From reshaping Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape to winning the British Council Study UK Alumni Award, Nabeel is a true force for innovation. Nabeel teaches entrepreneurship, leadership and self-development at business and IT schools in Pakistan. He also created and produced Pakistan’s first business TV reality show.
Why did you decide to choose Scotland?
“Scotland stood out to me for several reasons: its breathtaking scenery, the genuine warmth of its people, and the inclusive environment it offered. What swung my decision was the practical and applied learning approach at Strathclyde Business School,” Nabeel said.
“The MSc course I chose stood out for its design - a thoughtful blend of research, theory, and real-world application within a global managerial context. Looking back, choosing Scotland was not just a good decision - it was the right one. If I had the chance to decide again, I would choose it without hesitation”, he added.
Tell us about the importance of the Pakistan-Scotland relationship
“The Pakistan-Scotland relationship is rooted in shared values of community and commitment to education. Many Pakistani students, like myself, have benefitted from Scotland’s inclusive academic environment and its emphasis on practical, meaningful learning,” Nabeel explained.
“There’s such huge potential if you look at some of the key industry sectors. Pakistan's textile and growing IT sectors can benefit from partnerships with Scottish enterprises, particularly within Scotland’s vibrant startup ecosystem, which emphasises innovation and sustainability, and social impact. It’s an exciting time to explore some of these potential partnerships.”
Nabeel explained: “Scotland’s expertise in clean energy and net zero emissions, especially in Glasgow, offers valuable lessons for Pakistan’s evolving energy strategies”.
“The Pakistan-Scotland relationship is not just important - it’s transformative. It holds the key to economic growth, climate resilience, and shared progress built on respect, reciprocity, and collaboration,” he added.
What advice would you give for future students and entrepreneurs?
“Dream big - no matter how ambitious it may seem. And don’t fear failure! Have the courage to fail and fail regularly,” Nabeel said.
What support and help did you find when you moved to Scotland? Have you found a sense of community here?
“Scotland has a real sense of inclusivity and warmth. There’s a sense of cultural pride in the way communities welcome newcomers. The people are so friendly, with a strong sense of humour and a natural openness that makes it easy to feel at home.”
“I quickly found myself becoming part of this broader community. From the supportive campus staff who consistently went the extra mile to help students, to the flatmates who gave me insights into different perspectives - everyone contributed to a deepening sense of belonging,” Nabeel added.
What makes you feel most proud about what you’ve achieved?
Nabeel explained: “Mentoring startup founders and young professionals has been immensely rewarding. Seeing their growing self-belief and commitment to paying it forward is really exciting. To me, that ‘ripple effect’ - when someone you’ve supported begins to impact others - is the most meaningful and rewarding outcome one could hope for.”
Tell us about Glasgow as a place to live and study
“It’s often said that ‘People make Glasgow’ - and I truly found that to be the case – and I love their sense of humour. Glasgow is a really welcoming, inclusive, and open city that takes great pride in its culture and heritage. The warmth and friendliness of its people create a supportive environment that makes it an enriching place to live and study - for both international and local students.”
“Another remarkable aspect of Glasgow is its diversity. While deeply rooted in its own culture, the city embraces people from all walks of life, making it ‘home’ for a rich mix of communities,” Nabeel said.
Have you benefitted from any mentorship or networks you built during your time in Scotland?
"Compounding Impact" - that’s how I would describe the network I built during my time studying in Scotland. The friendships I formed have played a significant role in both my professional and personal life, and they continue to do so today,” Nabeel explained.