KARACHI: IMARAT Group took center stage at the 5th Pakistan Future of Retail Summit & Expo (FOR 2025), held at the Movenpick Hotel in Karachi, where industry leaders gathered to explore the evolving dynamics of commerce in Pakistan. The summit, themed “Retail in a Changing World: Building Resilience in Pakistan’s Commerce”, spotlighted the transformative role of technology, innovation, and sustainable development in reshaping the retail landscape.
Industry Leaders and Experts Share Insights on Retail Evolution
The event drew prominent voices from Pakistan’s retail and real estate sectors, including developers, fintech experts, mall operators, and policy influencers. Discussions ranged from omnichannel retail strategies and artificial intelligence to consumer behavior trends and the future of mall experiences.
IMARAT’s Leadership Team Engages in Strategic Dialogue
Representing IMARAT Group were Chairman Mr. Shafiq Akbar, Group Director Mr. Sharjeel Ehmar, Leasing Director Mr. Imran Farooq Bhatti, GM of Mall Operations Mr. Amir Malik, Director of Projects & Development Mr. Asim Ullah Khan, and Mr. Usama Khan — all of whom played active roles in shaping the summit’s dialogue.
Chairman Shafiq Akbar Shares Vision for Retail and Real Estate
In his keynote address, Chairman Shafiq Akbar outlined IMARAT’s vision for the future of retail and real estate in Pakistan. “Retail is evolving rapidly; the physical and digital must merge seamlessly,” he said. “At IMARAT, we are not only building malls but creating integrated experiential ecosystems, with serving as our real estate technology backbone.”
Addressing Economic Challenges and Driving Innovation
He also addressed the economic headwinds facing the sector, including inflation and supply chain disruptions, and called for stronger collaboration between developers, retailers, and tech platforms to drive innovation and growth.
IMARAT Executives Highlight Strategic Retail Initiatives
Throughout the summit, IMARAT’s leadership contributed insights across multiple sessions. Mr. Imran Farooq Bhatti discussed leasing strategies in a multi-channel market, while Mr. Amir Malik shared operational perspectives on adapting malls to shifting consumer preferences. Mr. Asim Ullah Khan highlighted IMARAT’s project development initiatives aligned with emerging retail formats. Meanwhile, Mr. Sharjeel Ehmar and Mr. Usama Khan emphasized the importance of data analytics and proptech in enhancing tenant performance and customer engagement.
Experts Signal Shift Toward Experience-Driven Retail Models
Industry experts at FOR 2025 noted a clear shift in Pakistan’s retail model — from traditional footfall-driven approaches to experience-led environments. Technology adoption, digital payments, and logistics integration were identified as key drivers of future growth. Speakers also stressed the need for investment in digital infrastructure, sustainable design, and flexible leasing models to meet the expectations of modern consumers.
IMARAT Reinforces Role as Retail Real Estate Innovator
IMARAT’s presence at the summit reinforced its role as a trailblazer in retail-oriented real estate. The group continues to invest in innovative mall developments and digital platforms that connect property, technology, and retail operations. Through Graana.com, IMARAT is integrating real estate with analytics, leasing intelligence, and engagement tools to build smarter, more responsive retail ecosystems.
Summit Concludes with Optimism for Pakistan’s Retail Future
Despite economic challenges, the summit concluded on a note of optimism. Participants agreed that the coming years will be pivotal for Pakistan’s retail sector, with innovation, customer experience, and digital transformation at the heart of its evolution. IMARAT’s contributions reflected a deep commitment to shaping that future — not just by constructing malls, but by creating connected spaces that define the next era of commerce.
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