British American Tobacco (BAT) Inaugurates Global Business Solutions Hub in Lahore.
British American Tobacco (BAT), a leading global multi-category consumer goods company, has officially launched its Global Business Solutions (GBS) hub in Lahore. The grand event, titled ‘Digital Destination Pakistan,’ featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a tour of the hub, and presentations from senior GBS Pakistan hub leaders, highlighting Pakistan’s potential as a burgeoning tech hub. BAT GBS Pakistan aims to expand its services and capabilities in the country over the coming years.
BAT invested USD 5 million in 2021 to establish the GBS hub in Pakistan, which currently employs over 350 individuals. The hub provides services to more than 50 countries, including Japan, UAE, Malaysia, Australia, Turkey, and various others, across finance, marketing, supply chain, data analytics, insights, and multiple other functions. In 2023, BAT GBS PK brought in a forex inflow of USD 11.8 million, demonstrating its growth and contribution to the local economy.
The event was attended by various dignitaries from the private sector. Speaking at the occasion, BAT Group Director, Digital and Information, Javed Iqbal, emphasized BAT’s commitment to investing in Pakistan to create more jobs, empower local IT talent, ensure forex inflow, and enhance Pakistan’s global image as a viable tech destination. He also encouraged other multinational companies to follow BAT’s lead and invest in the country.
Mueen Afzal, a retired bureaucrat and former chairman of Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited, expressed gratitude to BAT for selecting Pakistan as its GBS hub. He praised the group’s efforts in developing a modern and future-ready hub with global ambitions.
Zafar Mahmood, Chairman of Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited, highlighted Pakistan’s suitability as a destination for multinational groups, citing the country’s talent, ambition, and government support. He encouraged other organizations to invest in Pakistan and leverage the country’s quality services to help it achieve its full potential.
BAT’s General Manager for GBS Pakistan, Zubair Khan, remarked on the rapid growth of the organization, which now serves over 50 countries with more than 350 employees. He shared the company’s ambition to continue growing, investing in Pakistan’s talent, and driving the GBS strategy forward over the next decade.
