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Wars Create Losers

Wars Create Losers: Amin Hashwani on Pakistan-India Economic Path

Pakistan-India relations /

Wars Create Losers: Amin Hashwani on Pakistan-India Economic Path In this gripping episode of DigiTales, entrepreneur and thought leader Amin Hashwani sits down to break down the deeper realities behind modern geopolitical conflicts, focusing especially on the India-Pakistan standoff, with reflections on China, America, and broader global shifts. Having led the Pakistan-India Business Council and engaged in years of cross-border dialogue, Hashwani brings a rare depth of experience to the discussion.The episode challenges the narrative of victory that often follows conflict. Hashwani argues that while multiple actors, India, Pakistan, China, and the U.S., claimed victory after the recent India-Pakistan conflict, no one truly won. The People Question Instead, the region has entered what he calls a “cycle of perpetual war,” where jingoism replaces diplomacy, and defense spending overshadows investments in people.One of the most powerful insights Hashwani shares is the “freak of nature” dynamic between India and Pakistan: despite decades of hostility at the political level, ordinary citizens often share deep cultural ties and mutual goodwill. He attributes the continued estrangement not to people but to leadership failures, media narratives, and unresolved historical grievances.Hashwani emphasizes that Pakistan’s core challenge is not military strength, but identity. The country has struggled for over seven decades to establish a cohesive national identity that isn’t overly reliant on religion alone. The Policy Angle He advocates for a pluralistic, culturally rich identity, one that embraces the country’s historical heritage, from Mohenjo-Daro to Gandhara, and builds on shared Islamic values of compassion, ethics, and community.On the other side, he warns that India is economically advancing but socially regressing, with rising ultra-nationalism and intolerance threatening its long-term stability. He critiques India’s shift away from Nehru’s secular, pluralistic vision and urges both nations to recognize that economic prosperity without social cohesion is unsustainable.A significant portion of the conversation explores the broader global shift away from rule-based international systems. From the crumbling credibility of institutions like the UN and IMF to the rise of unilateralism seen in the actions of the U.S., Israel, and Russia, Hashwani argues that geopolitics today is being driven by power, not principles. Where Things Went Wrong In this landscape, Pakistan and India must resist being pawns and instead focus on nation-building.Hashwani repeatedly returns to the idea that wars are fundamentally societal failures. Real progress comes not from military displays but from investing in education, healthcare, governance, and climate resilience. He warns that both India and Pakistan risk repeating historical mistakes if they don’t prioritize internal reform over external posturing.The episode ends on a note of realism, but also cautious optimism. What Comes Next Hashwani reminds us that real change doesn’t come from messiahs, it comes from all of us. If individuals, institutions, and societies take ownership of their sphere of influence, Pakistan, and the region, can still chart a prosperous, peaceful path forward. Frequently Asked Questions Who is Amin Hashwani? Amin Hashwani is a prominent figure in geopolitics featured on the DigiTales podcast with Faizan Sayed, where they discussed their career, insights, and vision for Pakistan’s future. What business insights did Amin Hashwani share on DigiTales? On DigiTales, Amin Hashwani shared candid perspectives on building businesses in Pakistan, including the challenges of operating in a developing market and specific strategies that drove their success. What is DigiTales podcast? DigiTales is a podcast hosted by Faizan Sayed, CEO of East River Digital, featuring weekly conversations with Pakistan’s most influential leaders across business, culture, policy, and technology. The show covers real stories and hard-won insights from CEOs, artists, politicians, and entrepreneurs. Guest: Amin Hashwani Amin Hashwani is a Pakistani entrepreneur and geopolitical commentator who led the Pakistan-India Business Council for several years. He is part of the Hashwani family, one of Pakistan’s prominent business groups, and has spent decades advocating for cross-border dialogue and economic cooperation in the region. Host: Faizan Sayed Faizan Sayed is the founder of DigiTales Podcast and CEO of East River Digital, a performance-led marketing agency with offices in Pakistan, KSA, and the US. Each week, he interviews Pakistan’s most influential leaders across business, culture, and policy. Category Automotive (1) creative entrepreneurship (1) Entertainment (1) Pakistan-India relations (1) Recent Post Wars Create Losers: Amin Hashwani on Pakistan-India Economic Path Amin Gulgee on Pakistani Art, Business, and Creative Freedom Ali Asghar Jamali: Leading Indus Motor Through Pakistan's Auto Shift Aamer Naseer on Building Startups in Pakistan's Ecosystem

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Amin Gulgee Islam and Art Clash Or Coexistence

Amin Gulgee on Pakistani Art, Business, and Creative Freedom

creative entrepreneurship /

Amin Gulgee on Pakistani Art, Business, and Creative Freedom In a world that demands conformity, what does it mean to be truly free? This was the central question that echoed through my mind after a captivating conversation with Amin Gulgee. Born into the legacy of one of Pakistan’s most celebrated artists, Amin could have easily followed a prescribed path. The Personal Side Instead, he has spent his life forging a fiercely independent one, and his journey offers deep lessons on creativity, identity, and the art of living without restraint.Coming from a family of engineers and chemists, with an IV League education in economics from Yale, Amin was primed for the corporate world. His parents, despite being artists themselves, had one simple request: “Don’t be an artist.” He initially agreed, pursuing a degree he hated, only to find himself drawn back to the world he was trying to escape. The Strategic Pivot This internal conflict between expectation and passion is a struggle many of us can relate to, but Amin’s resolution was unique. He didn’t just embrace art; he embraced it on his own terms.He deliberately chose sculpture, specifically metalwork, a medium his famous father never engaged with. It was a conscious decision not to live in his father’s shadow, but to create his own. The Pakistan Factor This desire for an independent voice is the core of his artistic practice. He never takes commissions, because for him, the work leads him, not the other way around. His workshop is a sacred, private space where he enters a state of fluidity, allowing the materials and ideas to guide him toward an unknown destination. What Comes Next He finds not just comfort, but deep joy in this uncertainty,a state most of us are conditioned to fear.This philosophy extends beyond his art to his very identity. When asked where he is from, his answer is a lesson in freedom: “What’s lovely about not belonging somewhere is you belong everywhere.” He rejects the “entrapping” nature of belonging to a single tribe, culture, or even artistic movement. This outsider perspective is his greatest strength, allowing him to create without the burden of expectation.Perhaps the most poignant moment was our discussion of the tragic loss of his parents. Instead of being consumed by grief, he channeled his pain into his work, finding a way to keep moving forward. His life philosophy is not to dwell on the past, but to live in the now and look to the future. It’s a powerful message from an artist who doesn’t just create objects of beauty, but whose life itself is a work of art,a proof to the power of being true to oneself, no matter the cost. Frequently Asked Questions Who is Amin Gulgee? Amin Gulgee is a prominent figure in art featured on the DigiTales podcast with Faizan Sayed, where they discussed their career, insights, and vision for Pakistan’s future. What did Amin Gulgee say about Pakistan's creative industry? Amin Gulgee discussed the state of Pakistan’s creative sector on DigiTales, offering a firsthand account of the challenges artists face and the opportunities that remain for those willing to push boundaries. What is DigiTales podcast? DigiTales is a podcast hosted by Faizan Sayed, CEO of East River Digital, featuring weekly conversations with Pakistan’s most influential leaders across business, culture, policy, and technology. The show covers real stories and hard-won insights from CEOs, artists, politicians, and entrepreneurs. Guest: Amin Gulgee Amin Gulgee is a Pakistani sculptor, curator, and performance artist. A Yale University graduate in Art History and Economics (1987), he was Chief Curator of the inaugural Karachi Biennale in 2017 and received the President’s Pride of Performance Award in 2006. His public works include installations at Pakistan’s parliament and the United Nations headquarters in New York. Host: Faizan Sayed Faizan Sayed is the founder of DigiTales Podcast and CEO of East River Digital, a performance-led marketing agency with offices in Pakistan, KSA, and the US. Each week, he interviews Pakistan’s most influential leaders across business, culture, and policy. Category Automotive (1) creative entrepreneurship (1) Entertainment (1) Recent Post Amin Gulgee on Pakistani Art, Business, and Creative Freedom Ali Asghar Jamali: Leading Indus Motor Through Pakistan's Auto Shift Aamer Naseer on Building Startups in Pakistan's Ecosystem

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Ali Asghar Jamali: Leading Indus Motor Through Pakistan’s Auto Shift

Automotive /

Ali Asghar Jamali: Leading Indus Motor Through Pakistan’s Auto Shift Every car buyer in Pakistan has asked the same question: why are our cars so expensive? We look at international prices, we hear stories about build quality, and we feel a constant sense of being overcharged. It’s a frustration I’ve shared myself. The Technology Bet But in my recent conversation on the Digitales podcast with Ali Asghar Jamali, the CEO of Indus Motor Company (Toyota Pakistan), I realized the story is far more complex, and the real culprit isn’t who we think it is.Ali provided a lesson on the anatomy of the Pakistani auto industry, and the first lesson was about its massive economic footprint. An auto plant isn’t just an employer for the few thousand people on its payroll. He revealed a staggering statistic: every single working day, Indus Motors alone purchases 27 to 28 crore rupees worth of parts from local suppliers across Pakistan. Following the Money This isn’t just a factory; it’s the engine of a vast ecosystem that includes parts manufacturers, logistics companies, dealerships, and service centers, creating a multiplier effect that supports tens of thousands of families.This brought us to the industry’s biggest fight, a battle happening in plain sight against what Ali describes as a subsidized and technically illegal competitor: the used car import market. In a shocking revelation, he stated that after Suzuki, the second-largest market share in Pakistan belongs not to Honda or any other local assembler, but to imported used cars. This “shadow industry,” he argues, thrives on a system that uses personal baggage schemes, drains foreign exchange, and operates with a significant tax advantage over local manufacturers who have invested billions in the country.But the most eye-opening moment came when we tackled the price tag. Following the Money: Part 2 Why does a new Toyota Fortuner cost over two crore rupees? The answer isn’t greed or inefficiency. Ali broke it down with striking clarity: on a Fortuner with a sticker price of 2.25 crore, a jaw-dropping 1.4 crore rupees are purely government taxes. Why This Matters The actual price of the vehicle,covering all parts, salaries, logistics, and profits,is around 90 lakhs. A 77-lakh Corolla has about 35 lakhs in taxes baked into its price.Suddenly, the narrative shifts. The problem isn’t the car; it’s the fiscal policy. Ali argues that a significant reduction in taxes would spur a massive increase in demand,potentially 50% or more,which would more than offset the tax-rate cut through sheer volume, all while creating more jobs and economic activity.We also covered the immense challenges of turning Pakistan into an auto exporter, from the lack of local raw materials like automotive-grade steel to the absence of strategic Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that would make our cars competitive in key markets.This conversation completely reframed my understanding of the auto industry. It’s not just a story about cars; it’s a story about industrial policy, tax reform, and the fight to build a sustainable manufacturing base in Pakistan. To get the full, myth-busting breakdown, I urge you to listen to the complete episode. Frequently Asked Questions Who is Ali Asghar Jamali? Ali Asghar Jamali is a prominent figure in automotive featured on the DigiTales podcast with Faizan Sayed, where they discussed their career, insights, and vision for Pakistan’s future. What business insights did Ali Asghar Jamali share on DigiTales? On DigiTales, Ali Asghar Jamali shared candid perspectives on building businesses in Pakistan, including the challenges of operating in a developing market and specific strategies that drove their success. What is DigiTales podcast? DigiTales is a podcast hosted by Faizan Sayed, CEO of East River Digital, featuring weekly conversations with Pakistan’s most influential leaders across business, culture, policy, and technology. The show covers real stories and hard-won insights from CEOs, artists, politicians, and entrepreneurs. Guest: Ali Asghar Jamali Ali Asghar Jamali is the CEO of Indus Motor Company (Toyota Pakistan), a position he has held since January 2017. A Harvard Business School AMP graduate, he also serves as Chairman of the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA). Host: Faizan Sayed Faizan Sayed is the founder of DigiTales Podcast and CEO of East River Digital, a performance-led marketing agency with offices in Pakistan, KSA, and the US. Each week, he interviews Pakistan’s most influential leaders across business, culture, and policy. Category Automotive (1) Entertainment (1) Recent Post Ali Asghar Jamali: Leading Indus Motor Through Pakistan's Auto Shift Aamer Naseer on Building Startups in Pakistan's Ecosystem

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The Golden Days Of Karachi Aamer Naseer

Aamer Naseer on Building Startups in Pakistan’s Ecosystem

Entertainment /

Aamer Naseer on Building Startups in Pakistan’s Ecosystem It’s a metropolis of incredible diversity and resilience, a place with something for everyone. But in a recent, eye-opening conversation on the Digitales podcast, radio legend Aamer Naseer painted a picture of a Karachi I could barely recognize,a city that once shimmered with the title “Paris of the Subcontinent.”Aamer, the iconic voice behind the long-running radio show Retro 89, spent his formative years visiting the Karachi of the 60s and 70s. He described a city that was not just alive but electric. Imagine a thriving cinema scene where every poster was a hand-painted work of art, and theaters in every neighborhood offered films for every price point. The People Question This was a Karachi where international movies, from Spaghetti Westerns to Hollywood blockbusters, ran uncensored, and a strict code of conduct meant an “adults only” sign was respected without question.The city’s cultural pulse beat strongest in its nightlife. Aamer fondly recalled a world of sophisticated clubs like the Nasreen Room in the InterContinental, live music venues like the Beach Luxury’s 007, and even a public bar on Tariq Road. This ecosystem was powered by a active Goan community, whose talented musicians filled the air with live music six nights a week. It was a time of freedom, expression, and cultural richness.But as Aamer explained, this era came to an abrupt end around 1977. The Pakistan Factor The implementation of prohibition was a critical turning point. The clubs and bars, which were the primary employers for hundreds of musicians, began to shut down. This change, Aamer notes, dealt a devastating blow to communities like the Goans, who had built their livelihoods around the city’s thriving music scene. Many were forced to migrate, and with them, a piece of Karachi’s soul was lost.This led us to a startling realization during our chat. Where Things Went Wrong The “golden age” of Karachi that Aamer described lasted for roughly 30 years, from 1947 to 1977. In contrast, the Karachi we know today has existed for over 46 years. This simple math forces a deep question: Is the memory of that active past just a nostalgic dream, or is the current state the city’s true, settled identity?Despite the loss, Aamer isn’t entirely pessimistic. He sees sparks of the old spirit in the new generation. The Takeaway He points to private enterprises like Coke Studio for reviving classic music and to young, passionate filmmakers returning from abroad to create powerful cinema like Shah and Lal Kabutar.Perhaps the most potent insight came from a lesson Aamer learned from his late father. “We’re all alive, sure,” his father told him, “but the point is, are you living? Did you dance? Did you sing? You need to follow your passions.” This philosophy is the driving force behind Aamer’s 18-year run on radio, a passion project he pursues alongside his corporate career. It’s a powerful reminder that while we can’t turn back the clock on a city, we can choose to live fully within the one we have.To hear the full, fascinating stories of Karachi’s two faces and discover why following your passion is the ultimate act of living, listen to my complete conversation with Aamer Naseer on the Digitales podcast. Frequently Asked Questions Who is Aamer Naseer? Aamer Naseer is a prominent figure in entrepreneurship featured on the DigiTales podcast with Faizan Sayed, where they discussed their career, insights, and vision for Pakistan’s future. What did Aamer Naseer say about Pakistan's creative industry? Aamer Naseer discussed the state of Pakistan’s creative sector on DigiTales, offering a firsthand account of the challenges artists face and the opportunities that remain for those willing to push boundaries. What is DigiTales podcast? DigiTales is a podcast hosted by Faizan Sayed, CEO of East River Digital, featuring weekly conversations with Pakistan’s most influential leaders across business, culture, policy, and technology. The show covers real stories and hard-won insights from CEOs, artists, politicians, and entrepreneurs. Guest: Aamer Naseer Aamer Naseer is the host of Retro 89 on CityFM89, Pakistan’s leading radio network. A corporate professional by day and radio personality by passion, he has been on air for over 18 years, specializing in classic hits from the 60s through the 80s. Host: Faizan Sayed Faizan Sayed is the founder of DigiTales Podcast and CEO of East River Digital, a performance-led marketing agency with offices in Pakistan, KSA, and the US. Each week, he interviews Pakistan’s most influential leaders across business, culture, and policy. Category Entertainment (1) Recent Post Aamer Naseer on Building Startups in Pakistan's Ecosystem

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