He rates local Chinese as the easiest clients. 'They are good speculators and never complain, even when they are making a loss. They know the markets can go up and down, and they understand the risks involved,' said Mr Bokhary.

He decided to become a broker in 1969, helping his uncle in a securities firm. 'I found it interesting and decided to join the industry and even today, I am still trading on the floor every day,' he said.

In 1972, Mr Bokhary's father bought a broker seat and set up a firm under the family's name - Bokhary & Co, which was later renamed Bokhary Securities. 'My father provided the cash and I came out with the effort,' he said.

Mr Bokhary runs a small but well-regarded business in D'Aguilar Street, Central.

He clearly remembers his first client, Rhoda Arculli, the elder sister of Hong Kong Jockey Club chairman Ronald Arculli, because she later became his wife.

'I thought she was satisfied with my broking service. My wife always supports me,' he said.

Mr Bokhary has seen the brokerage industry change over the past few decades.

'When I first joined the broking business 37 years ago, a majority of brokerage firms were European and British firms. Banks did not do securities businesses and they bought securities through brokers. The turnover and number of listed companies were very small.

'The turnover is huge nowadays, but the profitability of small brokers has improved very little because of the competition from banks and large brokers. Before, banks were our clients, but now they have set up their own securities departments and become our competitors.'

Mr Bokhary has called on the government to change what he deems is an unfair system, as banks are not regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission, which regulates stockbrokers. Instead, banks fall under the auspices of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

'It is unfair when banks and brokers are doing the same business but are regulated by different entities,' he said.

Despite the tough competition, he has never thought of moving back to Pakistan. 'Brokers in Pakistan are behind those in Hong Kong in terms of technology and business development. Also, there is more political risk. In contrast, Hong Kong is very open and is free from political risks. I love Hong Kong - this is my home. I think Hong Kong is the best place in the world to set up your own business. You have the rule of law, there is no racial conflict and no security problem. You feel safe going anywhere here,' he said.

However, he discourages youngsters from following in his footsteps. 'The local small brokers are dinosaurs who are a dying breed. I do not think there is any chance for youngsters to set up small local brokerage firms in a highly competitive market nowadays,' he said.

Also, Mr Bokhary supports the Hong Kong government's proposal to introduce a goods and services tax. 'It is important for the government to broaden the tax base,' he explained.

Although he considers Hong Kong his home, he still has a weakness for Pakistani cuisine. 'In Chungking Mansion in Tsim Sha Tsui, there are some Pakistani restaurants which are very small with no fancy decorations. They are very cheap, but they offer a real taste of Pakistani food,' he said.