I was born in Canada and brought up in a very traditional Pakistani family. My father was a former Pakistani Air Force pilot, who had instilled in us a level of national pride that only a military family can understand. I was never the one when it came to academics, but instead I was much more of a hands on experience kind of person. Reading books has always been my passion, especially those on self development or anything that may improve me not only as a professional but as a human being, as well. Apart from that Music and Fashion are two things that have always been a huge part of my life. From my father’s old cassette tapes of Noor Jehan to my mother’s love of the Beatles, we have always taken music as an amazing form of self expression. As for my love for fashion, my father would always say, “Dress like a king, and you will be treated like a king.” Was he ever right! As the saying goes, “If you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you perform good.” So when everyone else is in jeans and a T-shirt, put on a suit and tie and see how you feel.
FHM: You are said to be an active sports lover. So apart from being the CEO of one of Pakistan’s largest flight correspondence, what are your other day to day hobbies?
ES: Yes, I am a sports lover. My favorite sports are ice hockey, boxing and cricket although cricket is one game that I have never been good at. I’m proud to say that Shaheen Air has a very active and sports enthused team. We always find time after work to let off some steam playing sports together.
FHM: Becoming a CEO at such a young age is a huge responsibility. What guidelines would you give in order to invoke the youth of today towards your company and your way of life?
ES: I would simply advise the youth on two things that we stand for and live by at Shaheen Air. First, be a team player, do not get caught up with posts and positions. We all have to work together, not only for our respective organizations but for our nation as well. The second advice I would give is never let go of your humanity. If we do not help the less fortunate than ourselves then all we work for and achieve is worth nothing. We are the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the key first word in that is Islamic. We absolutely cannot forget that.
FHM: How do you balance your personal and professional life?
ES: Shaheen Air is a family business. Not just the “Sehbai” family but the “Shaheen” family. It is not at all difficult to balance as we are all one unit and Alhamdulillah we operate as such.
FHM: If you were not the CEO of Shaheen Int. then what would you be today?
ES: I am a small town boy from the mountains, if I was not the CEO of Shaheen Air I would definitely be back in a small mountain town, doing my best to serve my community and my nation in any way that The Almighty would permit.
RAPID FIRE
FHM: Describe yourself in three words?
ES: Patriotic, patient, fearless
FHM: Favorite Holiday destination?
ES: Banff, Canada
FHM: Favorite clothing brand?
ES: Dolce &Gabbana
FHM: Favorite wrist watch brand?
ES: Hublot
FHM: Favorite Sport?
ES: Ice hockey
FHM: Favorite perfume?
ES: Ambrè by Baldessarini
FHM: How often do you gym or play sports?
ES: 3-4 times a week
FHM: 5 things you can’t live without?
ES: There’s only 1, my Quran
FHM: Favorite cuisine?
ES: Italian
FHM: Any inspiration?
ES: My father, he has been my role
Model and guide my entire life.
