Karachi Davos — The event, Inspiring Pakistan was organized by
Pathfinder Group at the Pakistan Pavilion in Davos during the World Economic Forum
(WEF) Annual Meeting 2025. Held in association with the Karachi Council on Foreign
Relations (KCFR), Providentia Books Foundation (PBF), and SwissCham Asia. The aim
was to promote the image and investment in Pakistan and provide insights into
Pakistan’s journey and achievements with dialogue among distinguished visionaries
and industry leaders. Inspiring Pakistan highlighted the nation’s strengths, resilience,
and opportunities, presenting a roadmap for growth and global recognition.
Dr Huma Baqai, Senior Vice Chairperson of KCFR & Rector of Millennium Institute of
Technology Entrepreneurship (MiTE), moderated the event. The esteemed speakers
included Micheal Kugelman (Director, Wilson Center’s South Asia Institute), Adam
Weinstein (Research Fellow, Quincy Institute), Nadira Panjwani, Chairperson KCFR, Dr
Urs Lustenberger (President, SwissCham Asia), Dr S. Irfan Ali (President, Pioneer
Medical Group), and Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar (Special Assistant to CM Sindh for
Investment & Public-Private Partnership).
Micheal Kugelman commended Pakistan’s resilience and vast untapped potential. He
highlighted the abundance of resources – ranging from minerals and renewable energy
resources to a vibrant youth population and tourism opportunities. Adam Weinstein
appreciated Pakistan's limitless potential and recommended taking real steps towards
progress in education and economic growth.
Dr Urs Lustenberger spoke about celebrating the success stories of resilience,
creativity, and innovation that shine through Pakistan and seizing the opportunities to
reshape Pakistan’s narrative as a state, ready to thrive and lead and the nation’s
potential for regional leadership. Habib Paracha and Dr S. Irfan Ali discussed key
strategies for Pakistan's progress and transformation. To address the challenges with
proven solutions. The importance of integrating compassion with strategic action to
drive meaningful change in Pakistan and beyond.
Nadira Panjwani highlighted nation's strong culture of philanthropy is driven by family
values, religious obligations, and its commitment to community welfare. She
emphasized Public-private partnerships and calls for greater transparency and
regulation in the nonprofit sector.”
Hassan Sharif Khan, an IT Entrepreneur, shared his insights on the growing impact of
generative AI, particularly in financial services. Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar talked
about Pakistan’s resilience and praised public-private partnerships (PPP) for their
success in overcoming the challenges. He emphasized the importance of projecting
Pakistan positively on the global stage.
The event concluded with Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman of Pathfinder Group, expressing
gratitude to the speakers and attendees. He acknowledged the 20 years of partnership
with Davos by the Pathfinder Group and emphasized viewing Pakistan as an emerging
powerhouse. He praised Pakistan's philanthropic efforts and urged that the country be
viewed for what it truly is – an emerging powerhouse.
