Davos, Switzerland | January , 2026 : Continuing its long-standing engagement with the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Pathfinder Group
hosted the “Inspiring Pakistan Lunch” at the Pakistan Pavilion during WEF Davos 2026 on Tuesday,
January 20, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 03:30 p.m. Held at the Schatzalp Restaurant, the exclusive
luncheon brought together global policymakers, business leaders, academics, investors, and thought
leaders to engage in a dialogue on Pakistan’s evolving economic, strategic, and innovation landscape.
For over two decades, Pathfinder Group, under the leadership of Ikram Sehgal, has played a pivotal role
at Davos by hosting the Pakistan Pavilion and its flagship event, the “Pakistan Breakfast.” These
platforms have consistently projected Pakistan’s economic narrative, highlighted emerging
opportunities, and showcased Pakistani innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent on the global stage.
The Inspiring Pakistan Lunch was hosted by Zarrar Sehgal, Chairman, Pathfinder Group, and attended
by a curated group of international and Pakistani stakeholders. The event served as a high-level
networking and dialogue platform within the Pakistan Pavilion, reinforcing Pathfinder Group’s
commitment to constructive engagement and international collaboration.
The distinguished lineup of speakers included Dr Huma Naveed Baqai, Senior Vice Chairperson,
Karachi Council for Foreign Relations, and Rector, Millennium Institute of Technology
Entrepreneurship; Dr Urs Lustenberger, President, SwissCham Asia; Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow
for South Asia, The Atlantic Council; Adam Weinstein, Research Fellow, Quincy Institute; Abu Bakar,
Former Chief Executive Officer, Pakistan Software Export Board; John DeBlasio, Chairman, Continuity
Global Solutions and Executive Chairman, DT Global; Arsen Tomsky, Founder and CEO, inDrive; Air
Commodore (Retd) Farhan Ahmed, Project Director, Pathfinder CITADEL; M. Bilal Lakhani,
Contributor, The Express Tribune; Muhammad Farid Alam, CEO, AKD Securities Limited; Sameer
Chishty, Executive Chairman, AsiaPak Investments; Dr Salma Malik, Associate Professor, Defence and
Strategic Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University; and Dr Marc Siegel, Director of Global Security and
Resilience Projects, Homeland Security Graduate Program, San Diego State University, Hassan Sharif
Khan, Technologist and AI Specialist, Usman Sheikh, Director Ozi Technologies, and Dr Ying Zhang,
President Singularity Academy.
Their participation reflected a wide range of perspectives spanning global security, geopolitics,
investment, technology, entrepreneurship, capital markets, media, and international development,
underscoring Pakistan’s relevance in contemporary global conversations.
Concluding with a Vote of Thanks, Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman, Pathfinder Group, reiterated Pathfinder
Group’s commitment to leveraging the WEF platform to foster informed dialogue, strengthen Pakistan’s
international partnerships, and enhance the country’s global positioning.
The Inspiring Pakistan Lunch formed a key part of Pathfinder Group’s WEF Davos 2026 engagement,
aimed at promoting Pakistan as a destination for ideas, investment, and innovation through sustained
global outreach and dialogue.
Dr Huma Naveed Baqai emphasized Pakistan’s strategic relevance in a rapidly shifting global order
and highlighted the critical role of academia in shaping future leadership, policy thinking, and innovation
ecosystems.
Dr Urs Lustenberger underscored the importance of Pakistan–Switzerland economic engagement,
particularly in trade, investment facilitation, and institutional trust-building through chambers of
commerce.
Michael Kugelman provided insights into South Asia’s evolving geopolitical dynamics, stressing
Pakistan’s role in regional stability, connectivity, and global diplomacy.
Adam Weinstein highlighted security and governance challenges while emphasizing the need for
balanced narratives that recognize Pakistan’s reform efforts and strategic recalibration.
John DeBlasio discussed investment, development, and security linkages, noting Pakistan’s potential as
a long-term partner in international development and stabilization initiatives.
Arsen Tomsky, Founder & CEO of inDrive, shared global entrepreneurship perspectives and
highlighted Pakistan’s large, untapped technology talent pool as a future hub for platform-based
innovation.
Air Comd (Retd) Farhan Ahmed introduced Pathfinder CITADEL, emphasizing youth
empowerment, future workforce readiness, freelancing, and the convergence of education, technology,
and national development.
M. Bilal Lakhani reflected on media’s role in shaping national narratives and the importance of
balanced storytelling to project Pakistan’s opportunities internationally.
Muhammad Farid Alam, CEO AKD Securities, highlighted capital market reforms, investor
confidence, and Pakistan’s evolving financial landscape.
Sameer Chishty spoke on cross-border investments and the importance of regional economic
integration.
Dr Salma Malik provided an academic and strategic lens on defense, security, and policy coherence in
Pakistan’s national outlook.
Dr Marc Siegel addressed global resilience, security frameworks, and Pakistan’s relevance in
international risk and crisis management discussions.
Hassan Sharif Khan underscored the need for strong public–private collaboration, governance reforms,
and policy continuity to sustain investor confidence and economic growth in Pakistan.
Usman Sheikh emphasized scaling Pakistan’s startup ecosystem through innovation, youth
entrepreneurship, and stronger integration with global digital markets.
Dr Ying Zhang highlighted the importance of future-ready education and aligning academic learning
with emerging technologies and global workforce demands.
Concluding the session, Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman, Pathfinder Group, reaffirmed Pathfinder
Group’s commitment to leveraging the WEF platform to strengthen global partnerships and elevate
Pakistan’s international standing. He highlighted initiatives like Pathfinder CITADEL as a bridge
between academia and Pakistan’s youth-led success in technology, freelancing, and global markets.
