Born in Karachi in early 1950’s , did his graduation in Physics from Karachi university and B.S Electrical Engineering from University of Texas, He Lives in Irvine, California with family.
Now in his mid-forties, Qureshi was also co-founder and former chief of AST Research Inc., a personal computer firm that once ranked as the fourth largest computer manufacturer in the world. Safi Qureshi went to the U.S. in 1971 for education in engineering and worked in the Information technology industries of California for companies such as Documenter, Computer Automation, and Telfile Computer. In 1980 he co-founded a garage-based company making personal computers. As a computer industry veteran Safi, played a lead role in not only AST’s growth in emerging markets but in changing the PC industry from a narrow corporate enterprise into a global business . Due to Safi’s intense focus , vision (that of evolving the digital age as a platform to develop tools that will further promote global & personal communication in all societies.), and passion for innovation, AST earned a reputation in the PC industry as one of the foremost brand names. Subsequently, it was acquired, in the mid 1990’s, by Samsung Electronics.
He has been rated as being one of the top 25 executives by Computer Resellers News.
Safi Qureshi was appointed as a member of US President Bill Clinton's export council. He has been instrumental in American commercial development around the world. He has traveled to countries such as China , Indonesia , Thailand, India , Pakistan with high level US trade delegations to sign several landmark agreements.
He was instrumental in ensuring that Clinton went and talked to Pakistan military leaders in 2000. He is currently on the board of Directors of Focus Software International, Object Automation, NetInfo, IAFC.
He has participated in GATT, NAFTA, APEC issues, and is a strong proponent of education and reserach at University of California, Irvine [Bonney Center for Neurobiology of Learning & Memory].
His brainchild is the ALIF [ the first letter of the Hebrew, Arabic and Urdu alphabet] which is a televised series in the Urdu language of the Sesame Street series for Pakistan Television broadcast to the children in Pakistan.
In his most recent project, Safi Qureshi is helping Pakistan with Information Technology efforts in becoming a major exporter of Software . This speaks of Safi Qureshi's dedication for IT progress in Pakistan. He wants to encourage the aspiring students from this part of the world to work their ways towards not only the silicon valley but make their mark wherever they may end up.
Addressing the students in Pakistan he said,
"You are among the brightest talent this country has produced. There is a very prosperous and bright future for all of you. We are trying to create an environment in which you feel encouraged and motivated to become entrepreneurs".
The President Of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, has appointed Safi Qureshi as honorary consul general in United States Of America!