Pathfinder Group Hosts “Shaping Pakistan’s Future Forum 2026
Islamabad (GNP/Reporter) : Pathfinder Group hosted the “Shaping Pakistan’s Future Forum 2026” at AMAANIBAGH Angoori, bringing together diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, and students from different universities to discuss Pakistan’s future through innovation, technology, financial transformation, and national development initiatives.
Organized under the leadership of Co-Chairman Ikram Sehgal, the forum featured two major sessions titled “Vision & National Impact” and “Digital Transformation & Innovation.” The event highlighted Pathfinder Group’s growing role in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, and international collaboration for Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
The event began with a welcome address by Air Commodore (Retd) Khalid Banuri, Principal Advisor, at the Pathfinder Center for Innovation, Technological Advancement, Digital Entrepreneurs and Leadership (CITADEL). He emphasized the importance of strategic innovation, technology, and collaborative partnerships in shaping Pakistan’s future.
During the first session, senior executives from Pathfinder Group’s associated divisions presented their initiatives and contributions in different sectors. Muhammad Salman Ali, Chief Executive Officer of VRG, presented on the Financial Services & Technology Division and iPath, highlighting technological advancements in financial services. Shakeel Ahmed, CEO, SMS Services & Digital Revolution Division, discussed digital infrastructure and modernization initiatives. At the same time, Iqbal Butt, CEO SMS Technologies, shared insights into emerging technological solutions and services. Brigadier (Retd) Mujahid Alam, Chief Executive Officer of Enhanced Harmony Division, presented the work of Providentia Books Foundation, Pathfinder Interfaith Harmony Initiative (PIFHI), Elena Medical care and Kashmala Family Welfare Center, focusing on education, interfaith harmony, and social welfare initiatives aimed at supporting underprivileged communities.
The first session’s Chief Guest, His Excellency Tarik Ali Khan, High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, spoke about the strong and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Canada, particularly in trade and people-to-people connections.
He emphasized the importance of Pakistan’s diaspora in Canada and highlighted the significant potential for expanding bilateral economic cooperation. He also appreciated Pathfinder Group and Ikram Sehgal for their continued efforts in promoting Pakistan internationally.
The second session focused on digital transformation, innovation, startups, and the future of work. AVM (Retd) Asad Ikram, President Pathfinder CITADEL, discussed “Empowering Pakistan’s Innovation Potential,” emphasizing on opportunities for Pakistan’s youth and technology sector.
Imran Jattala, Vice President of Pathfinder CITADEL, spoke on “AI, Startups & the Future of Work in Pakistan,” emphasizing the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Air Cdre (Retd) Farhan Ahmed, Director Pathfinder CITADEL, presented a summary of the CITADEL Startup Challenge.
The finalists of the Startup Challenge 2026 were announced by Uzair Alvi & Sarah Tims, Managers, Pathfinder CITADEL, followed by elevator pitches from the selected finalists showcasing their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial potential. The finalists are Al Futriyaat, Arogga, AquaTech Fisheries, InLights, Printablepk, ReNile, NerdFlow One, TITANNO, Yumkin Foods Pvt. Ltd., Haprow, Kangaroocare AI, CMOontheGO, Teknoloje Solutions, TB-AI Inc., Aion Edge, Ecobricks, Digit360 Sdn Bhd, Spinal Power SMC PVT LTD, PROYA AI – Genlmage and AIEVO Apps.
The forum was also honored by the presence of Imtiaz Rastgar as the Guest of Honour.
A distinguished industrialist and entrepreneur, Rastgar appreciated Pathfinder Group’s efforts in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment in Pakistan. He highlighted the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s industrial and technological ecosystem through collaboration between the public and private sectors and encouraged young entrepreneurs to pursue innovation-driven solutions for national development.
Georg Steiner, Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan, the Chief Guest of the second session, praised the startups for their creativity, commitment, and energy. He encouraged the participating startups to remain engaged with the Swiss Embassy and its staff to explore future collaboration opportunities and further develop their ideas.
Ambassador Steiner also commended Pathfinder Group and Ikram Sehgal for their continued contributions to Pakistan’s global engagement by representing Pakistan at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos every year.
In his closing remarks, Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman of Pathfinder Group, encouraged Pakistan’s youth to remain resilient and persistent in pursuing their ambitions. Sharing his personal entrepreneurial journey, he highlighted how he started from humble beginnings without prior business experience. He also discussed Pathfinder Group’s growing contributions in technology, financial inclusion, and social responsibility initiatives, including the globally recognized Asaan Mobile Account (AMA) initiative.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment toward fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, international cooperation, and inclusive socio-economic development in Pakistan.
