The Human Connection

MOMINA KHAYAL

CEO – Khayal Law Associates (Pvt) Ltd.

Pakistan has recently caught this vibe called “networking” which entails a cup of coffee at 11:00 pm and finishing the party at sunrise – during school nights. It’s ridiculous and against the course of nature. AgayBarho! with this section aims to unearth those individuals who give the term “networking” its authentic meaning. Their material and spiritual thoughts are organically entwined, and meet & greet begets significance ñ not small talk! Momina Khayal is one such human being, who, along with her sister Mahnoor, is channelizing her life skills in favour of a number of philanthropic ventures and humanitarian programs. Her legal expertise are centred around the corporate, tax, intellectual property, and media law divisions. Her special areas of research include disability rights, criminology, and forensic science. Nosherwan Khan recently caught up with her, and discussed some key aspects of her extensive professional network.

1. Are there any future events or conferences that you are looking forward to attending?
   I really want to get active with the International Bar Association, London and their conferences. The bar wants to extend their operations to Pakistan, and I am interested in attending their conferences later in the year. The National Outreach Program, Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Professional Women’s Forum, and Taba [planning to launch a law division] are at the top of my lists.
2. What makes these events exciting for you to visit?
   Whatever the event is offering – new ideas, networking, extending professional relationship [PR]. The magnitude of the event is not necessary. I want to have interesting networking wavelengths with people. That’s how I choose my events. The interesting people that I get to know, I try to have individual sessions with them, and see where we can contribute to each other’s cause.
3. What should be the intent and goal of networking in the corporate culture?
   For the legal field, the intent should always be to nurture a long-term association with the concern and the institution, rather than solely with an individual.
4. Do you think the concept of networking has helped improve human relations, or made them more business and material oriented?
   Yes, of course! Networking is like laying the foundation of a future liaison. Thus, it is an all-important component, and has definitely improved human relations, but like everything else, it has its downsides too.
5. Who has acted as a mentor for you in your philanthropic endeavours?
   Being born to Begum Azra Khayal, a renowned writer, philanthropist, politician and reformer, I see myself as the luckiest person to have a mentor in my mother, who is my role model and strength.
6. Name some of the people that you often meet at events.
   There’s Dr. Saeed Elahi, the chairman of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Dr. Rizwan Naseer of Rescue 1122, Imran Tiwana who is working for Lahore Bachao Tehreek, Aamir Mazhar, Ayesha Durrani, and many other people that I’ve come across.