Tell us a little about some of the values that were instilled in you by your parents which helped you evolve into a successful businessman. How much of those early lessons helped you in achieving all that you have today?
Ours was a very close-knit family. I had always been very close to my grandfather. I was born at the time when Pakistan was created, so patriotism was something which was instilled in me since birth practically. My family and I migrated from Calcutta. Being just and honest with our work was something that was always embedded in me. I was 22 years old, when my father died. So we had to struggle when it came to making our business flourish and succeed. I believe you can make a success out of anything depending on how you look at it – with positivity or negativity – if you go through a rough patch in your childhood it could in fact trigger you to make your mark in life and to succeed. Something like that could in fact be motivational.
Describe a typical day in the life of Mian Mohammad Mansha. Do you take time out for yourself? What do you do like to do in your spare time?
Typically, my day starts at around 6:30am. I have my cup of tea. I read about five to six newspapers every day. I normally watch BBC News, followed by some local news channels as well. On Sunday, I visit my dairy farm.
What were some of your initial business ventures? How challenging was it for you to succeed in a culture where ethics are not always maintained?
As I mentioned, it was quite tough at the beginning. A lack of experience tends to give one trouble in managing a business. I think that goes without saying. So yes, it was hard for me at first. I saw a lot of challenges. My father passed away in 1969. At that time, the tension between East and West Pakistan was simmering. Our textile business was in a mess. So, being inexperienced on my part was a challenge as I couldn’t take control of the situation with comfort and ease.
What would you suggest to the young and aspiring entrepreneurs? Do you think our education system is in line with the ground realties of businesses in Pakistan?
To be very candid, the gift of the gab is highly necessary along with the passion to succeed. In Urdu, we say ‘junoon’. A little bit of luck also goes a long way. So all this is important. Maintaining a strict code of business ethics is vital. A person should be honest and concentrate on one’s work. I’m impressed by today’s private education system in Pakistan. Even at that time, I did my schooling from Faisalabad and then went to Karachi for college. It was later that I went to London for higher education. I feel some of the best businessmen and entrepreneurs we have today have studied from Pakistan and probably have never been abroad for their education. I believe they know the local trades so well, that’s why they flourish in their businesses.
Are you satisfied with the country’s taxation policies? What can be done in order to increase the tax net without overburdening existing taxpayers?
The Pakistani tax regime is something we really need to improve. Most people in our country don’t pay taxes at all. We end up paying indirect taxes mainly. Those countries whose citizens pay high taxes are the ones succeeding. I like Russia’s model in that way, where Vladimir Putin only recently reduced taxes from 25 percent to 13 percent and doubled tax collection. We need to follow more growth-oriented policies which will generate development and economic prosperity.
You were the first Pakistani ever to make it to the Forbes rich list. What next for the Mansha conglomerate?
Well, we are still struggling. I have this passion and this drive to venture forth in new businesses. So far we have textile, cement, power generation, banking, dairy, real estate, etc. I want to create more businesses and hence provide more jobs for the unemployed and in that way, benefit the country at large. I believe the only way to defeat terrorism is to provide jobs and empower people in a positive way; otherwise it’s just back to square one. All our companies are listed on the local as well as the London Stock Exchange.
What other than work do you feel the most passionate about?
I feel this urge to help people and to sort out their problems, take them out of their miseries and be there for the less fortunate. Humanity is important to me and I believe strongly in philanthropy, even though I often do not choose to talk about charitable endeavours.
You are one of the country’s highest achievers. What makes your progress so steady and consistent?
The reason why our group of companies have done so consistently well is because we have constantly ventured into newer businesses. Allah has helped a great deal. Only recently, we launched the Emporium Mall, which is the country’s largest shopping mall. Why we launched it is because we wanted to make shopping experience convenient and more enjoyable and to revolutionise retail. Change is very important, because people’s tastes are changing and we have to innovate according to that.
“If you go through a rough patch in your childhood it could in fact trigger you to make your mark in life and to succeed. Something like that could in fact be motivational”
What according to you has been your biggest achievement till date? How much did your achievements change you personally and professionally?
When I first thought of venturing into the banking business, I was met with a lot of criticism. Similarly with the insurance business. So to achieve all this and be successful in these ventures is part of my big achievements. I’m lucky I had such great managers and hardworking staff to further my businesses. We employ more than 50,000 people. I believe all my achievements made me more humble. After every success, I realised there were so many less fortunate people I should help out.
You have three sons. Who reminds you of your youth the most?
All three of my sons are highly intelligent. They also have this in them to help others out, be it in anything. Even though they have graduated, they are still on the board of their universities, for instance the Pennsylvania State University and Babson College. They want to reach out to other students, counsel them and direct them. Not only my sons, but my wife is very career-oriented as well. She runs a very large business. My daughters-in-law look after various businesses. I feel proud to have a family that wants to work and achieve the impossible.
What is your vision for Pakistan and what does it mean to be Pakistani for you?
I want to see a prosperous, democratic and a tolerant Pakistan. I want to see a country where everyone gets a chance at doing something. I’m a proud Pakistani. My country is such which has stayed united even during the toughest times and when others thought Pakistan would just fall apart.
We, at Daily Times, consider you one of our national heroes. Who are some of yours?
Thank you. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Muhammad Khan Junejo and Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif. I have learnt a lot from Shaukat Aziz as well. Yousaf Sherazi and Syed Babar Ali are also people that I truly admire.
Achievements
A Versatile Businessman
Mian Mohammad Mansha is a leading businessman of the country who has business ventures set up in a variety of different industries, for example textile, cement, power generation, banking, dairy, real estate, insurance, etc.
Highest Tax Payer
With decades of success to his credit, Mian Mohammad Mansha is among the highest tax-paying individuals in Pakistan. By 2015, he has paid a total tax of Rs 100 billion, which is a record-breaking public achievement.
International Star
Mansha is the only Pakistani ever selected for a special lunch with the UK Financial Times. According to Forbes listings in 2010, he was the 937th richest person in the world.
Raking In the Awards
Mansha is the proud recipient of the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz (the Star of Excellence) civil award, bestowed on him by former president Pervez Musharraf.