‘100 CEO’s & Diplomats of Pakistan’ launched: Ahsan highlights need to transform relies on 4 P’s

KARACHI: Highly anticipated book, “100 CEO’s & Diplomats of Pakistan” was launched here on Thursday, with Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof Ahsan Iqbal as the chief guest at the ceremony.

“The publication celebrates the contributions of Pakistan’s corporate leaders and diplomatic figures who have played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic landscape.”

The CEO Summit Karachi-2026, organised by the CEO Club Pakistan & World CEO Forum, is being held under the theme “Turn the Tide: Reimagine Pakistan 2030.”

The event brings together over 400 distinguished delegates, including chairmen, investors, exporters, foreign delegates, and women entrepreneurs.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal, in his speech, highlighted the need for the country to transform relies on 4 P’s - Peace, Political Stability, Policy continuity and Path of reforms.

He emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable economic growth and the critical role of policy consistency in attracting investment. ?He stated that Pakistan’s corporate sector has to leave its comfort zone as increase to exports are imperative for real economic growth.

“The stock exchange giants must shift their focus on export rather than relying on easy money. Economic sovereignty can only be attained by earning dollars, and the one and most viable way is exports.”

The nation must achieve the export target of USD 100 billion to get themselves free from IMF.

We are all warriors of Pakistan’s economic sovereignty, and we must dedicate ourselves to boost productivity, quality and innovation.

He asserted that along with our environment the country needs to make the compliance green, embed technology and artificial intelligence into our system.

Recently a sum of USD one billion budget has been pledged by the Prime Minister Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif by 2030 to invest in Artificial Intelligence-to train one thousand PhDs in AI, and one million youth in AI so that they can provide us the human resource to adapt ourselves to the changing climate of digital and technological advancement.

The minister noted how Pakistan’s history has a remarkable journey of resilience and transformation. We started with lack of offices and infrastructure and today we stand as the 7th Nuclear power in the world

He commended the organisers, Ijaz Nisar and his team, for creating a platform that unites visionary leaders to collaborate on Pakistan’s future .

Ijaz Nisar, Founder and President of CEO Club said, “We have to inculcate and offer hope for the future generations. Nation building and nation branding are two facets that must be the hallmark of the entire machinery running the country.”

The event further featured the prestigious CEO Award Ceremony, recognising outstanding leadership and innovation across various sectors of the economy.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026