The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) successfully held the Islamabad edition of the ICAP CFO Conference 2026 under the theme “The New Playbook – Adapt, Innovate, Elevate,” bringing together senior finance leaders, policymakers, regulators, and business executives to deliberate on Pakistan’s evolving economic landscape and the strategic role of finance leadership.
In his welcome address, Mr. Muhammad Samiullah Siddiqui, President ICAP, highlighted the expanding role of Chief Financial Officers as strategic partners in navigating economic uncertainty, driving transformation, and ensuring sustainable value creation. He emphasized the need for finance leaders to adapt rapidly, innovate responsibly, and elevate organizational performance amid fiscal, technological, and geopolitical challenges.
The conference featured a keynote address titled “From Volatility to Value: Strategic Leadership in Challenging Times,” delivered by Mr. Jahangir Piracha, Managing Director, Fauji Fertilizer Company, who discussed leadership imperatives for navigating volatility and converting challenges into long-term value opportunities.
An important policy-focused address, “Bridging Policy and Capital: How SIFC is Enabling Scalable Investment in Pakistan,” was delivered by Mr. Jamil Ahmed Qureshi, Federal Secretary, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), highlighting initiatives aimed at facilitating investment, improving coordination, and enhancing investor confidence.
A major highlight of the conference was the panel discussion “Repricing Risk, Rediscovering Value: Pakistan’s Economic Outlook,” which examined economic challenges such as taxation complexities, political volatility, policy fragmentation, liquidity constraints, and access to finance, alongside emerging investment opportunities. The panel comprised Mr. Haroon Sharif, Economist; Mr. Sajjad Iftikhar, CEO, Hoechst Pharma; Mr. Sajid Mehmood Qazi, Additional Secretary SIFC; and Mr. Ashfaq Tola, Former Minister of State, and was moderated by Mr. Adil Abbasi, CFO, Mobilink Microfinance Bank.
The reform agenda was further strengthened through an address by Mr. Muhammad Ali, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Privatization, titled “Catalyzing Growth: Reforming SOEs for a Competitive and Resilient Economy,” focusing on the role of privatization and governance reforms in strengthening Pakistan’s economy.
This was followed by a focused session on “Privatization in Practice: What Attracts Serious Capital?” using PIA as a case study. The panel included Mr. Salman Amin, Member, Competition Commission of Pakistan; Mr. Aftab Butt, Former CEO KAPCO; and Mr. Imtiaz Gadar, CEO, Al Meezan Investment, with Mr. Imtiaz Gadar also serving as the session moderator.
Mr. Muhammad Zaid Kaliya, Chairman PAIB Committee and Council Member ICAP, delivered a dedicated address titled “Elevate More Heroes,” emphasizing leadership responsibility, talent development, and professional excellence.
The technology dimension of finance leadership was explored through a presentation titled “AI in Action: How Pakistani CFOs Are Using AI for Growth and Resilience,” delivered by Mr. Badar Khushnood, CEO, Bramerz.
Another engaging panel discussion, “Rewriting the Rules: Turning Uncertainty into Capability-Led Growth,” focused on the skills required for finance professionals in an era shaped by technology and geopolitical disruption. The panel featured Mr. Kamran Rizvi, Consultant, Carnelian; Mr. Imtiaz Jaleel, CFO, Tapal Tea; and Mr. Moqeem-ul-Haque, External Advisor, McKinsey & Company, and was moderated by Mr. Bilal Khan, CFO, Pakistan Oilfields Limited.
The conference also included a refreshing session titled “Pause, Breathe, Laugh: Micro-Moments That Matter,” conducted by Mr. Adeel Hashmi, focusing on resilience, well-being, and leadership balance.
A closing dialogue titled “Why Pakistan?” explored the country’s growing potential as a hub for BPO and shared services, featuring Ms. Sadia Khan, Head of Finance, Adamsmith International, and Mr. Rupert Dehaene, Director, AJR Equity, highlighting Pakistan’s emerging competitiveness in global outsourcing.
The ICAP CFO Conference 2026 – Islamabad Edition provided a comprehensive platform for finance leaders to exchange insights, debate emerging challenges, and identify practical solutions to strengthen Pakistan’s economic resilience and long-term growth.
