By: Maleeha Irfan
ISLAMABAD: The 7th Edition of the Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit (LIIBS) concluded in Islamabad and showcased a compelling vision for economic expansion, emphasizing the key role of the private sector in fostering sustainable economic development and innovation. Jointly hosted by Nutshell Group and Unity Foods Limited, in collaboration with OICCI and with Faysal Bank Limited as the Platinum partner, this year’s theme, ‘Collaborating for Growth’, brought together leading minds from diverse sectors to address global and regional economic challenges.
Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman (Rtd), former Chief of Air Staff of Pakistan, delivered a powerful message on the necessity of private sector engagement in economic leadership. He stressed the importance of policy consistency and the reassessment of government-to-business relationships to unlock investment and foster mutual growth. His insights set the tone for a day filled with strategic discussions and forward-looking plans.
A panel discussion titled “Leadership & Strategy in the Age of Disruption”, moderated by Saquib Ahmad, Country Managing Director, SAP Pakistan, featured Dr. Amjad Waheed, CEO of NBP Funds, and Zarrar Hasham Khan, Group Chief Business Solutions Officer at PTCL Group. The panelists debated the need for a shift in mindset to embrace technological advancements and new approaches to leadership that cater to a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Emphasizing the global influence and opportunities, Alessandro Ferin, Founder & CEO of Novelty Media, Italy, announced significant investments in Pakistan, citing the country’s young demographic and ease of communication as key factors. Ferin’s declaration underscores Pakistan’s growing appeal to international investors and the potential boost to the country’s tourism and economic sectors.
The summit also addressed the strategic use of big data and AI, with a special session moderated by Mujeeb Zahur, Managing Director, S&P Global Pakistan. Discussions focused on leveraging data as the backbone of generative AI and its potential to revolutionize business strategies and operational efficiency.
Dr. Jehad El-Nakla, Chairman of Al Baraka Bank Pakistan Limited, closed the event with optimistic remarks about Pakistan’s economic trajectory, following a fruitful discussion with the country’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb. His comments reinforced the positive outlook for Pakistan’s economic policies and development strategies.
The Summit not only provided a platform for insightful debates and networking but also reinforced the critical role of collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector in driving substantial economic growth.