THE FUTURE SUMMIT – What Matters Now

The 8th Edition of THE FUTURE SUMMIT took place at a local hotel in Karachi. The inaugural session featured an impressive lineup of speakers including Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue.

Azfar Ahsan reiterated the urgency for partnerships and collaborations, stating, “There is a dire need for collaboration. Private companies should focus on B2B partnerships, and the government should focus on creating an enabling environment.” Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue, Senator Aurangzeb, highlighted, “We have seen progress in macroeconomic stability, with twin deficits turning into surpluses, stable currency, improved forex reserves, and declining inflation and policy rates.”

Climate & Sustainability, requiring urgent attention, was a significant sub-theme of the Summit. Exploring the same in her keynote address, Dr. Shamshad, said, “Pakistan ranks 27th among countries least prepared to tackle climate change.” From engaging discussions on needed steps for supporting Pakistan’s stance, climate resilience, transformative technology, digital innovation, and financial inclusion, each session underscored the collective commitment to shaping a sustainable and prosperous future.

The second day featured discussions on emerging issues such as the future of healthcare, financial inclusion, Pakistan’s evolving financial sector, and the critical need to rethink talent strategies. In his keynote address, Senator Dr. Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) emphasized the role of technology in the evolving dynamics of the world. He said, “The future of progress depends on education. Without education, we have no future.”

A much-needed conversation discussing the future of healthcare in Pakistan was moderated by M. Haroon Qassim, Managing Director, PharmEvo (Private) Limited. Following the sessions on financial inclusion, Rabia Ahmad, Director & CEO, Nutshell Group along with her panelists Founder & CEO, PXDX, UAE Kuanysh Taishibekov, Advisor to the Chairman of the Executive Board-Rector, Kazakh National Research Technical University and Head of the External Affairs, National Geographic Kazakhstan; Saira Awan Malik, President, TCS Private Limited Mujeeb Zahur, Managing Director, S&P Global Pakistan addressed the issues of diversity and mutually agreed that using too much AI will at one point make it challenging for humans to interact with humans, so changing mindsets would ensure inclusivity and encourage diverse work groups to work together for a common goal.

The fireside chat between Zafar Masud, Chairman, Pakistan Banks’ Association and President & CEO, The Bank of Punjab, and Adnan Rizvi, Managing Partner, KPMG Pakistan highlighted the need to address structural issues through collaborative dialogue and not dictation.

Former Federal Minister & Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Dr. Ishrat Husain, N.I, H.I, Author, Economist, shared his concern, that it is not only the technological advancements that make future predictions difficult and complex but there are other areas of concern as well. 

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman (Rtd), Pakistan’s Chief of Air Staff (2015-2018), said, “Together, we have examined the key issues shaping Pakistan’s future — from financial inclusion and healthcare innovation to sustainable energy, digital transformation, and redefining talent.” He thanked the distinguished speakers, partners, and participants for making this summit impactful.