PRESS RELEASE
\nDavos, Switzerland | January 22, 2026
\nThe Pathfinder Group hosted the \u201cDigital Pakistan Breakfast\u201d at the Pakistan Pavilion during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos 2026 on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at the Morosani Posthotel. The event brought together leaders from government, technology, finance, and global digital platforms to discuss Pakistan\u2019s digital transformation and technology-driven growth agenda.
\nHosted by Zarrar Sehgal, Chairman, Pathfinder Group, the event was graced by Maria Basso, Head of AI Applications and Impact at the World Economic Forum, was the keynote speaker, joined by a distinguished panel of speakers including Muhammad Salman Ali, Chief Executive Officer, VRG (Financial Inclusion); Khalifa AlShamsi, Chief Executive Officer, e& life; Arsen Tomsky, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, inDrive, and Alina Timofeeva, BCC & Bloomberg Expert Commentator.
\nThe Digital Pakistan Breakfast provided a high-level platform for dialogue on artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, fintech innovation, inclusive financial systems, and the role of global technology platforms in accelerating Pakistan\u2019s digital economy. The session highlighted opportunities for cross-border collaboration and public\u2013private partnerships in advancing digital inclusion and innovation.
\nFor 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 an emerging digital and innovation-driven economy within the global technology ecosystem. Concluding with a Vote of Thanks, Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman, Pathfinder Group, reaffirmed Pathfinder Group\u2019s commitment to promoting Pakistan\u2019s digital narrative and fostering meaningful global engagement on technology, innovation, and inclusive growth through the WEF platform.
\nThe Digital Pakistan Breakfast formed a key part of Pathfinder Group\u2019s WEF Davos 2026 engagement, reinforcing Pakistan\u2019s participation in global conversations on digital transformation and the future of technology.
\nThe keynote address was delivered by Maria Basso, Head of AI Applications and Impact, World Economic Forum, who highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence and responsible AI deployment in driving inclusive growth. She stressed the need for strong digital public infrastructure, ethical AI frameworks, and collaboration between governments and the private sector to ensure that emerging technologies benefit developing economies such as Pakistan. She also mentioned the significance of Asaan Mobile Account scheme and how is it benefiting the underserved community, and it is considered as the most valuable contribution for the Pakistan.
\nAlina Timofeeva, highlighted how digital reforms, fintech innovation, and strong digital public infrastructure can enhance investor confidence and Pakistan\u2019s integration into global markets. She emphasized the need for regulatory clarity and data transparency, and outlined future steps focused on strengthening digital governance and positioning Pakistan\u2019s digital narrative more effectively on global platforms.
\nMuhammad Salman Ali, focused on Pakistan\u2019s progress in digital financial inclusion, with particular emphasis on the Asaan Mobile Account Scheme. He noted that the initiative enables underprivileged and unbanked citizens across Pakistan to open bank accounts in any bank through a simplified digital process, significantly lowering entry barriers. He shared that 13.8 million Asaan Mobile Accounts are currently active, reflecting strong adoption nationwide. He further highlighted the significance of the USSD code, which allows citizens without smartphones or internet access to open and operate accounts, making financial inclusion truly accessible and inclusive.
\nKhalifa AlShamsi, spoke on the role of telecom-led digital ecosystems in accelerating Pakistan\u2019s digital economy. He emphasized that advanced connectivity, cloud services, and integrated digital platforms can enable scalable solutions across fintech, e-commerce, education, and public services. He also mentioned that they are moving forward to develop a capacity where they can lunch and operate their services globally to show strong telecom presence. He appreciated the tech driven market of Pakistan, he also mentioned that recently two major startups have made a huge difference in their Tech industry and both of these entrepreneurial companies are from Pakistan. One is Careem Technologies which is providing to buy FMCGs and groceries through app, and other one is Stars Play and they have 22 markets across whole Africa and Middle East. He also revealed that much of the work is being done in the FinTech world and they are collaborating with Pakistan in that. He showed his excitement regarding the investment in Pakistan, and mentioned that he has given task to Group Marketing Lead Harrison to visit startup hubs in Pakistan and engaging with them in the form of investments and giving them the access to the markets of Middle East. As a shareholder with PTCL he mentioned that they are keen to work for the investment in Pakistan as it deserved to be at a higher maturity level. He highlighted that they software development of their company is outsourced to the Pakistani companies. Looking ahead, he outlined future steps focused on deepening digital infrastructure investments in the form of 5G data expansion, and more high end fiber installations expanding data capabilities, and collaborating with public-sector partners to support smart governance, inclusive access, and next-generation digital services aligned with Pakistan\u2019s national digital transformation agenda.
\nArsen Tomsky, highlighted the growing influence of global technology platforms in empowering local entrepreneurs and catalyzing economic opportunity. He focused on the importance of Pakistani youth and their huge contribution in the Pakistani economy and future of the country. He further outlined future priorities centered on expanding equitable platform access, strengthening local partnerships, and investing in digital skills development to foster long-term, inclusive growth.
\nThe Digital Pakistan Breakfast served as a high-level forum for dialogue on artificial intelligence, fintech innovation, digital public infrastructure, inclusive financial systems, and public\u2013private partnerships. The discussions reinforced Pakistan\u2019s potential to leverage technology for inclusive growth while deepening collaboration with global digital leaders.
\nConcluding the session with a Vote of Thanks, Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman, Pathfinder Group, reaffirmed Pathfinder Group\u2019s unwavering commitment to promoting Pakistan\u2019s digital and innovation narrative at the WEF. He emphasized the Group\u2019s continued efforts to foster meaningful global engagement, strengthen international partnerships, and support inclusive, technology-driven growth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PRESS RELEASE Davos, Switzerland | January 22, 2026 The Pathfinder Group hosted the \u201cDigital Pakistan Breakfast\u201d at the Pakistan Pavilion during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos 2026 on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at the Morosani Posthotel. The event brought together leaders from government, technology, finance, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":527273,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-527257","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n