claiming what an achiever he is, doesn’t make him fake at all. Very ture, common sense is not common in common people.

    For those doubting his Yale’s fellowship and other achievements claim, please go ahead and put some effort at least Googling his name (if you have any shame left to do so) and you will at least find the following.

    Yale’s Fellowship
    http://www.yale.edu/worldfellows/fellows/ibrahim-a.html

    and this one by British Council

    http://www.britishcouncil.org/new/society/belief-in-dialogue/our-shared-future/Our-Network/Our-Shared-Future-Opinion-Leaders-Network/Azeem-Ibrahim/

    and this one for his Publications (reviewed and cited by others)

    http://ispu.org/people/Azeem-Ibrahim

    For his Discussion Papers at the Harvad University (John F. Kennedy School of Government), take a look at following link (and you cannot miss the refernce of his paper of an Academic Citation at the botton of the page)

    http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/publication/19490/usaidtopakistanustaxpayershavefundedpakistanicorruption.html

    None of these links are fake or setup (as always percieved by some ill minds). He is a genuine achiever and if you cannot show some respect to him, then stop giving the misleading information on the credibility of his achievements and at least don;t expose your lack of information and common sense. Just on a side note, no one knew Sharmeen Obaid, untill she was acknowledged by the whole world, and then we came up celebrating “Yaay Pakistan has got talent”. Such a shame!

    Best of luck Azeem Ibrahim. May Allah grant you with more success. Ameen!

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