PASHA Startups and Entrepreneurship Committee recently hosted an online webinar titled “Raising Builders: Why Entrepreneurial Thinking Must Start in School,” bringing together parents and education focused audiences to discuss how early exposure to innovation driven thinking can better prepare children for a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and artificial intelligence.
The session was led by Idrees Butt, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RLTSquare, and hosted by Usman Akbar, Chair and CEC Member P@SHA. The discussion focused on how traditional education models often struggle to keep pace with the skills required in modern economies, particularly as digital tools, automation, and AI increasingly influence how people work and learn. Speakers highlighted the need for parents to look beyond conventional academic success and consider how creativity, adaptability, and independent thinking can be nurtured from an early age. The webinar attracted parents of school going children who are seeking practical guidance on how to support learning that aligns with future career pathways rather than solely exam based outcomes.
During the webinar, Idrees Butt discussed gaps within existing education systems that tend to prioritize rote learning over exploration and problem solving. He emphasized that entrepreneurial thinking is not limited to starting businesses but includes skills such as identifying problems, experimenting with solutions, and learning from failure. According to Butt, introducing these concepts during school years can help children develop confidence and resilience while encouraging curiosity about how technology can be used to solve real world challenges. He also highlighted the growing importance of AI literacy, noting that an understanding of how intelligent systems work is becoming as fundamental as basic digital skills. The session underscored that early familiarity with such concepts can help students become creators and critical thinkers rather than passive consumers of technology.
Usman Akbar, hosting the session, shared insights on why conversations around entrepreneurship and innovation must extend beyond higher education and into homes and schools. He noted that parents play a central role in shaping how children perceive learning, risk, and experimentation. By encouraging questioning, collaboration, and hands on exploration, families can complement formal education and help children develop skills that are increasingly valued across industries. The discussion also touched on the importance of aligning education with Pakistan’s evolving tech ecosystem, where startups and digital businesses are creating new opportunities that require a different mindset from traditional career paths.
The webinar concluded with an interactive question and answer session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers. Parents raised questions about balancing academic expectations with creative exploration, introducing technology responsibly, and helping children identify long term interests without pressure. The speakers offered practical guidance on fostering environments where children feel comfortable expressing ideas, learning through projects, and gaining exposure to problem solving activities. Emphasis was placed on building confidence and self direction while remaining mindful of individual strengths and interests.
P@SHA described the webinar as part of its broader efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation across Pakistan by encouraging early awareness and skill development. Through initiatives led by its Startups and Entrepreneurship Committee, P@SHA continues to engage diverse audiences including parents, educators, and professionals to highlight how future ready skills can be cultivated well before students enter the workforce. The “Raising Builders” session reflected a growing recognition that preparing the next generation for a technology driven economy requires collaboration between industry, families, and education systems.
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