Davos
\nPathfinder Group\u2019s Pakistan Pavilion in Davos during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025. Focused on Pakistan\u2019s digital innovation and progress. Digital Pakistan discusses efforts made in financial inclusion, agricultural digitization, and IT growth.
\nModerated by Dr Huma Baqai, Senior Vice Chairperson of KCFR and Rector Millennium Institute of Technology & Entrepreneurship (MiTE), the Chief Guest was Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue. While the keynote address was delivered by Kelly Ommundsen, Head of Digital Inclusion at the World Economic Forum\u2019s EDISON Alliance. Esteemed speakers included Muhammad Salman Ali, CEO of VRG and Abu Bakr, CEO of Pakistan Software Export Board.
\nMuhammad Salman Ali discussed Pakistan\u2019s progress in digital financial inclusion over the past few years. He explained how the Assan Mobile Account (AMA) Scheme, fully developed by Pakistanis, allows users to open a bank account via a simple shortcode in less than 2 minutes without needing an app or internet access. This initiative marks a major milestone for Pakistan, having created 12.2 million new accounts, with an impressive 36% owned by women. Moreover, the introduction of Agent Interoperability allows freedom to individuals to choose any agent for their financial transactions. The Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan (ZTBL) gained the trust of half a million farmers get quick loans, bypassing exploitative middlemen.
\nTahir Yaqoob Bhatti in a video message highlighted ZTBL\u2019s commitment to supporting farmers in Pakistan and making banking more accessible. The country\u2019s largest agricultural bank working to digitize farming services, especially for those without smartphones. ZTBL\u2019s partnership with VRG aims to drive financial inclusion and strengthen Pakistan\u2019s digital economy.
\nThe need for innovative solutions to empower sectors like agriculture was highlighted by Kelly Ommundsen, who emphasized providing farmers with essential tools such as weather data and market prices to enhance their competitiveness. She pointed out the interconnectedness of digital access, education, and economic empowerment, explaining that addressing the digital divide requires a holistic approach.
\nAbu Bakar shared insights on Pakistan\u2019s IT sector, highlighting $3.2 billion in exports last year and an expected increase to $4.2 billion this year.
\nHe addressed concerns about regulations versus restrictions and emphasized the need for open access and minimal barriers. While acknowledging the challenges, he stressed that the focus should remain on growth and innovation within Pakistan\u2019s IT landscape.
\nSenator Muhammad Aurangzeb spoke about Pakistan\u2019s potential as a digital nation. \u201cCollaboration, innovation, and re-skilling are the keys to unlocking Pakistan\u2019s digital potential and driving sustainable growth.\u201d He stressed that innovation, data analytics, and cohesive efforts can make Pakistan a hub for digital transformation.
\nIkram Sehgal, Co-Chairman of Pathfinder Group thanked the participants for sharing an optimistic vision for Pakistan\u2019s digital future. He emphasized connecting systems, ensuring transparency, and fostering innovation, Pakistan can unlock significant economic growth and advance toward becoming a truly digital nation. He stressed the importance of collaboration and utilizing existing resources to their fullest potential.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Davos Pathfinder Group\u2019s Pakistan Pavilion in Davos during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025. Focused on Pakistan\u2019s digital innovation and progress. Digital Pakistan discusses efforts made in financial inclusion, agricultural digitization, and IT growth. Moderated by Dr Huma Baqai, Senior Vice Chairperson of KCFR and Rector Millennium Institute of Technology & Entrepreneurship (MiTE), […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":457480,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-457431","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n