Inspiring tale of perseverance from rural Sindh

It's a story of rag to riches. It's a story of indomitable courage. It's a story of perseverance. It is the story of Mehboob Shar, the first Pakistani to be recognized among Google's top SEO experts globally.

Shar, who hails from rural Sindh, has made history by securing a coveted spot on the prestigious list of 25 SEO experts curated by Google. This landmark achievement underscores Pakistan's growing prominence in the field of digital marketing and technology.

With over 1 million SEO experts worldwide, Shar's inclusion in this elite group is a testament to his exceptional skills and expertise in the field of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).

His recognition on the global stage reflects not only his personal accomplishments but also the potential for Pakistan's IT industry to thrive on the international front. Muhammad Zohaib Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan IT Industry Association (P@SHA), hailed Shar's achievement as a positive trend for the country's IT sector.

Khan underlined the importance of nurturing talent like Shar, stating that his expertise could inspire and guide future generations of SEO enthusiasts, ultimately contributing to the growth of IT exports. Mehboob Shar, the Founder and CEO of Icreativez Technologies, hails from a humble background in Loung Khan Keerio village, Shaheed Benazirabad district.

Despite facing financial challenges, Shar's passion for learning and hard work propelled him to pursue higher education in the field of Information Technology (IT).

After completing his educationn government institutions, including a four-year BS IT program at Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology Nawabshah, Shar faced obstacles in paying the remaining fees for his degree. Despite these setbacks, his determination and resilience led him to carve out a successful career path in the tech industry.

Shar's journey took him from entry-level positions to prominent roles in multinational companies, where he honed his skills and gained invaluable experience. Recognising the potential of digital marketing, particularly SEO, Shar embarked on a journey to master this powerful tool, eventually achieving top rankings for his own website and attracting international clients.

His breakthrough came when a Netherlands-based flower company entrusted him with a project to enhance their online visibility, marking a turning point in his entrepreneurial journey. Since then, Shar has expanded his business globally, serving clients across 17 countries and providing consultancy services to leading companies such as Zoom.

"I explored the digital marketing and found the way more powerful tool SEO and knuckled down to do a lot of work on this tool and got expertise on it to drag my own website to one of the top ranking sites of the world," Shar recalled. "After my name was included in the Google featured list of Top SEO Experts in The World recently, more avenues opened up for my business."

Recently, after a 16-year wait, Shar was awarded his degree by Quaid-e-Awam University, acknowledging his contributions to the field of technology and his commitment to giving back to his alma mater.

In recognition of his achievements, the university has announced plans to establish a computer lab and smart classes, supported by Shar's generous donation of Rs10 million. Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Saleem Raza Samo commended Shar for his exemplary dedication and integrity, citing him as a role model for future generations of students.

Shar's commitment to mentoring and supporting aspiring IT professionals further underscores his dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in the industry