Davos, Switzerland | January 22, 2026 : The Pathfinder Group hosted the “Digital Pakistan Breakfast” at the Pakistan Pavilion during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos 2026 on Thursday, January 22, 2026,
from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at the Morosani Posthotel. The event brought together leaders from
government, technology, finance, and global digital platforms to discuss Pakistan’s digital
transformation and technology-driven growth agenda.
Hosted by Zarrar Sehgal, Chairman, Pathfinder Group, the event was graced by Maria Basso,
Head of AI Applications and Impact at the World Economic Forum, was the keynote speaker,
joined by a distinguished panel of speakers including Muhammad Salman Ali, Chief Executive
Officer, VRG (Financial Inclusion); Khalifa AlShamsi, Chief Executive Officer, e& life; Arsen
Tomsky, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, inDrive, and Alina Timofeeva, BCC &
Bloomberg Expert Commentator.
The Digital Pakistan Breakfast provided a high-level platform for dialogue on artificial
intelligence, digital public infrastructure, fintech innovation, inclusive financial systems, and the
role of global technology platforms in accelerating Pakistan’s digital economy. The session
highlighted opportunities for cross-border collaboration and public–private partnerships in
advancing digital inclusion and innovation.
For more than two decades, Pathfinder Group has played a central role at Davos by convening
Pakistan-focused dialogues through the Pakistan Pavilion, positioning the country as an
emerging digital and innovation-driven economy within the global technology ecosystem.
Concluding with a Vote of Thanks, Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman, Pathfinder Group, reaffirmed
Pathfinder Group’s commitment to promoting Pakistan’s digital narrative and fostering
meaningful global engagement on technology, innovation, and inclusive growth through the
WEF platform.
The Digital Pakistan Breakfast formed a key part of Pathfinder Group’s WEF Davos 2026
engagement, reinforcing Pakistan’s participation in global conversations on digital
transformation and the future of technology.
The keynote address was delivered by Maria Basso, Head of AI Applications and Impact,
World Economic Forum, who highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence and
responsible AI deployment in driving inclusive growth. She stressed the need for strong digital
public infrastructure, ethical AI frameworks, and collaboration between governments and the
private sector to ensure that emerging technologies benefit developing economies such as
Pakistan. She also mentioned the significance of Asaan Mobile Account scheme and how is it
benefiting the underserved community, and it is considered as the most valuable contribution for
the Pakistan.
Alina Timofeeva, highlighted how digital reforms, fintech innovation, and strong digital public
infrastructure can enhance investor confidence and Pakistan’s integration into global markets.
She emphasized the need for regulatory clarity and data transparency, and outlined future steps
focused on strengthening digital governance and positioning Pakistan’s digital narrative more
effectively on global platforms.
Muhammad Salman Ali, focused on Pakistan’s progress in digital financial inclusion, with
particular emphasis on the Asaan Mobile Account Scheme. He noted that the initiative enables
underprivileged and unbanked citizens across Pakistan to open bank accounts in any bank
through a simplified digital process, significantly lowering entry barriers. He shared that 13.8
million Asaan Mobile Accounts are currently active, reflecting strong adoption nationwide. He
further highlighted the significance of the USSD code, which allows citizens without
smartphones or internet access to open and operate accounts, making financial inclusion truly
accessible and inclusive.
Khalifa AlShamsi, spoke on the role of telecom-led digital ecosystems in accelerating
Pakistan’s digital economy. He emphasized that advanced connectivity, cloud services, and
integrated digital platforms can enable scalable solutions across fintech, e-commerce, education,
and public services. He also mentioned that they are moving forward to develop a capacity where
they can lunch and operate their services globally to show strong telecom presence. He
appreciated the tech driven market of Pakistan, he also mentioned that recently two major
startups have made a huge difference in their Tech industry and both of these entrepreneurial
companies are from Pakistan. One is Careem Technologies which is providing to buy FMCGs
and groceries through app, and other one is Stars Play and they have 22 markets across whole
Africa and Middle East. He also revealed that much of the work is being done in the FinTech
world and they are collaborating with Pakistan in that. He showed his excitement regarding the
investment in Pakistan, and mentioned that he has given task to Group Marketing Lead Harrison
to visit startup hubs in Pakistan and engaging with them in the form of investments and giving
them the access to the markets of Middle East. As a shareholder with PTCL he mentioned that
they are keen to work for the investment in Pakistan as it deserved to be at a higher maturity
level. He highlighted that they software development of their company is outsourced to the
Pakistani companies. Looking ahead, he outlined future steps focused on deepening digital
infrastructure investments in the form of 5G data expansion, and more high end fiber
installations expanding data capabilities, and collaborating with public-sector partners to support
smart governance, inclusive access, and next-generation digital services aligned with Pakistan’s
national digital transformation agenda.
Arsen Tomsky, highlighted the growing influence of global technology platforms in
empowering local entrepreneurs and catalyzing economic opportunity. He focused on the
importance of Pakistani youth and their huge contribution in the Pakistani economy and future of
the country. He further outlined future priorities centered on expanding equitable platform
access, strengthening local partnerships, and investing in digital skills development to foster
long-term, inclusive growth.
The Digital Pakistan Breakfast served as a high-level forum for dialogue on artificial
intelligence, fintech innovation, digital public infrastructure, inclusive financial systems, and
public–private partnerships. The discussions reinforced Pakistan’s potential to leverage
technology for inclusive growth while deepening collaboration with global digital leaders.
Concluding the session with a Vote of Thanks, Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman, Pathfinder Group,
reaffirmed Pathfinder Group’s unwavering commitment to promoting Pakistan’s digital and
innovation narrative at the WEF. He emphasized the Group’s continued efforts to foster
meaningful global engagement, strengthen international partnerships, and support inclusive,
technology-driven growth.
