Pathfinder Group hosted its flagship event, ‘Empowering the Future with Smart Solutions,’ at AmaaniBagh Angoori in Islamabad, gathering industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and youth to explore the future of technology-driven growth in Pakistan. The event showcased the initiatives of Pathfinder Group’s Digital Revolution Division (DRD) and highlighted ongoing efforts to advance digital transformation, financial inclusion, and smart solutions across sectors. Shakeel Ahmed, CEO of DRD and SMS Services (Pvt) Ltd, underlined the Group’s mission to drive innovation, digital growth, and sustainable business ecosystems in the face of rapid technological change.
The event featured presentations from multiple Pathfinder Group divisions, demonstrating a wide array of technology and innovation projects. Jahangir Javed, COO of Wackenhut Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, presented developments from the Security Services Division, while Muhammad Salman Ali, CEO of Virtual Remittance Gateway (VRG), showcased fintech initiatives supporting nationwide digital payment systems and financial inclusion. Air Commodore (Retd) Farhan Ahmed, representing CITADEL, highlighted efforts to nurture entrepreneurship and innovation, and announced the final list of startups selected to represent Pakistan at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos. Additionally, Maj Gen (Retd) Shakeel Hussain presented the Enhanced Harmony Division on behalf of Brig (Retd) Mujahid Alam, CEO of Providentia Books Foundation and Pathfinder Interfaith Harmony Initiative (PIHI). The event concluded with a corporate overview by Shakeel Ahmed, emphasizing DRD and SMS Services’ strategic direction and achievements in promoting digital connectivity and business solutions across multiple industries.
A central component of the event was the panel discussion titled “Driving Digital Transformation in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities,” moderated by Imran Jattala, Advisor at CITADEL. Panelists, including Shakeel Ahmed, Dr. Usman Zia from NUST, Dr. Kamil Tarar, CEO of J & J Consulting, Zeeshan Mazhar, Chief Digital Officer at ZTBL, and Air Commodore (Retd) Khalid Banuri, Principal Advisor at CITADEL, examined critical challenges such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory barriers, and skills development. They also discussed opportunities for innovation, technology-led economic growth, and enhanced public-private collaboration, emphasizing the need for cohesive strategies to foster a digitally empowered Pakistan.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar and Sultana Siddique, Founder and President of HUM Network. Siddique highlighted the importance of creativity, resilience, and leadership as drivers of innovation, while Chief Justice Nisar commended progress in responsible entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and social engagement. In his closing remarks, Ikram Sehgal acknowledged the contributions of speakers, panelists, and participants, reaffirming Pathfinder Group’s commitment to advancing smart solutions, supporting innovation, and building a digitally capable Pakistan positioned for global competitiveness. The event underscored Pathfinder Group’s role as a catalyst for technology adoption and entrepreneurship, bringing together diverse stakeholders to drive sustainable digital transformation across the nation.
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