Pakistan will present youth-driven startup ideas at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos this January, as part of a broader effort to project a positive and creative image of the country on the global stage, said Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman of the Pathfinder Group.
Speaking at a conference organised by the Pathfinder Group at a local hotel, Sehgal said Pakistan would showcase seven selected startups at the WEF, marking what he described as the first such focused presentation of Pakistani youth innovation at the forum. He added that the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Federal Minister for Finance are also expected to attend the WEF sessions.
Sehgal said the initiative aims to highlight the creative potential of Pakistan’s young population and promote innovation-led growth. He announced that, for the first time, cultural events including Qawwali and special “Pakistan Nights” would also be held on the sidelines of the forum to strengthen the country’s soft image and cultural outreach.
He said expanding access to financial services could play a key role in reducing poverty and stressed that the Pathfinder Group is working to strengthen Pakistan through innovation, digital transformation and creativity.
According to him, the group is providing national and international platforms for young people to express and develop their capabilities.
The conference brought together policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, academics and civil society representatives. Discussions focused on social development, interfaith harmony, digital transformation and financial inclusion.
The event was chaired by Pathfinder Group Chairman Zarrar Sehgal, while Dr Huma Baqai, Rector of My University of Technology and Vice Chairperson of the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR), served as moderator.
The programme comprised two sessions featuring keynote addresses and presentations by speakers from the public and private sectors. The first session’s chief guest was KCFR Chairperson Nadra Panjwani. The session opened with introductory remarks by Dr Baqai, followed by a welcome address from Zarrar Sehgal.
Brigadier (retd) Mujahid Alam, Chief Executive Officer of the Enhanced Harmony Division (EHD), highlighted the Pathfinder Group’s flagship social initiatives and their impact on education, poverty reduction, family welfare and interfaith harmony. Presentations were also made by Amna Sehgal, Founder of Providentia Books Foundation, and Elena Sehgal, Founder of the Pathfinder Interfaith Harmony Initiative.
In her keynote address, Nadra Panjwani emphasised the importance of inclusive social development and sustainable welfare models.
The second session’s chief guest was State Bank of Pakistan Executive Director for Financial Inclusion, Syed Basit Ali. Dr Baqai shared key points regarding Pakistan’s participation in the Pakistan Pavilion at Davos.
Shakil Ahmed, CEO of the Digital Revolution Division and SMS Services (Private) Limited, briefed participants on technology-driven initiatives of the Pathfinder Group, including solutions based on artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things aimed at improving efficiency, security and competitiveness across sectors.
Air Vice Marshal (retd) Asad Ikram, President of CITADEL, said Pakistan must align its human capital with innovation, technology and leadership development through a coordinated national strategy. He highlighted CITADEL’s role in skills development, startup acceleration and strategic consulting, including efforts to provide Pakistani startups with international exposure.
Muhammad Salman Ali, CEO of Virtual Remittance Gateway, spoke on innovation in financial services, digital payments and initiatives to bring the unbanked population into the formal banking system.
In his keynote address, Salimullah outlined the State Bank of Pakistan’s regulatory vision for financial inclusion, digital finance and responsible innovation.
