LIIBS 2026, Summit Ends with Call for Decisive Economic Action
ISLAMABAD – The ninth edition of the Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit (LIIBS) 2026 concluded in Islamabad under the theme “The Next Move,” bringing together policymakers, business leaders and thought leaders to discuss Pakistan’s economic, technological and global priorities. The summit’s discussions centred on translating Pakistan’s economic potential into sustained growth through reforms, investment, technology, exports and stronger public-private cooperation. The event followed coverage by Business Cafe, which published a report on the summit on September 16.
Aurangzeb Calls for Shift from Consumption-Led Growth
In his inaugural ministerial keynote, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue, said Pakistan recorded about 3.7% GDP growth in the previous fiscal year, with momentum continuing into the current fiscal year. He said large-scale manufacturing had turned around, while remittances and IT exports were supporting the external account. Aurangzeb called for a shift from a consumption-led growth model towards sustainable and productive economic growth.
Muhammad Ali Highlights Technology and Skills
Muhammad Ali, Federal Minister and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation, said Pakistan should move from being a consumer of technology to becoming a creator of technology. He called for productive businesses capable of competing globally and stressed the importance of stronger education, equal workforce participation and skills development. He also said talent should be extended to manufacturing, defence and other emerging technologies.
Kayani Stresses Structural Reforms and Public-Private Coordination
Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance and Railways, said structural reforms, improved governance and coordination between federal and provincial governments were essential for sustainable economic development. His portfolio as Minister of State for Finance & Revenue was added to his existing responsibilities in June 2025. Kayani also called for greater exports and stronger engagement with the private sector in policymaking. He highlighted government measures concerning agriculture, SMEs and the reform of institutions such as SMEDA.
Kakar Links Security and Structural Economic Challenges
In the closing session, Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, caretaker prime minister of Pakistan (2023–24), said security challenges needed to be addressed but argued that Pakistan’s economic performance also required attention to underlying structural constraints. He noted that countries facing significant violence had continued to develop large export economies and called for greater focus on the economic factors affecting growth.
Musadik Malik Calls for Policy Continuity
Senator Dr Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, stressed the importance of policy continuity and a level playing field based on skills and merit. He said consensus-based policies could help reduce barriers for young people and university graduates and called for continued efforts to address what he described as “elite capture.”
Summit Examines Pakistan’s Next Move
The LIIBS 2026, summit was structured around discussions on Pakistan’s future strategy, with speakers examining the country’s economic policy, technology and global positioning. The cross-sector discussions sought to identify areas where reforms, investment and innovation could shape the country’s next phase of development.
Six Sessions Cover Economy, Technology and Global Trends
The programme featured six sessions covering geopolitics and geoeconomics; business, technology and the new competitive landscape; AI and digital transformation; capital and finance; and Pakistan’s “Next Move.”The summit also brought together representatives from international institutions, government, financial services, technology, telecommunications, manufacturing and other sectors.
Business and Global Leaders Join Discussions
Speakers in the LIIBS 2026 summit, included Lucia Real Martin, Global Executive Director, ACCA; Dr Faisal Hashmi, Senior Director Public Affairs, Sustainability & Communication, Pakistan & Afghanistan Region, The Coca-Cola Company; Aamir Ibrahim, CEO, JazzWorld and Chairman, Mobilink Bank, JazzCash & TPL Insurance; Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder & Chairman, Nutshell Group and former Minister for Investment; Simon Andrews, Regional Director, International Finance Corporation; Dr Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative Pakistan, UNDP; Andrew Bailey, Managing Director, BASF Pakistan; and Maheen Rahman, CEO, InfraZamin Pakistan.
Other participants in the LIIBS 2026 summit, included Dr Ayesha K. Khan, Regional Managing Director, Acumen; Sajjeed Aslam, Partner, Sustainability, USA; Serkan Ozturk, Chief of Staff and Strategy Officer, VEON Group; Irfan Wahab Khan, SVP, Telenor Group and Chairman, easypaisa Digital Bank; Saira Awan Malik, President, TCS Holdings; Kabeer Naqvi, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Abhi Group; Fatima Asad-Said, CEO, ABACUS; and Saquib Ahmad, Global Chief Growth Officer, Systems Limited.
In the LIIBS 2026 summit, the speakers also included Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, President & CEO, Mobilink Bank; Saqib Sabah, Managing Director, Growth Market Units, SAP; Tariq Rashid, Global Telco Growth Leader, Systems Limited; Asif Ahmed, Group Chief Business Solutions Officer, PTCL; Mujeeb Zahur, Managing Director, S&P Global Pakistan; Javed Kureishi, CEO, Pakistan Business Council; Dr Amjad Waheed, CEO, NBP Funds; Mohammad Shoaib, CFA, CEO & Co-Founder, Lucky Investments; Imtiaz Gadar, CFA, CEO, Al Meezan Investment Management; Umair Aijaz, CEO, Raqami Islamic Digital Bank; ACM Sohail Aman, former Chief of Air Staff and Chief Executive Strategic Engagements, Nutshell Group; Ziad Bashir, Chairman, Pakistan Business Council; and Fahd Husain, Anchor and Columnist.
Speakers Receive Centennial Tribute Book
During the LIIBS 2026 summit, distinguished speakers were presented copies of “Syed Babar Ali: A Centennial Tribute,” authored by Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder and Chairman of Nutshell Group and former Minister for Investment.
Geopolitics Session Focuses on Investment and Resilience
The second session of the LIIBS 2026, “Geopolitics, Geoeconomics & Pakistan,” examined Pakistan’s position amid changing global dynamics, with discussions focusing on investment confidence and climate resilience.
Business and Technology Shape Competitive Landscape
The third session in the LIIBS 2026 summit, “Business, Technology & The New Competitive Landscape,” explored how businesses can adapt to changing markets, strengthen resilience, expand into new markets and pursue sustainable growth.
AI Session Examines Economic Value
The fourth session, “AI, Digital Transformation & Economic Value,” examined the impact of emerging technologies on productivity, customer experience, business models and competitive advantage.
Capital and Finance Take Centre Stage
The second-last session, “Capital, Finance & The Confidence Economy,” focused on ways to mobilise domestic and international capital, strengthen financial markets, expand investment opportunities and support long-term economic growth.
Closing Session Examines Pakistan’s Choices
The closing session in the LIIBS 2026 summit, “Pakistan’s Moment of Choice,” brought together political, government, business, strategic communication and private-sector perspectives to discuss the choices facing Pakistan amid changing global conditions.
Summit Ends with Focus on Action
LIIBS 2026 concluded with discussions centred on the need for action on economic reforms, investment, technology, and partnerships as Pakistan seeks to translate its potential into sustainable economic growth.
