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PESHAWAR, Sep 12 (APP):The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) hosted its first-ever conference here in a local hotel the other day under the forward-looking theme ‘Fueling the Future: Sustainable Economic Growth through Governance & Technology’.
The highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by the Chief Guest, Muzammil Aslam, Provincial Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Finance, who emphasized the importance of policy alignment, innovation, and governance as catalysts for sustainable economic growth in the region.
Saif Ullah, President ICAP addressed the gathering with a compelling message on the evolving role of chartered accountants in driving national progress. He highlighted ICAP’s unwavering commitment to strengthening corporate governance, embracing emerging technologies, and advancing sustainability as key pillars for future prosperity.
Saif Ullah stressed that professionals must not only adapt to change but lead it with integrity and vision, ensuring that Pakistan’s financial and corporate landscape remains resilient in the face of global challenges.
Muhammad Awais, Vice President ICAP, delivered his welcome address, underscoring the significance of Peshawar as a hub for growth and innovation. He highlighted the importance of extending ICAP’s presence across Pakistan to empower professionals and bring knowledge-sharing platforms closer to business communities in emerging regions.
Abdul Qayyum Khan, Team Lead of the Debt Management Unit and Risk Management Unit, Finance Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, presented on “Transforming Governance for Economic Resilience.”
The conference agenda featured several thought-provoking sessions. Hassan Raza, MD and CEO of Bank of Khyber, spoke on “Strategic Leadership: Bridging Governance and Growth for Long-Term Success.”
This was followed by a panel discussion on “Strong Governance Frameworks and Sustainable Economic Policies: Key Drivers of Growth,” moderated by Ms. Jahanara Sajjad Ahmad, with distinguished panelists Mr. Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, President SAFA, Mr. Irfan Saleem, CFO Bank of Khyber, Mr. M. Ali Latif, Former President ICAP, and Syed Asad Ali Shah, Former President ICAP.
Adding further depth to the dialogue, Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Pakistan’s former Minister for Investment, presented on “Unlocking Investment Potential at the Crossroads of Heritage, Innovation, and Growth.”
Fazal Moqeem Khan, President of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), shared his insights, while Farid Alam, CEO of AKD Securities, presented on “What’s Holding Back the Listed Companies?”
Environmental sustainability was a central theme as Dr. Muhammad Rafiq, Member for Climate Finance at the Pakistan Climate Change Authority, spoke on ‘Green Solutions for a Prosperous Future’.
A panel discussion on “Pathways to Transition Towards a Low-Carbon Economy: Challenges and Opportunities,” moderated by Mr. Husnain R. Badami, Council Member, ICAP with contributions from Dr. Abdul Samad, Secretary Tourism, Culture, Archeology & Museum Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr. Farrukh Rehman, Former President ICAP and Dr. Muhammad Rafiq.
The evening continued with a presentation by Haroon Kanth, Head of Global Services Solutions COE, Teradata, on “Enabling Growth through Innovation,” and concluded with a panel discussion on ‘Leveraging Technology to Address Economic Challenges: Innovations for a Resilient Future’.
Moderated by Asim Ishaq Khan, Director of the National Incubation Center Peshawar, this session featured panelists Dr. Muhammad Akif Khan, Managing Director KPITB, Mr. Nadeem A. Malik, Tech Advisor, and Mr. Saquib Ahmad, Country Managing Director, SAP Pakistan, Iraq, Bahrain, and Afghanistan.
The conference closed with concluding remarks and a networking dinner, leaving participants inspired by the discussions and ideas presented throughout the day. ICAP extends its sincere gratitude to its Platinum Sponsor – Bank of Khyber, Gold Sponsors – Haier, AKD Securities Limited, Tufail Chemical Industries Limited, Meezan Bank, Hascol Petroleum Ltd and Silver Sponsors – Bannu Woollen Mills Ltd., and Professional Academy for Excellence (PAC) for their invaluable support in making this milestone event possible.