Fardeen Ali
Karachi: The 9th Edition of The Future Summit (TFS) opened in Karachi with strategic dialogues on global shifts, digital futures, and Pakistan’s growth imperative, drawing participation from senior government officials, corporate leaders, and international economists.
Co-hosted by the Nutshell Group and the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) — in partnership with Faysal Bank and the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OICCI) — the two-day event set the stage for what organizers called “a necessary course correction” amid climate challenges, shifting trade dynamics, and technological disruption.
The opening session featured Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers for Finance and Climate Change, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, and several industry heads.
Themed “From Global Insights to Local Action,” the first day explored macroeconomic shifts, digital intelligence, and policy reforms critical to Pakistan’s competitiveness.
Speakers such as Jonathan Ashworth, Global Chief Economist at ACCA, and Sajjeed Aslam, Partner at Spectreco LLC (USA), analyzed the balance between long-term economic vision and constant global disruption.
Later panels included prominent voices from Engro Corporation, TCS, IFC Pakistan, Mashreq Bank, and Acumen, who stressed the need for policy consistency, export diversification, and workforce inclusivity. “Focus on infrastructure, regulatory and taxation reforms, and incentivizing female participation in the workforce are some vital corrections needed,” said Saira Awan Malik, President, TCS.
Sessions on digital transformation and AI-led growth brought together experts from VEON, InfoTech, SAP, TMC, and S&P Global, emphasizing Pakistan’s potential to leapfrog legacy systems. “When technology touches lives and livelihoods—not just balance sheets—digital transformation has truly arrived,” said Lasha Tabidze, Global Chief Digital Operations Officer, VEON.
The day concluded with a discussion on Reputation and Influence, where global communication experts stressed the need for transparency, governance, and consistent reform signaling to rebuild Pakistan’s reputation as a competitive investment destination.
