History of The United Insurance Co.
Mr. Fakhruddin Valika ( 1959 – 1982 ) - Valikas Family
Mr. Fakhruddin Valika, one of the then Leading Industrialists of Pakistan founded the United Insurance Company of Pakistan limited in the year 1959 with 20% equity from Pakistan Insurance Corporation (now Pakistan Reinsurance Company).
Mr. Fakhruddin Valika owned number of Industrial Projects including Valika Textile Mills Ltd., inaugurated in the year 1947 by the 1st Governor General of Pakistan, Right Honourable Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Mr. Fakhruddin Valika also owned a Steamship Company and was also on the Board of several commercial organizations including Muslim Commercial Bank Ltd. and Pakistan Insurance Corporation.
Mr. Fakhruddin Valika remained Chairman of the United Insurance Company right from 1959 till his death in December 1972.
Originally, United Insurance was authorized to do Life Assurance as well as General Insurance. The United Insurance Company had large network of branches through-out Pakistan – WEST PAKISTAN and EAST PAKISTAN (Now Bangladesh). In General Insurance Business the Company was doing special insurance Business such as Engineering (EAR, CAR, Machine Break-down and Bonds) Marine Hull, Aviation Hull, Hail Storm and loss of Profits.
Being a Composite Company and with the cooperation from Pakistan Insurance Corporation, the Company took respectable start and continued its progress until nationalization of its Life Sector in 70s. The United Insurance was a Captive Insurance Company but its Re-insurers abroad in London, Zurich and Munich did not hesitate in granting various re-insurance treaties as per the requirements.
The Valikas transferred their controlling shares of the Company in February 1982 in favour of a group of persons.
Mr. Mian Azizul Haque Qureshi (1982 - 1985)
The new team appointed Mian Azizul Haque Qureshi from Lahore as a Chairman of the Company. Mian Azizul Haque a leading Landlord, enjoyed versatile interests including industry and trade. Mian Aziz even established Trading Houses and a Financial Institution in United Kingdom but his eternal love for Lahore forced him to suspend his foreign activities.
Mr. Zainul Abidin (1985 - 1988)
After couple of years one distinguished Mr. Zainul Abidin who had Industrial Interest in Belfast (Ireland) succeeded as Chairman of the Company. Mr. Zainul Abidin also acted as Chief Executive of the Company in 1989 and with his notable approach he took such initiatives which paved way for United’s continued progress.
On resignation of Mr. Zainul Abidin, the Chairmanship of the Company was accorded to Mr. Ch. Habibur Rehman.
Mr. Ch. Habibur Rehman (1988 - 2007)
Mr. Ch. Habibur Rehman is a notable and leading Industrialist/Mines Owner and Businessman of Lahore. He is chairman of Zahid Steel, Indus Coal Mines, Jaykays and also Chief Executive of Habib Steel, Polecrete, Shahab Coal Mines, Deedshuneed Publications, Aziz Coal Mines, General Steel Mills and Trans Fab Ltd.
Mr. Mian M. A. Shahid (2007 - 2012)
In April 2007 the Companys Board of Directors elected a professional to become Companys Chairman and therefore Mian M. A. Shahid occupied the position of Chairman of the Company. Mian Shahid provided a dynamic momentum to the Company. As from January 6, 2012 Mian M. A. Shahid has relinquished his position as Director and Chairman of the United Insurance Company of Pakistan Ltd.
Mr. Ch. Habibur Rehman (January, 2012 – Mach, 2012)
In January 9, 2012 Mr. Ch. Habib ur Rehman was elected Company’s Chairman by the Board of Directors.
As from March 1, 2012 Mr. Ch. Habib ur Rehman has relinquished his position as Chairman of the United Insurance Company of Pakistan Ltd.
Mr. Khawas Khan Niazi (March, 2012 to March, 2014)
In March 1, 2012 Mr. Khawas Khan Niazi was elected Company’s Chairman by the Board of Directors. He resigned from Chairmanship as on 01.03.2014.
Mr. Ch. Habibur Rehman (March, 2014 – May 27, 2015)
In March 01, 2014 Mr. Ch. Habib ur Rehman was elected as the Chairman of the Company. The Director and Chairman of the Company Mr.Ch.Habib Ur Rehman passed away on the 27th day of May 2015. May Allah Grant him peace and abode in Jannat ul Firdous – Ameen. Mr. Ch. Habib Ur Rehman associated with the Company’s Board almost three decades. Mr. Ch. Habib Ur Rehman was strong and fair in business. He was confident in his judgments & decisions and open minded who inspired confidence in his associates. He had the ability to understand other’s motivations. He focused his plans and he was optimistic and was able to act without being guided by emotion. He was a true business man and successful industrialist. He lived his life with Eternal Faith as Faith in God, faith in system and faith in principal.
Mr. Chaudhary Najeeb-ur-Rehman (June 2015 – November 2017)
In June 05, 2015 Mr. Ch. Najeeb ur Rehman elected as the Chairman of the Company. Mr. Najeeb inherited mining business of the family and set other businesses as well in Dubai. He is serving the UIC Board since 1989 and playing his significant role in the growth of Company. Mr. Ch. Najeeb ur Rehman resigned from the Chairmanship of the Company on 29.04.2017.
Mr. Javaid Sadiq (April 2017 – September 2021)
In April 29, 2017 Mr. Javaid Sadiq elected as the Chairman of the Company, In Pakistan he started his career in Micas Associates (Turnkey consultant for Roti Plants) and later joined NDFC in March 1982. He remained there until November 1998 and held various positions i.e. System consultant, Head of HR & Admin, Zonal Head Banking north and later as EVP/Regional Director North based at Lahore. He was later appointed as chairman/ Managing director of industrial development bank of Pakistan in November 1998 and remained there until 2001. Mr. Javaid served on key positions in his career. Mr. Javed Sadiq served UIC Board till his last breaths. Position vacant due to his said demise.
Mr. Jamil Ahmed Khan (October 2021 – April 2024)
Mr. Jamil Ahmed Khan held the position of the Chairman on 30.10.2021. With a banking background Mr.Jamil shared professional insight and his experience with the Company’s Board. Mr. Jamil has led the Board with more professional decisions and working strategies and the Company constantly grows throughout the tenure of his chairmanship. Mr.Jamil Completed his tenure on 30.04.2024 and stand retired from the Board.
Mr. Muhammad Ashraf Khan (April 2024 - Present)
Mr. Muhammad Ashraf Khan, leads with a remarkable background in finance. He holds an MBA in Finance and is a certified director, demonstrating his commitment to excellence. Mr. Khan’s distinguished 35-year career includes over 13 years as a Central Bank Executive Director. Here, he honed his expertise in banking policy, regulation, and various financial areas like Islamic banking and development finance. Mr. Khan’s international experience is equally impressive. He served as an advisor to the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority and played a key role in establishing the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. His engagement with international institutions like the IMF and participation in AML/CFT meetings further showcase his diverse skillset. Mr. Khan’s dedication continues beyond our company. He currently advises BankIslami and sits on the boards of OBS Pharma and CERISMA, a subsidiary of Pakistan State Oil (PSO). His ongoing industry involvement ensures he brings the most up-to-date knowledge to guide our company’s success.