Pathfinder CITADEL Launches Karachi Chapter to Connect Youth and Industry

Pathfinder CITADEL has launched its Karachi Chapter in partnership with Global Shapers Pakistan, creating a platform to connect young talent with industry, academia, technology and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The chapter was launched at the Pathfinder CITADEL office at Kawish Crown Plaza on Main Shahra-e-Faisal. The event focused on “Youth, Technology & the Future of Pakistan: From Youth Potential to National Impact.”

The initiative aims to strengthen connections between young Pakistanis and the country’s evolving technology, business and academic ecosystems. It will also provide opportunities for youth to engage with entrepreneurs, institutions and industry leaders.

Industry and Youth Leaders Share Perspectives

Air Cdre (R) Khalid Banuri, Principal Advisor at Pathfinder CITADEL, opened the event. He outlined the Pathfinder Group’s broader vision and discussed CITADEL’s journey and three key verticals.

Murtaza Lashari, Curator of Global Shapers Karachi, spoke on “Youth as Partners in Change.” He highlighted the importance of involving young people as active contributors to Pakistan’s future.

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Jehan Ara, Founder and CEO of Katalyst Labs, delivered a keynote on “Youth, Technology & the Future of Pakistan: From Youth Potential to National Impact.” She discussed the role of young talent in Pakistan’s evolving innovation and technology landscape.

Salman Ali, CEO of VRG, delivered the second keynote, titled “From Potential to Participation: Unlocking the Power of Youth and Women in Pakistan’s Digital Future.”

He highlighted the need to expand access to digital skills, technology and economic opportunities for young people and women.

Panel Focuses on Youth Potential

The main session featured a panel discussion titled “From Youth Potential to National Impact.”

The panel brought together representatives from Karachi’s innovation, education, technology and entrepreneurial sectors.

Participants included Syed Azfar Hussain, Project Director at NIC Karachi; Dr. Samreen Hussain, Vice Chancellor of Dawood University of Engineering and Technology Karachi; Kapeel Kumar, Regional Head Digital Underwriting and Founder of The Founders Space; and Mansoor Aamir, Co-Founder of Ovel Metaverse.

Eishah from Global Shapers Karachi moderated the discussion.

The panel examined ways to turn youth potential into practical skills and economic participation. Speakers discussed education, industry exposure, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship and innovation.

CITADEL Outlines Karachi Roadmap

An interactive audience session led by Qamar Abbas of Global Shapers Karachi gave participants an opportunity to contribute ideas and discuss youth development opportunities.

Air Cdre (R) Farhan Ahmed, Director and COO of Pathfinder CITADEL, then presented “CITADEL Karachi: The Pathway Ahead.”

He outlined the chapter’s future direction and highlighted ways for young people, institutions, founders and industry stakeholders to engage with CITADEL programmes and its wider ecosystem.

Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman of Pathfinder Group, delivered the closing remarks. He emphasized the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for Pakistan’s young talent and strengthening connections between youth, industry, innovation and national development.

The event ended with a networking hi-tea. Participants from the youth, business, academic and startup communities used the session to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations.

Building a Karachi Innovation Ecosystem

The Karachi Chapter gives Pathfinder CITADEL a stronger presence in one of Pakistan’s largest commercial and technology centres.

The initiative aims to connect young talent with knowledge, networks and opportunities. It also seeks to strengthen links between academia, businesses, entrepreneurs and technology communities.

According to Pathfinder CITADEL, the chapter will support its wider work in technology, entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development while creating new avenues for engagement with Pakistan’s evolving economy.