Akmal Parvez: From Pattoki to Dammam
In a small town of Punjab, Pakistan, named Pattoki, where life moves at a slow pace and opportunities seem limited, a young man dreamed of something bigger. His name was Akmal Parvez. Unlike most people around him, who were content with traditional jobs and small businesses, he wanted to make a mark beyond the borders of his homeland. Today, standing tall in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, he is the owner of a thriving construction and oil terminal company, employing over 500 workers and handling multimillion-dollar projects. But his journey to success was anything but easy.

The Early Days: A Leap of Faith
More than two decades ago, Akmal Parvez set foot in Saudi Arabia with nothing but determination and a dream. At the time, most expatriates, particularly from South Asia, worked under sponsorship (kafala) systems, which meant they had to rely on a Saudi sponsor to stay and work in the country. However, Akmal had a different vision – he wanted to create his own independent company, free from the constraints of the sponsorship system.

The journey was not easy. In the early days, he struggled to establish himself in a foreign land where the business environment was unfamiliar, and competition was fierce. However, his resilience and dedication helped him push forward, overcoming every obstacle in his way.

Breaking Barriers: Establishing His Company
Instead of settling for a regular job, Akmal Parvez took the bold step of founding his own construction firm. He started small, taking on minor projects, but his hard work, honesty, and commitment to quality soon caught the attention of major companies.

One of his biggest breakthroughs came when his company was awarded a major contract for building an oil terminal in Jeddah. This project not only established his reputation in the oil and gas industry but also opened doors to larger opportunities in Dammam and other cities across Saudi Arabia.

Today, his company handles major construction and oil terminal projects, working closely with some of the biggest names in the industry. Additionally, as part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, his firm has been awarded several contracts for the country’s ambitious new city projects.

A Workforce of 500: A Diverse and Growing Team
Unlike many expatriates who work under Saudi employers, Akmal Parvez employs over 500 workers in Saudi Arabia, including Pakistanis, Indians, Saudis, and professionals from other nationalities. His company is a symbol of diversity and inclusivity, providing opportunities to many skilled and unskilled workers. Moreover, his success is not limited to Saudi Arabia. His company has expanded operations to Pakistan as well, where he provides employment to many workers in the construction sector.

A Philanthropist at Heart: Helping Fellow Pakistanis
Despite his immense success, Akmal Parvez has never forgotten his roots or his fellow Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia. He is known for his tireless efforts to help struggling expatriates, particularly those facing financial difficulties, job losses, or legal issues.

• Supporting Pakistanis in Need: Many Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia end up in difficult situations due to financial troubles, job terminations, or visa issues. Akmal actively helps such individuals by providing financial assistance, legal aid, and employment opportunities.

• Helping Prisoners: Many Pakistani workers end up in jail due to unpaid fines. Akmal has personally paid off fines for several individuals, securing their release and helping them return to their families.

• Providing Air Tickets: Many workers who lose their jobs cannot afford the airfare to return home. Akmal ensures that such individuals get the necessary financial support to reunite with their families.

• Recognition by the Pakistani Embassy: Due to his humanitarian work, the Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia acknowledges his contributions and has honored him with several awards.

Contributing to Pakistan’s Economy
Akmal Parvez is not just a successful entrepreneur abroad – he is also a valuable asset to Pakistan. Through his business operations, he sends a significant amount of remittances to Pakistan, boosting the country’s economy. Moreover, his company provides employment opportunities within Pakistan, helping to uplift communities.

Conclusion: A True Inspiration
Akmal Parvez’s journey from a small town in Punjab to the top ranks of Saudi Arabia’s construction and oil industry is nothing short of inspirational. He defied the odds, built an independent company, created hundreds of jobs, contributed to major infrastructure projects, and helped his fellow countrymen in their times of need. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and compassion. It proves that with determination and the right mindset, anyone can achieve greatness – no matter where they come from.