Chapal Gardens, Abul Hassan Isphani Road, Block-4, Gulshan, Karachi.75059
Contact Info: Tel:+92-21-38252590: Cell:+92-332-2472641
email: irfaniftekhar@gmail.com / irfaniftekhar@hotmail.com
Irfan Ahmed Iftekhar
Snapshot
A stickler for precision language in grammar, spelling, accurate punctuation. Editing that expunges passive
voice and calms convoluted sentences. Writer, editor and analyst, crystallizes ideas in clear, compelling language.
Makes complex technology understandable, works with editors and reporters as a true peer. Broad 15-years
communications experience in journalism and media as advertising agency copy director and creative director.
Editor and copy editor for various English publications. Directs staff and freelance talent, online content, print
copy, broadcast and Web content.
Key skills
Writing that captures essence. Lean, grab-em-by-the-eyes copy aims real benefits at readers' hearts, minds
and ticklish places.
Translating awkward, jargon-laden passive-voiced techspeak to real English
Focusing strategic information from multiple sources into a compelling story
At ease with Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Quark, Page Maker, Freehand, Expressions Web etc.
Involved in the commissioning and editing of fiction and non-fiction books for children, including liaising with
freelancers, authors as well as our production, design and marketing departments.
Have an excellent grasp of written English, an eye for detail and have an awareness of current literary trends
Have strong organization, word processing and interpersonal skills
Professional Experience
May 1993 - Dec. 1996
Paragon Advertising (Pvt).Ltd.
Karachi
Named agency of the year 4 times by PTV, a government of Pakistan entity.
Designation: Copy Director
Brands: Engro Fertilizers, Master Molty Foam, Master Automobiles, DadabhoyInsurance, Al-karam Textiles, Gul Ahmed Fabrics, Soya Supreme Cooking Oil,
CandyLand candies, Brylcream, Kiwi, Coca Cola, Classic Spices, National Investment Trust (NIT), PQA (Port Qasim Authority), K&Ns food products, PSO
(Pakistan State Oil). Igloo Ice Cream, Oxford Garments.
Supervised team of graphic designers, special section editors, illustrators, and pagination specialists.
Lead a team that developed marketing and promotional material for Gold Street Cigarettes
Organized and implemented Creative and Ad Design Workshops for salespeople and new designers
Conceived of and wrote radio, TV, jingles and print copy
Coordinated campaign design and delivery with clients
Assisted in direction and editing of TVCs
Jan. 1996 - June 2002
MNJ-DDB
Karachi
Named agency of the year 6 times by PTV, a government of Pakistan entity.
Designation:
Creative Group Head / Copy Editor
Brands: United Bank, National Foods, Olivia Cosmetics, Kolson Slanty, CandyLand, JSL Tea, Touch Condoms, Saudi Arabian Airlines, National Fertilizers,
Mother Care products, LU Biscuits, English Biscuits, Pure Cooking Oil, Paktel
(Zong -China Mobiles), Culligan, Mobil Oil, EPZ (Export Processing Zone).
Kept a steady eye on financial market conditions and consumer sentiments in the marketplace in order to proactivelyapply to the business creative
Initiated and lead creative briefing meetings and developed detailed project schedules
Performed department administrative duties including staff managements, freelance and vendor creative, etc
Print, web, direct mail, press release, and English to Urdu translations
Developed national and regional branding and promotions for Pakistan’s first ever mobile communications company, Paktel. Including campaigns
for Sharjah Cup
Professional Experience
Designation:
Creative Writer (bi-lingual ) / Associate Director
Aug. 2003 - June 2007 News Ocean Publications
Designation:
Copy Editor
As a copy editor strived to make the text of newspaper articles, magazine features, and books error free.
Edited for mistakes in Spelling, punctuation, grammar and for form, length, and completeness.
Initiated and lead briefing meetings and developed detailed project schedules
Performed department administrative duties including staff managements, freelance and vendor creative, etc
Print, web, direct mail, press release, and English to Urdu translations
Assisted in the development of the online edition of Pakistan’s versatile fashion and beauty magazine, www.henabeauty.com
July. 2008 - Present Freelance Writer / Editor
Editor of Pakistan’s newest and only English Tabloid Weekly, 7-Days, published
in colour from Karachi.
Editor of News Ocean English Weekly published from Karachi since 1996
Writing articles and features in Slogan and She magazines
Copy-editor for various books - fictional and factual, trade, technical and academic journals
as well as for 3 websites and other online content.
Writer for producers originating and writing treatments and/or scripts for television projects.
Served as ghostwriter for several Opinion Editorial Articles published on behalf of the chairman.
Recognition
Recognition from SAARC Media, for outstanding work for the promotion of India-Pakistan
business and collaborations especially in the field of Advertising.
Cofounder of Kara Film Festivals in Pakistan
Letter of appreciation from Shri P.R.Goenka, of Emami India Ltd.
Interests
BOOKS: On subjects ranging from History, Photography, Science, Arts & Biographies
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