No jargon. No evasion. Just straight answers.

Frequently Asked Questions About IKTAR’s Corporate Training and Management Consulting

Answers to the questions we hear most often from organizations considering working with IKTAR. If your question is not answered here, contact us directly and we will respond within two hours.

HAVE A DIFFERENT QUESTION?

Book a Free Consultation

FREQUENTLY ASKED

General Questions About IKTAR

What is IKTAR and what does it do?

IKTAR is a Lahore-based management consulting and corporate training firm established in 2000. Founded and led by Shafqat Jilani, IKTAR helps organizations across Pakistan improve performance through two core services: corporate training programs that develop people, and management consulting that transforms systems and strategy. IKTAR has worked with over 60 major organizations across five sectors including multinationals, UN agencies, SMEs, public sector bodies, and educational institutions. Related page

Who leads IKTAR’s work?

Shafqat Jilani personally leads every significant IKTAR engagement. He is a Certified Master Trainer credentialed by Futures Group Washington DC, a Certified Productivity Professional recognized by the Asian Productivity Organization in Japan, and a Dale Carnegie certified professional with over 25 years of frontline consulting and training experience. Unlike larger firms, IKTAR does not deploy junior team members to do the actual work after a senior person has won the contract. The person whose credentials you evaluate is the person who delivers. Related page

How long has IKTAR been in operation?

IKTAR was established in Lahore in the year 2000 and has been in continuous operation since then. Over 25 years the firm has delivered more than 800 training workshops and consulting engagements across Pakistan and internationally.

What sectors does IKTAR work in?

IKTAR works across five main sectors. Multinationals and large enterprises including Nestle, Honda, GlaxoSmithKline, Shell, and Telenor. United Nations agencies and international NGOs including UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, and WWF. Small and medium enterprises across manufacturing, services, and retail. Public sector and banking organizations including NBP, PSO, PARCO, and Faysal Bank. Educational institutions including Beaconhouse, Punjab Group of Colleges, and GIFT University. Related page

Is IKTAR only based in Lahore or does it work nationally?

IKTAR is headquartered in Lahore at 25-A Main Boulevard, Khayaban-e-Amin, but delivers training and consulting engagements across Pakistan. Clients in Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and other cities have engaged IKTAR for both on-site programs delivered at their premises and for public workshops hosted in Lahore. IKTAR also delivers online consulting and training sessions for organizations that prefer remote delivery. Related page

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Corporate Training Questions

What types of corporate training does IKTAR offer?

IKTAR offers training across eight main categories: leadership development, sales and marketing training, management and HR excellence, personal development and life skills, train the trainer programs, teacher training through the Enlighten the Source of Light series, banking and finance sector training, and executive coaching. All programs are available as open public workshops or as fully customized in-house solutions.
Related page

Does IKTAR conduct a Training Needs Analysis before designing a program?

Yes, always. IKTAR conducts a Training Needs Analysis for every engagement, regardless of size. The TNA identifies the specific behavioral gaps, knowledge deficiencies, and contextual factors that the program needs to address. Designing training without a TNA is, in IKTAR’s view, the primary reason most corporate training fails to produce lasting results. If you would like to start with a TNA for your organization, IKTAR offers a free TNA template on the Downloads page and a free 30-minute consultation. Related page /downloads/

Can IKTAR deliver customized in-house training at our premises?

Yes. The majority of IKTAR’s training work is delivered as customized in-house programs at the client’s own premises or a venue of their choice. IKTAR travels across Pakistan for in-house deliveries. The in-house format allows the program to be tailored to your organization’s specific context, culture, and objectives in ways that a standard public workshop cannot achieve.

How long do IKTAR’s training programs typically run?

Program duration varies with content and need. Public workshops typically run for one or two days. Customized in-house programs can range from a half-day intensive session to a multi-month development program delivered in phases. Some leadership and management development programs run over 3 to 6 months with monthly sessions. Duration is always determined by what the TNA identifies as necessary, not by a standard template.

Does IKTAR provide certificates of completion?

Yes. Certificates of completion are issued to participants of IKTAR’s training programs. For programs aligned with specific methodologies such as the APO Japan productivity framework, the certification carries additional international recognition.

What is the difference between IKTAR’s public workshops and in-house programs?

Public workshops are scheduled open sessions that any organization can send participants to. They are cost-effective for small numbers of participants and provide the benefit of learning alongside professionals from other organizations. In-house programs are designed exclusively for your organization and delivered at your premises. They provide deeper customization, consistent messaging across your team, and higher ROI for teams of 10 or more participants. Related page

Does IKTAR offer online training programs?

Yes. IKTAR delivers selected training programs online via video conference for organizations that prefer remote delivery or are based outside Lahore. Online delivery is available for most of IKTAR’s management, leadership, and soft skills programs. Contact IKTAR to confirm availability for a specific program in online format.
Related page

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Management Consulting Questions

What management consulting services does IKTAR provide?

IKTAR’s consulting services cover ten areas: ISO certification consulting (9001, 45001, and 14001), productivity and lean management consulting, feasibility studies and business intelligence, NGO capacity building and institutional development, business formation and registration, market research and business analysis, corporate branding and image building, BTL marketing and brand activation, real estate and property consulting, and joint venture and business development.
Related page

How does IKTAR’s consulting process work?

Every IKTAR consulting engagement follows four principles. First, we understand your organization’s history, structure, and real challenges before forming any view. Second, we diagnose the root causes of the issues you are facing, not just the symptoms. Third, we provide specific, prioritized, and costed recommendations rather than generic observations. Fourth, we support implementation because that is where consulting value is either realized or lost. This approach is what IKTAR calls diagnosis before prescription. Related page

How long does a typical consulting engagement take?

Duration depends entirely on the nature and scope of the work. A Business Diagnostic session takes half a day to a full day. An ISO 9001 implementation project typically takes 3 to 6 months from initial assessment to certification. A feasibility study usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. A productivity consulting engagement may run 2 to 3 months for initial implementation. IKTAR provides a specific timeline as part of the proposal for every engagement.

Does IKTAR provide ongoing consulting support after an engagement ends?

Yes. IKTAR offers retainer consulting arrangements where clients receive ongoing strategic support, monthly advisory sessions, and ad-hoc consultation on a sustained basis. Many IKTAR clients have maintained consulting relationships spanning 5 to 15 years. The depth of understanding that develops over time produces better consulting outcomes than any single project engagement can achieve.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

ISO Certification Questions

What ISO standards does IKTAR support?

IKTAR provides consulting support for three ISO standards: ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System), and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System). IKTAR supports the full implementation process from initial gap analysis through documentation, staff training, internal audit, and support through the certification audit with the accreditation body. Related page

How long does ISO 9001 certification take in Pakistan?

For most Pakistani SMEs and mid-size organizations, the ISO 9001 certification journey takes between 4 and 8 months from initial engagement to certification, depending on the organization’s current state of readiness and the speed at which they can implement the required changes. IKTAR begins every ISO engagement with a gap analysis that produces a realistic timeline for the specific organization.

Does IKTAR conduct the certification audit itself?

No. IKTAR is a consulting firm, not an accreditation body. IKTAR helps your organization prepare for and achieve certification by an independent, internationally accredited certification body. IKTAR’s role is to guide the implementation, ensure the documentation meets the standard’s requirements, and support your team through the audit process. The actual certification is issued by a recognized international certification body.

Is ISO certification worth it for a Pakistani SME?

In IKTAR’s experience across 25 years of consulting with Pakistani businesses, ISO certification is worth pursuing when the organization is ready to implement the management system changes it requires, and when there is a genuine business reason such as a client requirement, an export market entry, or a commitment to systematic quality improvement. Obtaining ISO certification without implementing the underlying management system changes is expensive compliance theatre. IKTAR only supports ISO certification engagements where the client is committed to genuine implementation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Pricing and Investment Questions

How much does IKTAR’s corporate training cost?

Training investment varies with the program, duration, number of participants, and level of customization required. As a general guide: public workshop fees typically range from PKR 12,000 to PKR 25,000 per participant per day. Customized in-house programs are priced on scope and typically offer better value per participant for teams of 10 or more. IKTAR provides a specific, fully costed proposal for every in-house engagement after understanding your requirements. Contact IKTAR for a quote tailored to your organization.
Related page

How much does management consulting cost at IKTAR?

IKTAR’s consulting engagements are priced according to scope, duration, and complexity. As an orientation: a Business Diagnostic session starts from PKR 25,000. Project engagements typically start from PKR 150,000 and increase with scope. Retainer arrangements start from PKR 75,000 per month. These are starting points. Every engagement receives a specific proposal. IKTAR’s consulting investment consistently generates a measurable return through improved performance, reduced inefficiency, or achieved certification. Related page

Does IKTAR offer discounts for NGOs or non-profit organizations?

IKTAR has a longstanding commitment to supporting Pakistan’s social sector. Pricing for NGO, INGO, and UN agency engagements is discussed on a case-by-case basis. Organizations with documented funding constraints are encouraged to discuss this openly when enquiring. IKTAR’s social sector portfolio includes some of the most globally respected organizations in development work and IKTAR values these relationships deeply.

What is IKTAR’s payment policy?

For public workshops, payment is typically required before the training date. For consulting and in-house training engagements, IKTAR typically works on a 50 percent advance and 50 percent upon completion model, with specific terms agreed in the engagement proposal. IKTAR accepts bank transfers, cheques, and Jazz Cash payments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

NGO and Social Sector Questions

Does IKTAR have experience working with UN agencies and international NGOs?

Yes. IKTAR’s social sector portfolio includes UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, WWF Pakistan, British High Commission, and Caritas Pakistan, among others. IKTAR has been delivering capacity building, TOT programs, and institutional development work for the social sector since 2000. Shafqat Jilani’s early career with Futures Group Washington DC, a globally respected development consulting organization, gave him a deep understanding of the development sector context that underpins IKTAR’s NGO work. Related page

What types of programs does IKTAR deliver for NGOs?

IKTAR’s NGO and social sector work covers capacity building, Train the Trainer programs, institutional development, monitoring and evaluation framework support, program design facilitation, and management development for NGO leadership and program staff. IKTAR understands the specific language, culture, and accountability frameworks of the development sector and designs accordingly.
Related page

Can IKTAR work with donor-funded training projects that have specific reporting requirements?

Yes. IKTAR is experienced in delivering donor-funded training and capacity building projects with structured reporting requirements including pre and post assessments, participant documentation, outcome monitoring frameworks, and formal program reports. Contact IKTAR with the specific requirements of your project and we will confirm our ability to meet them. Related page

FREE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL

Not Sure Where Your Business Needs the Most Attention?

IKTAR 360° Business Health Scan evaluates your organization across eight critical dimensions and produces a prioritised action plan in minutes. Used by business owners and managers across Pakistan as the starting point for every serious improvement effort.

TAKE THE FREE AUDIT

What the 360 Audit Covers

Strategy and Direction

Operations and Systems

People and Leadership

Financial Health

Sales and Marketing

Organizational Structure

Productivity and Efficiency

Growth Readiness

Diagnostic First Approach

Start With the 360 Business Health Scan

Not sure exactly what your business needs? IKTAR’s free 360 Business Health Scan identifies your organization’s most significant gaps and opportunities before any consulting engagement begins. No obligation. No generic proposal. Just an honest diagnosis from someone with 25 years of experience reading Pakistani businesses.

Free of charge | Completed online in minutes | Results reviewed personally by Shafqat Jilani | No sales pressure | Available to serious business owners and senior managers

START YOUR FREE SCAN NOW

Tailored Consulting Engagement

Customized Consulting Solutions

Consulting designed exclusively around your organization’s specific situation, delivered by Shafqat Jilani personally. IKTAR conducts a full diagnostic first, then proposes only the interventions that directly address your confirmed gaps rather than a packaged solution built for someone else’s problem.

Diagnosis before prescription | Delivered personally by Shafqat Jilani | Available nationwide across Pakistan | Flexible engagement scope and duration | Ongoing advisory support available

Request a Customized Program Proposal

CLIENT RESULTS

What Organizations Say About IKTAR

View All

Shafqat is well experienced trainer familiar with Competency Based Education and Training CBET & Quality Assurance QA / Quality Control QC of Training

Moustafa WahbaTVET Consultant

I don’t hesitate in placing Shafqat Jilani among the best trainers in the country. He always explores modern approaches, creative skills, innovative ideas and relevant case studies. Any enterprise looking for training services in human development, strategic planning, development of selling & marketing skills, improvement in presentation skills, policy & strategy development, polishing decision-making skills, introduction of modern approaches etc. must opt IKTAR as a Trainer.

Zulfiqar Ahmad HBL

Mr. Shafqat is a thorough gentleman and a perfect professional who keeps his commitments and have all the potential to steer any organization to success. He is a Lead Trainer and Consultant and I for once trust him to deliver effective and mesmerizing trainings as well as innovative solutions. I would like to highly recommend him for training and consulting assignments.

Suhail Iqbal SysComp International (Pvt.) Ltd

KTAR is very good training institute, as we experienced recently. We sent our team on Leadership training course to IKTAR and found a tremendous change in behavior of our team. IKTAR has been useful in bringing a Paradigm shift in their approach to handle things and now the same employees are very helpful towards other colleagues. I believe, IKTAR training modules makes employees from Followers to Leaders, who not only delivery their own KPIs but also help others to grow to achieve joint goals of the company.

Abdul Wahid QureshiRenacon Pharma

Shafqat Jilani is a a detailed oriented person. Hope his organization can take a lot a benefit from him. Good Luck

Chaudhry Ahmad JawadPakistan Business Forum

I had the opportunity to work with Shafqat Jilani and found him to be a knowledgeable and dedicated business consultant. His practical advice, strategic thinking, and commitment to helping businesses grow make him a valuable professional. I appreciate his guidance and confidently recommend him to anyone seeking business transformation and growth expertise.

Dr. Shafa UllahPower Lion Seed

I know Shafqat from his university days, he had a candid and persuasive personality from the early days. He had bold presentations with innovative and unique ideas complemented by his ability to put this on the paper as well. Teaching and passing on his knowledge to others has always been his passion and he has been doing this very well in his different roles at the present and previous assignments.

M. Zafar IqbalLa Computa Vision LLC

Still Have a Question?

IKTAR Responds Within One Business Day.

If your specific question is not answered above, reach out directly. Shafqat Jilani personally responds to every new enquiry.

Whatsapp IKTAR

Book a Free Consultation

Take the FREE Business Health Scan

Request a Proposal