The “Gateway to Central Asia,” Peshawar, hosted the Pakistan Business Summit 2025 under the patronage of the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Nutshell Group and Al Baraka Bank (Pakistan) Limited were co-hosts; Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry was Strategic Partner.
Peshawar is the Next Regional Hub of Commerce, claim the participants of Pakistan Business Summit 2025. PBS 2025 was the first ever summit in the city focusing economic development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Summit was themed “Shaping What’s Next.”
The inaugural session featured high-level leadership and keynote addresses. H.E. Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Acting President of Pakistan & Chairman, Senate of Pakistan graced the occasion. He remarked: “Empowering women, securing peace, and fostering innovation will transform Pakistan’s resilience into lasting prosperity, unlocking global recognition and economic strength.”
KPK: Hydel Power, Minerals, and Tourism Potential
Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stated: “Endowed with hydel power, minerals, and tourism potential, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stands at a crossroads. It can unlock its role in driving Pakistan’s economic future only through investment, peace with Afghanistan, and business–banking collaboration.”
Later, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue, emphasized fairness: “National development is only possible when all citizens equitably contribute through taxes, ensuring fairness, shared responsibility, and a sustainable path to economic sovereignty.”
Further, Muhammad Ali, Federal Minister for Privatization, highlighted structural reform: “Pakistan’s economy must shift toward a market-based model that reflects the strength of 240 million people. Our efforts need structure, performance, and competitiveness to achieve lasting progress.”
Furthermore, “Pakistan’s Economy & Business Climate – Is Pakistan Ready for a Turnaround?” was an impactful session, with Muzammil Aslam, Minister for Finance, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said: “Highest corporate taxation and repatriation of profits is compelling investors to exit. The Government needs to support provincial visions, not curtail them with unjustified regulatory framework.”
Awards for Sons of the Soil
Celebrating the enduring spirit of Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, three towering sons of the soil were honored. For instance, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rehman, an accomplished heart surgeon and founder of Rehman Medical Institute (RMI); Prof. Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, the visionary behind the Indus Hospital Network; and Jahangir Khan, the undisputed squash legend of all time. Each stands as a beacon of courage, service, and excellence, inspiring us today and for generations to come.
Kaan Terzioglu, Group CEO of VEON, underscored the urgency of digital readiness. Muhammad Atif Hanif, CEO of Al Baraka Bank (Pakistan) Limited, linked resilience to opportunity. Additionally, Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder & Chairman of Nutshell Group, stressed Pakistan’s stability as a prerequisite for regional prosperity, stating, ”Pakistan must focus on strengthening its education system, as 3.8 million children remain out of school. Without education, neither society nor the economy can progress. He noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, despite its vast resources, suffers from neglect and requires constructive development to stabilize society.” Watch the Visuals of Pakistan Business Summit 2025:
The Summit’s subsequent sessions brought together senior leaders and executives from across Pakistan’s corporate and financial landscape. For instance, these include HBL, National Bank of Pakistan, Dubai Islamic Bank, Fauji Fertilizer, State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan, Zakori Group, Abacus, Dawlance, Coca-Cola, Faysal Bank, easypaisa digital bank, LMKR, Teradata, TMC Pvt Ltd, AKD Securities, and advisors from China Energy Group. Alongside them, global and local thought leaders from ACCA, VEON, Al Baraka Bank (Pakistan) Limited, Planetive, and Spectreco LLC engaged in strategic discussions.
Discussion: Pakistan Business Summit 2025
The panelists discussed several points during the PBS 2025. These were on climate resilience, green financing, workplace transformation, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and Pakistan’s investment climate. Collectively, these deliberations underscored that stability, innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable policies remain the cornerstones of Pakistan’s economic revival.
Their collective discussions revolved around climate resilience, sustainable financing, digital transformation, workplace innovation, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and investment. The key narrative emphasized Pakistan’s urgent need for stability, trust, inclusive policies, and innovation as the cornerstones for sustainable growth.
Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Sohail Aman closed the Summit, observing: “Pakistan stands at the most opportune moment where external environment is favorable, internally we find cohesion, the private sector is ready to shoulder growth, and Government is ready to facilitate. Perfect time to lift off.” Rabia Ahmad, Director & CEO of Nutshell Group, steered the Summit’s proceedings as Moderator.
Summit partners included The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), Faysal Bank Limited, National Bank of Pakistan, Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited, Bank of Khyber, State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan, CORPORATE PAKISTAN GROUP, ACCA, and Spectreco LLC.
