Davos, Switzerland | The Pathfinder Group hosted the “Pakistan First” session at the Pakistan Pavilion during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos 2026 on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Posthotel Morosani. The event brought together policymakers, economists, business leaders, and investment professionals to discuss Pakistan’s economic priorities and opportunities for investment.
The session was hosted by Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman, Pathfinder Group, and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, graced the event. He highlighted the country’s economic strategies and vision for sustainable growth. Key speakers at the event included Muhammad Farid Alam, CEO of AKD Securities Limited, Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow for South Asia, The Atlantic Council, and Usman Sheikh, Director Ozi Technologies, who shared insights on Pakistan’s financial markets, foreign investment opportunities, and the strategic outlook for economic development.
For more than two decades, Pathfinder Group has played a central role at Davos by convening Pakistan-focused dialogues through the Pakistan Pavilion, positioning the country as a key player in global economic and investment discussions. The Pakistan First session formed a key part of Pathfinder Group’s WEF Davos 2026 engagement, reinforcing Pakistan’s participation in international conversations on economic growth, investment, and development. The session provided a high-level platform for dialogue on capital markets, investment facilitation, economic reforms, and strategies for promoting business confidence and sustainable growth in Pakistan.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi outlined Pakistan’s economic challenges and reform imperatives, stressing policy continuity, governance, and energy sector reforms as foundations for sustainable growth. Underscored the need for political stability and institutional strength to restore investor confidence. Muhammad Farid Alam gave insights into Pakistan’s capital markets, highlighting growth potential, market resilience, and opportunities for portfolio and strategic investors. He also mentioned and emphasized regulatory improvements and the importance of market transparency in attracting foreign investment. Michael Kugelman presented an external perspective on Pakistan’s strategic and economic outlook, placing Pakistan within the broader regional and global context. He also discussed geopolitical dynamics and their impact on investment sentiment and economic positioning. Usman Sheikh highlighted the role of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in driving Pakistan’s future economic growth. He also emphasized Pakistan’s young talent pool and the need to integrate technology into national development strategies.
Concluding the session, Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman, Pathfinder Group, delivered the Vote of Thanks, appreciating the contributions of all speakers and participants. He reaffirmed Pathfinder Group’s unwavering commitment to advancing Pakistan’s economic narrative globally. He also expressed his deep love for Pakistan and profound respect for the Pakistan Army, acknowledging their sacrifices and role in safeguarding national stability, which remains fundamental for economic progress and investors’ confidence.
