The influence of Pakistanis Abroad is difficult to quantify. The economic changes are the most visible signs for most people but many people also expend considerable energy and vitality in helping to create a better life for everyone through their social, communal and cultural activities. Such work is invaluable but often invisible to the majority.

Nevertheless there are many selfless individuals pursuing these interests recognising the greater good shall be served by their endeavours. One such person is Muhammad Salman Iqbal son of Haji Mohammed Iqbal, who has done exceptional extra work in the promotion and development of the Pakistani community. Aside from his exemplary work for the community, Salman Iqbal, a graduate from the University of Houston is also one of the most successful businessman and is blessed to be the world’s youngest Media Entrepreneur.

He is the founder and chief executive of the largest media network in Pakistan called ARY Digital Network (a subsidiary of the ARY Group), available in Pakistan, Middle East, Europe, North America, and many other regions of the world. Started in 2001, and just over a decade, ARY Digital has grown from one country and one channel to 130 countries and 12 Channels. This growth has proudly made ARY Pakistan’s largest and most-watched Television Network and the World's Number one source of Urdu Entertainment, News and Content, with a vision to see ARY an integral part of Pakistanis globally.

Salman Iqbal is recognized as a voice of independent media in Pakistan and one of the most powerful and influential media personalities in the Muslim World. At the turn of events in Pakistan, leading to the emergency declared by President Pervez Musharraf on 3 November 2007, Salman Iqbal announced the establishment of a media advisory board, with the purpose to assess the media coverage (be it news or other programmes) on the network. Saying that ARY Digital has been reporting without bias for a while but the recent events ushering the emergency rule and temporary closure of one of the biggest news network Geo TV, ARY Digital required a better unbiased coverage. He is also the publisher of the Newsweek Middle East.

In addition, Salman Iqbal is the CEO of the ARY Group. The ARY Group of companies is a Dubai-based holding company founded by his uncle, (Late) Haji Abdul Razzak Yaqoob (ARY), who opened its first outlet in Fikri market Deira, Dubai in 1972, with the intention to cater the needs of the South Asians, particularly the Pakistani diaspora. Today, such is the strength and the enormity of ARY Group’s size that it hardly seems credible that the business has evolved over just one generation into such a successful empire. Salman Iqbal received businessman of the year award in Dubai

Salman Iqbal is blessed to be known as one of the world’s youngest Media Entrepreneurs. His journey is one many would not have embarked on and many are now envious of. Apart from leading the media business, he is also involved in various areas of the ARY family businesses, from treasury, gold and jewellery to construction and property.

Salman Iqbal also purchased the Karachi team in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

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