ISLAMABAD: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan held the Islamabad edition of the ICAP CFO Conference 2026 on May 14, bringing together finance leaders, policymakers, regulators and business executives to discuss Pakistan’s economic challenges and the changing role of chief financial officers.
Held under the theme “The New Playbook – Adapt, Innovate, Elevate,” the conference focused on economic resilience, investment facilitation, public-sector reforms, artificial intelligence and the skills finance professionals need in a rapidly changing business environment.
In his welcome address, ICAP President Muhammad Samiullah Siddiqui said the role of CFOs has expanded beyond financial management to strategic decision-making, transformation and sustainable value creation. He said finance leaders must adapt quickly, innovate responsibly and improve organisational performance amid fiscal, technological and geopolitical pressures.
Finance leadership in uncertain times
Jahangir Piracha, Managing Director of Fauji Fertilizer Company, delivered the keynote address titled “From Volatility to Value: Strategic Leadership in Challenging Times.” He discussed how business leaders can respond to volatility and convert difficult conditions into long-term value opportunities.
Jamil Ahmed Qureshi, Federal Secretary of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, delivered a policy-focused address on “Bridging Policy and Capital: How SIFC is Enabling Scalable Investment in Pakistan.” He highlighted measures aimed at improving coordination, facilitating investment and strengthening investor confidence.
A panel discussion titled “Repricing Risk, Rediscovering Value: Pakistan’s Economic Outlook” examined taxation challenges, political volatility, policy fragmentation, liquidity constraints and access to finance. The session also discussed emerging investment opportunities in Pakistan.
The panel included economist Haroon Sharif, Hoechst Pharma CEO Sajjad Iftikhar, SIFC Additional Secretary Sajid Mehmood Qazi and former minister of state Ashfaq Tola. The discussion was moderated by Adil Abbasi, CFO of Mobilink Microfinance Bank.
Privatization and economic reform
Muhammad Ali, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Privatization, addressed the conference on “Catalyzing Growth: Reforming SOEs for a Competitive and Resilient Economy.” He discussed the role of privatization and governance reforms in improving the performance of state-owned enterprises and supporting economic growth.
A separate session, “Privatization in Practice: What Attracts Serious Capital?” used Pakistan International Airlines as a case study to examine investor interest and practical challenges in privatization.
The panel included Salman Amin, Member of the Competition Commission of Pakistan; Aftab Butt, former CEO of KAPCO; and Imtiaz Gadar, CEO of Al Meezan Investment, who also moderated the session.
Muhammad Zaid Kaliya, Chairman of the PAIB Committee and Council Member ICAP, delivered an address titled “Elevate More Heroes,” focusing on leadership responsibility, talent development and professional excellence.
AI, skills and future growth
The technology dimension of finance leadership was discussed in a presentation titled “AI in Action: How Pakistani CFOs Are Using AI for Growth and Resilience,” delivered by Badar Khushnood, CEO of Bramerz.
Another panel discussion, “Rewriting the Rules: Turning Uncertainty into Capability-Led Growth,” focused on the skills finance professionals need as technology and geopolitical disruption reshape business decisions.
The panel featured Kamran Rizvi, Consultant at Carnelian; Imtiaz Jaleel, CFO of Tapal Tea; and Moqeem-ul-Haque, External Advisor at McKinsey & Company. It was moderated by Bilal Khan, CFO of Pakistan Oilfields Limited.
The conference also included a session by Adeel Hashmi titled “Pause, Breathe, Laugh: Micro-Moments That Matter,” which focused on resilience, well-being and leadership balance.
A closing dialogue titled “Why Pakistan?” explored the country’s potential as a hub for business process outsourcing and shared services. The session featured Sadia Khan, Head of Finance at Adamsmith International, and Rupert Dehaene, Director at AJR Equity.
ICAP said the Islamabad edition of the CFO Conference provided a platform for finance leaders to exchange views, discuss emerging challenges and identify practical approaches to strengthen Pakistan’s economic resilience and long-term growth.
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