Pakistan’s Leaders Unite for a Bold Economic and Digital Future
The Leadership for Inclusive Islamabad Business Summit (LIIBS) brought together influential voices from across government and industry under the theme “Navigating the Unknown.” With the world facing unprecedented disruption—from climate volatility to economic realignment—this timely summit became a hub of candid conversations and forward-looking strategies.
Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, delivered a compelling speech on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) transition from a history of conflict, displacement, and instability toward a future shaped by peace, innovation, and inclusive growth. While security remains a key challenge, the province is adopting a development-focused approach, using education, job creation, and infrastructure to counter extremism. Highlighting progress in agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and IT, the speaker emphasized KP’s pivot toward sustainability and modernization. Community-led ecotourism, women’s economic empowerment, and tech hubs are reshaping both urban and remote areas. With human development at the forefront and a renewed focus on climate resilience, KP is positioning itself as a gateway for regional connectivity through CPEC and Central Asia trade corridors—no longer just a frontier, but a bridge to the future.
Senator Dr. Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Climate Change, urged a shift from ambition to action. “It’s time to restore our relationship with nature and deliver on our climate goals with urgency,” he said in a keynote that resonated across sectors.
In the “Forging the Future” panel, Muhammad Ali, Federal Minister and Advisor on Privatization, called for a rebalancing of public-private roles: “Pakistan’s true potential is hampered by limited private sector engagement. Accountability thrives where there’s ownership. We must close the gap between opportunity and investment.”
In a discussion moderated by Mosharraf Zaidi of Tabadlab, former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Zubair Mahmood Hayat stressed investment in AI infrastructure and institutional longevity: “Systems outlive individuals. Building resilient institutions and equipping youth with 21st-century skills is Pakistan’s way forward.”
Other speakers were Justice Ayesha Malik, Supreme Court Judge, Dr. Ishrat Husain, former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, and Saquib Ahmad, Managing Director of SAP for Pakistan.
M. Azfar Ahsan
CEO Nutshell
The speaker underscored the urgent need for long-term policy continuity in Pakistan, advocating for national strategies to be sustained over 8 to 12 years with strong legal backing to ensure implementation beyond political cycles. He emphasized that sustainable development hinges not just on planning, but on consistent execution. Highlighting Pakis-tan’s demographic dividend—where 65% of the population is under 30—he pointed to the country’s vast potential in the digital and technology sectors. Citing the global air tech industry’s projected growth from $250 billion in 2023 to $400 billion by 2027, he called for Pakistan to harness this momentum. Realizing this opportunity, he argued, depends on stable governance and effective talent engagement.
Yousaf Hussain
President OICCI
The speaker called for urgent, unified action to transform Pakistan’s economic future, emphasizing that waiting for ideal conditions is no longer an option. He urged collaboration between government, business leaders, academia, and regulators to shift from potential to performance by 2047. Citing successful Asian economies, he advocated for an export-led, reform-driven strategy rooted in long-term execution, policy consistency, and integrated national planning. He highlighted the importance of local investor confidence, global market diversification, and positioning Pakistan as a trade and supply chain hub. Representing OICCI, he stressed that multinational companies bring global expertise, technology, and human capital development.
Amir Shahzad
Chairman Unity Foods
Against the backdrop of geo-political shifts, AI disruptions, and climate urgency—the speaker stressed the need for Pakistan to lead with clarity and long-term vision. He praised the government’s consistent pursuit of political stability and strategic economic planning, which is showing early signs of success. Highlighting structural moves in mining and the accelerating IT industry, he called it a step toward building investor confidence. He noted that IT exports are expected to reach $3.5–$3.7 billion by the end of 2025, with the potential to climb to $9–$10 billion within a few years. With one of the world’s youngest populations, he emphasized that through education and opportunity, Pakistan stands poised for transformative growth—if current momentum is sustained.
Amir Ibrahim
CEO JAZZ
The speaker highlighted Pakistan’s critical digital and economic gaps, noting that 30% of the population lacks 4G, 11% lacks 2G, and only 2% have broadband access. High internet taxes further hinder inclusion. He criticized the narrow tax base reliant on salaried individuals, while the informal economy remains largely untapped. With just 5% of retail transactions digitized and only 50,000 out of 5 million SMEs equipped for digital payments, he called for wider adoption of platforms like Raast and mobile-based solutions. He stressed that expanding digital payments could significantly reduce the grey economy and urged mandatory digital payment acceptance across key sectors, with penalties for businesses that fail to comply.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja
Minister for IT
The speaker outlined Pakistan’s ambitious digital transformation agenda, anchored by the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025, aming to build an inclusive digital economy. Key initiatives include digital identities, integrated data systems (Pakistan Stack), and reforms such as FBR digitization. To prepare the workforce, 3 million youth will be trained in tech skills, while ease of doing business is being improved through smart apps, IT parks, and business facilitation centers. Over 1,300 startups have already been incubated, supported by public-private infrastructure. Emphasized that global promotion of Pakistan’s tech industry has proven highly effective, generating $49 in return for every $1 spent, and earning Pakistan international recognition as an emerging tech hub.
Jimmy Nguyen
CEO New Win Global
The speaker, a global tech lawyer and entrepreneur, highlighted examples from his work in digital assets, AI, and climate tech, urging Pakistan and other countries not to resist change but to develop frameworks, partnerships, and infrastructure that harness emerging technologies for inclusive progress. From Dubai’s crypto regulations to AI-driven business tools in Pakistan, and from de-extinction biotech to smart cities in Vietnam, the central message was clear: facing uncertainty with collaboration and innovation leads to transformation.
