The Professional Excellence Awards (PEA), an initiative of ICAP’s Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee, marked its fourth edition by recognizing 11 exceptional individuals whose professional journeys, leadership, and contributions have left a meaningful imprint across the business landscape, including corporates, NPOs, public sector entities, and other institutions.
Since its inception, PEA has become a hallmark of distinction, bringing forth stories of professionals who have challenged conventions, introduced transformative ideas, and raised the standards of their respective profession. With altogether 53 distinguished members recognized till date under four editions, PEA continues to build a lasting legacy of acknowledging those who redefine professional achievement.
Rooted in the principles of transparency, fairness and impartiality, the awards uphold an inclusive evaluation process. Every recognition stands solely on the foundation of merit, professional accomplishment, and the enduring value created by ICAP.
PEA aims to:
The fourth edition of the Professional Excellence Awards witnessed an overwhelming response from ICAP members across diverse professional domains. Following a comprehensive and merit-based evaluation process, the most deserving professionals were recognized at the awards ceremony held on May 11, 2026, marking another significant chapter in PEA’s legacy of professional distinction.
In the fourth edition of the Professional Excellence Awards, the Pursuit of Excellence session invited Pakistan’s hockey legend, Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, whose extraordinary career has left an indelible mark on the history of international hockey. Known worldwide as the "Maradona of Hockey" and "The Man with the Electric Heels," Shahbaz Ahmed Senior is widely regarded as one of the greatest forwards the sport has ever produced.
From Faisalabad to leading Pakistan’s national hockey team, his journey reflects resilience, discipline, and a deep commitment to the game. With over 300 international appearances, he played a central role in landmark victories, including the 1994 Hockey World Cup and the Champions Trophy. His exceptional control and signature playing style earned him global acclaim, making him the only player in hockey history to receive consecutive “Player of the Tournament” honors in two World Cups.
The tribute acknowledged not only his achievements on the field but also his lasting legacy as a symbol of leadership, determination, and inspiration for generations to come.
Required designation:
Nominee should be CEO or equivalent designations
Sub-Category:
Public Entities
Non-Public Entities
Minimum Requirement:
For Public Entities - Not less than 10 years cumulative post membership experience
For Non-Public Entities - Not less than 5 years cumulative post membership experience
Working on same designation for not less than 2 years in the same company
Public Entities: This includes public companies and public sector entities
Non-public entities: This includes private limited companies, Partnerships, and ACPs, Single Member Companies, Sole Proprietors, NPOs, NGOs, and all other entities not included above.
The designation CEOs and CFOs is the same as prescribed in the Companies Act 2017 and related form 29
Post Membership means the period from the date of membership of ICAP
Required designation:
Nominee should be CFO or equivalent designations
Sub-Category:
Public Entities
Non-Public Entities
Minimum Requirement:
For Public Entities - Not less than 10 years cumulative post membership experience
For Non-Public Entities - Not less than 5 years cumulative post membership experience
Working on same designation for not less than 2 years in the same company
Public Entities:This includes public companies and public sector entities
Non-public entities:This includes private limited companies, Partnerships, and ACPs, Single Member Companies, Sole Proprietors, NPOs, NGOs, and all other entities not included above.
The designation CEOs and CFOs is the same as prescribed in the Companies Act 2017 and related form 29
Post Membership means the period from the date of membership of ICAP
Required designation:
Nominee should be Head of Function reportable to CEO or Board
Sub-Category:
Public Entities
Non-Public Entities
Minimum Requirement:
For Public Entities - Not less than 10 years cumulative post membership experience
For Non-Public Entities - Not less than 5 years cumulative post membership experience
Working in same company for not less than 2 years
Public Entities:This includes public companies and public sector entities
Non-public entities:This includes private limited companies, Partnerships, and ACPs, Single Member Companies, Sole Proprietors, NPOs, NGOs, and all other entities not included above.
The designation CEOs and CFOs is the same as prescribed in the Companies Act 2017 and related form 29
Post Membership means the period from the date of membership of ICAP
Required designation:
Nominee should be:
• C-Suite or
• Reporting to C-Suite or
• Head of Function /Department
Sub-Category:
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Middle East and Africa (Excluding KSA and UAE)
• America and Europe (Including UK-Ireland)
• ASEAN/ Oceania region
Minimum Requirement:
• Not less than 10 years cumulative post membership experience
• Working on same designation for not less than 2 years
• Must be an overseas member for at least 3 years in continuation
Post Membership means the period from the date of membership of ICAP
Required designation:
Nominee should be in any decision making role
Minimum Requirement:
• Not less than 7 years post qualification experience
• Age up to 40 years as of last date of nomination
Required designation:
Nominee should be the sole entrepreneur or co-founder
Minimum Requirement:
Must have the experience of running an entrepreneurial venture for minimum of 3 years.
Required designation:
Nominee should be CEO or equivalent designations
Sub-Category:
Public Entities
Non-Public Entities
Minimum Requirement:
For Public Entities - Not less than 10 years cumulative post membership experience
For Non-Public Entities - Not less than 5 years cumulative post membership experience
Working on same designation for not less than 2 years in the same company
Public Entities: This includes public companies and public sector entities
Non-public entities: This includes private limited companies, Partnerships, and ACPs, Single Member Companies, Sole Proprietors, NPOs, NGOs, and all other entities not included above.
The designation CEOs and CFOs is the same as prescribed in the Companies Act 2017 and related form 29
Post Membership means the period from the date of membership of ICAP
Required designation:
Nominee should be CFO or equivalent designations
Sub-Category:
Public Entities
Non-Public Entities
Minimum Requirement:
For Public Entities - Not less than 10 years cumulative post membership experience
For Non-Public Entities - Not less than 5 years cumulative post membership experience
Working on same designation for not less than 2 years in the same company
Public Entities:This includes public companies and public sector entities
Non-public entities:This includes private limited companies, Partnerships, and ACPs, Single Member Companies, Sole Proprietors, NPOs, NGOs, and all other entities not included above.
The designation CEOs and CFOs is the same as prescribed in the Companies Act 2017 and related form 29
Post Membership means the period from the date of membership of ICAP
Required designation:
Nominee should be Head of Function reportable to CEO or Board
Sub-Category:
Public Entities
Non-Public Entities
Minimum Requirement:
For Public Entities - Not less than 10 years cumulative post membership experience
For Non-Public Entities - Not less than 5 years cumulative post membership experience
Working in same company for not less than 2 years
Public Entities:This includes public companies and public sector entities
Non-public entities:This includes private limited companies, Partnerships, and ACPs, Single Member Companies, Sole Proprietors, NPOs, NGOs, and all other entities not included above.
The designation CEOs and CFOs is the same as prescribed in the Companies Act 2017 and related form 29
Post Membership means the period from the date of membership of ICAP
Required designation:
Nominee should be:
• C-Suite or
• Reporting to C-Suite or
• Head of Function /Department
Sub-Category:
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Middle East and Africa (Excluding KSA and UAE)
• America and Europe (Including UK-Ireland)
• ASEAN/ Oceania region
Minimum Requirement:
• Not less than 10 years cumulative post membership experience
• Working on same designation for not less than 2 years
• Must be an overseas member for at least 3 years in continuation
Post Membership means the period from the date of membership of ICAP
Required designation:
Nominee should be in any decision making role
Minimum Requirement:
• Not less than 7 years post qualification experience
• Age up to 40 years as of last date of nomination
Required designation:
Nominee should be the sole entrepreneur or co-founder
Minimum Requirement:
Must have the experience of running an entrepreneurial venture for minimum of 3 years.
Exclusions, Terms and Conditions are provided below:
Except for the Entrepreneur Leadership Award, which covers Jan 1, 2023 to March 30, 2026. This year maximum of 21 awards can be awarded under the following six categories.
Following are not eligible for the PEA:
Nominations will be evaluated based on the following broad categories:
Nominees were required to submit supporting documents along with concise descriptions of their professional contributions, aligned with the defined evaluation criteria.
The assessment period for fourth edition spanned from 1st January 2024 to 30th March 2026, with a minimum requirement of two years of relevant professional contribution. An exception applied to the Entrepreneurial Leadership Award, which considered achievements from 1st January 2023 to 30th March 2026.
In this edition, up to 21 awards were announced for nominations across six defined categories.
Professional Accountants in Business Committee
Email: helpdesk.pea@icap.org.pk
Call: 021-111-000-422 ext. 421/393
