Hussain Dawood's Full Speech at the PSX Top 25 Companies Awards
Hussain Dawood, Chairman of Engro Corporation, delivered a compelling address at the Pakistan Stock Exchange’s Top 25 Companies Awards for 2022, emphasizing the transformative power of ethical leadership and truthfulness in national development. His words resonated with a vision where integrity, accountability, and human development converge to shape both organizational success and the nation’s long-term prosperity.
The ceremony was graced by Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, the Governor and Chief Minister of Sindh, PSX Board Members, senior government officials, prominent business leaders, and foreign diplomats.
Dawood’s address focused on a principle of profound importance: the respect and prosperity of a nation are closely tied to the percentage of its people who speak the truth. He observed that adopting honesty as a guiding value is essential for attracting foreign investment and encouraging participation from international financial institutions. Citizens and organizations must lead by example, consistently demonstrating ethical conduct, he emphasized.
“They say the respect and prosperity of a nation is directly proportional to the percentage of its people who speak the truth—If we want to attract foreign investment and build lasting reputations, we must set the example: we will always speak the truth.”
Expanding on this, Dawood highlighted the intricate connection between character and reputation, illustrating how ethical practices within Engro Corporation foster an environment of safety, security, and engagement. Employees, feeling valued and consulted in decision-making, are inspired to excel, driving the organization’s overall success.
Turning to a spiritual perspective, Dawood reflected on material wealth, asserting that sustenance, or rizq, is determined by divine providence. He cautioned against the relentless pursuit of monetary gain, emphasizing that the true currency lies in deeds that endure beyond this world. Reminding the audience of mortality, he invoked the wisdom of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, who defined a wise person as one who thinks of death. Leaders, he argued, should prioritize contributions that elevate human development over mere accumulation of wealth.
Concluding his address, Dawood urged corporate leaders and professionals to channel their creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and experience toward the development of Pakistan’s people through education and empowerment. Central to this vision is cultivating truthfulness as a guiding principle in all spheres of life. By embedding ethical practices and prioritizing human development, he affirmed, the nation can achieve sustainable progress and enhance its standing on the global stage.
How can we, as individuals and leaders, cultivate a culture of truthfulness in our communities? Let us know in the comments!
This article was developed with the assistance of AI tools.
