M. Shoaib Haider was born in Islamabad on the 4th of December 1968. He studied Civil Engineering at Middle East Technical University, Ankara Turkey, completing his B.Sc. in 1993. Subsequently he completed his masters degree in business administration (banking and finance) at Preston university, in 1999.
Prior to working for HOPE’87, Mr Haider worked for a construction company building road infrastructure in Pakistan. His association with HOPE’87 began when he met the Secretary General of HOPE’87, Robert Ottitsch in Pakistan in 2001.
1. Could you please introduce yourself?
I am M. Shoaib Haider. I’m 42 years old. I’m a Civil Engineer. Currently I’m working as the Branch Office Manager of HOPE’87 Pakistan.
2. How did you meet Tomoko Watanabe? What are your impressions of her?
I met Tomoko-san for the first time in December 2003, when she visited Pakistan. Since then, our acquaintance has developed in a sincere friendship. Tomoko-san is a very nice and kind-hearted person, dedicated to building peace and harmony in the world and to help the under-privileged persons of the world.
3. What are your impressions of Hiroshima and Japan?
I do not have words to express my wonderful impressions of Hiroshima or Japan, which I consider my second home. I have visited several countries around the world, but Japan stands out as an exception.
The technological advancements combined together with the unique culture makes it one of the most interesting countries in the world.
Hiroshima is a beautiful city and a wonder on its own, when you consider that the city was reduced to ashes at the end of the Second World War. Peace Park in Hiroshima touched my heart.
Last but not the least, I miss Sushi a lot!
My heart cries out when I see the devastation of beautiful Japan. I also wish that I can be of assistance to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
4. Could you describe the work that you do?
I am the Branch office Manager of HOPE’87 Pakistan (equivalent to the Chief Executive). HOPE’87 is an Austrian organization with offices in more than 10 countries world-wide. I look after the projects being implemented by HOPE’87 and its partners in Pakistan. The projects can be broadly categorized into two groups: Development Projects and Humanitarian Aid Projects.
5. Could you share the process of creating the Basic Health Unit at Shamshatoo and its presence there now that the facility is running?
HOPE’87 set up four schools near the Afghan Refugee Camp near Shamshatoo after the Afghan crisis of 2001-2002. The communities living close to the schools highlighted the lack of health facilities in the area.
Tomoko-san during her visit also appraised herself of the situation and supported the holding of a weekly health camp at the schools. The God-mother of Tomoko-san, Ueno-san committed to provide generous support for the setting up of a Basic Health Unit (BHU). It is only through the contribution of Ueno-san that the building of BHU was completed.
Together with further support from other Austrian organizations and the Government of Austria, the BHU has been made operational in 2011. The BHU is contributing to bringing health facilities to the poor people in the vicinity.
6. Do you have a favorite saying or expression?
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. Helen Keller.
7. How do you spend your time when you’re away from work?
Reading and Traveling are some of my favorite pastimes.
8. What are your personal or professional challenges for the future?
One of the foremost challenges is to improve the living conditions of the poor people of the world, making it a more peaceful harmonious and happy place to live in so that the children of the coming generation find this world to be a more hospitable place for living in peace.
Thank you very much, Shoaib-san!
