Empowering Pakistan's VA Talent

A Journey of Patience, Faith, and Dedication

As an entrepreneur who has navigated the vibrant but often challenging waters of the virtual assistant (VA) industry in Pakistan, I resonate with the observations of many who have tried to setup operations in recent years. At our firm, we’ve brought on board over a hundred VAs from Pakistan, and the journey has been as enlightening as it has been demanding.

The Ground Reality of VA Training in Pakistan

Entering this industry, we encountered a common pattern among graduates from various e-commerce course companies. There was a tangible gap between expectation and reality. Many new recruits came with a false sense of their abilities, an unyielding belief in shortcuts, and, quite frankly, a lack of maturity. This cocktail of overconfidence and underpreparedness often brewed a culture resistant to guidance and hard work.

The Challenges of Cultivating a Productive Mindset

Managing this young talent initially posed significant challenges to our team leaders. The mindset of productivity and positivity, which is essential in the VA industry, seemed distant and difficult to instill. However, with relentless patience, continuous coaching, and a firm belief in their potential, we witnessed transformative changes.

Investment in People: A Long-Term Commitment

The crux of the issue lies in the extensive time investment required — nearly two years of paid, practical experience — to mold these young talents into proficient professionals. It’s an investment that many companies, understandably, hesitate to make. This reluctance isn’t without reason, as the immediate returns are not guaranteed, and the journey is riddled with obstacles.

The Dilemma of Overseas Pakistani Entrepreneurs

Many well-meaning entrepreneurs from the Pakistani diaspora have ventured into this space with the intention of uplifting the local talent. However, repeated setbacks have led many to explore alternatives, such as recruiting from the Philippines. This exodus of opportunity is a loss for Pakistan — a trend that we must strive to reverse.

Walking the Walk: A Test of Faith and Endurance

If our goal truly is to uplift our nation, then action must follow intention. As daunting as the path is, laden with financial risks and cultural challenges, the belief in Allah as Al-Razzaq (The Provider) keeps us anchored. It’s this faith that propels us to persevere, to invest in our people, and to never lose sight of the larger goal: upskilling our nation.

My Personal Mission: Transforming Gojra into a Tech Hub

My commitment is to my hometown, Gojra. Here, I see more than a town; I envision a future tech hub, a beacon of knowledge and opportunity. Every hurdle we encounter is a test from Allah, a part of the journey to realize this vision. It’s not just about creating a business but about nurturing a community, about transforming lives through technology and opportunity.

A Call to Stay the Course

To my fellow entrepreneurs and visionaries, I say: stay the course. The road may be tumultuous, and the trials many, but our reward lies beyond the immediate. We are building something greater than ourselves — a legacy of knowledge, opportunity, and empowerment. Our reward is not just in this Dunya but in the satisfaction of contributing to the upliftment of our people and our nation.