ACCA Pakistan has taken its Corporate Conference 2026 to Multan and Faisalabad. The events brought policymakers, business leaders, academics and finance professionals together in two major regional economic centres.
The conferences were held under the theme “Redefining Value in a Changed World.” The initiative also aimed to take the national business conversation beyond Pakistan’s largest metropolitan centres.
Focus on Regional Growth
Both conferences examined ways to strengthen Pakistan’s competitiveness in a changing global economy. Speakers also discussed the role of Punjab’s regional economies in supporting the country’s long-term economic ambitions.
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The discussions covered textiles, agriculture, manufacturing and exports. Participants also explored how businesses can respond to changing global market requirements.
In Faisalabad, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, attended as Guest of Honour.
He said Faisalabad had long played a major role in Pakistan’s industrial and export economy. He added that skills, sustainability and innovation were important for helping local businesses compete globally.
Faisalabad Highlights Sustainability
The Faisalabad conference focused on ESG and sustainability reporting. Participants examined how stronger reporting practices could help export-oriented manufacturers access international buyers and capital.
Nighat Nasreen of TMUC moderated the discussion. The panel included Sohaib Qaiser of Dr Frigz International, Raja Amjad Ali of Masood Textile Mills and Junaid Subhani of Parker Russel Chartered Accountants.
Abdullah Qadri FCCA of Sitara Labels also shared insights into the company’s development from local roots to a wider regional presence.
The discussion highlighted the growing importance of credible sustainability information for businesses operating in international markets.
Multan Examines Capital and Climate Risk
In Multan, speakers focused on capital, climate risk and business capacity.
Muhammad Usman FCCA of ASCA Global Consulting moderated the panel. It featured Peer Junaid Bodla of Bodla Group, Abdullah Amir Fazal of Fazal Group and Filza Mumtaz of Shahz & Multan Matters.
The panel examined how regional businesses can finance expansion while managing climate-related risks.
Jawad Khawaja, Founder and CEO of Beyond East and Passion Foods, also shared his experience of taking a locally rooted business into regional markets.
AI and Future Skills
Both cities also discussed the opportunities created by artificial intelligence.
In Multan, Dr Muhammad Zubair Iqbal, Vice Chancellor of BZU, delivered a keynote on future skills and regional competitiveness.
Dr Arslan Javed of the Center of Innovation and Experiential Learning moderated a panel featuring Zarlish Farooq Shiekh of Sharkstack, Dr Asif Yaseen of BZU and Waqar Tayyub of AdEra Labs.
In Faisalabad, Nauman Sarwar, President of Faisalabad I.T. Companies Organisation, discussed how the city could turn its industrial base into a global advantage.
Aimen Shahid of NICF moderated the panel. Participants included Adnan Aslam of Digi Khata, Usman Ahsan of PIPFA and Nauman Sarwar of FITCO.
Speakers said AI could accelerate business growth. They also stressed the importance of governance to ensure responsible adoption.
ACCA Highlights Regional Business Role
Assad Hameed Khan, Head of ACCA Pakistan, said Pakistan’s future growth would depend on businesses across the country.
He said regional centres such as Multan and Faisalabad should remain part of the national economic conversation.
“Value today is defined by resilience, transparency and the ability to adapt,” Khan said. He added that finance professionals had a central role in supporting businesses through these changes.
The conferences brought together representatives from government, chambers of commerce, industry, academia, the accountancy profession and the start-up sector.
ACCA Pakistan said the conference series will now move to Peshawar, extending the discussion to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s business community.
