Karachi [Davos, Jan 23rd, Thursday]—Pathfinder Group hosted the Balochistan Breakfast during the World
Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 at the Pakistan Pavilion. Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, the Chief
Minister of Balochistan, was the chief guest. The distinguished speaker panel included Adam Weinstein,
Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute, as the keynote speaker, along with Senator Anwaar ul Haq Kakar,
Former Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Moderated by Zarrar Sehgal, Chairman of Pathfinder Group, the focus of the discussion was exploring
Balochistan’s untapped potential with its rich cultural heritage, natural resources, and strategic placement.
The importance of collective efforts for meaningful change and sustainable progress was also highlighted.
The emphasis was made on the province’s critical role in shaping Pakistan’s economic future and the
importance of international partnerships, human development, and sustainable resource management. A
notable view was also given on the significance of the opportunities that can be capitalized. Senator Anwaar
ul Haq Kakar highlighted Balochistan's deep-rooted history, lively cultural diversity, and its future as a key
contributor to the global supply chain for rare earth materials. He emphasized the importance of balancing
preserving identity and driving sustainable development. In his keynote address, Adam Weinstein pressed
the importance of balancing identity politics with development in Balochistan. He urged global
collaboration, especially between the U.S. and China, to support Pakistan’s stability. He also expressed hope
that Pakistan, with the right reforms, could become an economic powerhouse with Balochistan at its core.
Also, the internal and external factors in destabilizing the province must be addressed for development.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti expressed his views on the importance of Balochistan’s vast potential
and strategic location, which makes it a hub for regional and global trade. He also assured the audience that
his government is focused on creating a business-friendly environment, improving infrastructure, and
ensuring inclusive growth for all. He ended by inviting investors to explore the many lucrative opportunities
Balochistan offers especially, in copper and gold reserves. Co-Chairman of Pathfinder Group Ikram Sehgal
added that education is important for Balochistan’s future, the impressive achievements of Baloch students
in many renowned institutions cannot be overlooked. He stressed that another untapped potential is IT
startups in the province by youth. Sehgal underscored the need to fully capitalize on both human and
material resources in Balochistan to foster sustainable growth. He lastly thanked the speakers and the
audience for attending the event, creating strategic dialogues, and being optimistic about creating meaningful
relations and collaborations with Pakistan in uplifting the future of Balochistan.
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