The Policy Research & Advisory Council, in collaboration with the Corporate Pakistan Group and Nutshell Group, is set to host the Pakistan Policy Dialogue on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Islamabad. The high-level dialogue will take place at the Serena Hotel from 0830 to 1430 hours and is expected to bring together some of the most influential voices shaping Pakistan’s economic and policy landscape.
The Pakistan Policy Dialogue is being held at a critical juncture for the national economy, with policymakers and stakeholders facing pressing challenges related to fiscal stability, growth, investment confidence and structural reform. Anchored around the theme “Correcting Course: Pakistan’s Economic Reset,” the dialogue aims to move beyond diagnosis and debate, placing strong emphasis on execution, coordination and measurable outcomes.
Organisers have positioned the dialogue as a focused, outcome-oriented platform rather than a conventional conference. The objective is to enable candid discussions on policy direction, institutional reform and implementation strategies that can help reset Pakistan’s economic trajectory. By convening senior decision-makers and thought leaders in a closed-door setting, the dialogue seeks to encourage frank exchange and practical solutions.
Senior national leadership is expected to participate in the event, underscoring its importance within the broader policy ecosystem. Confirmed participants include Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs; Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue; Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives; Senator Dr. Musadiq Malik, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination; Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication; and Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation.
Their participation reflects the multi-dimensional nature of the dialogue, which is expected to cover economic policy, fiscal management, development planning, climate considerations, digital transformation and the role of privatisation in economic reform. The presence of ministers overseeing key portfolios highlights the emphasis on cross-sector alignment and whole-of-government approaches to reform.
In addition to cabinet members and senior policymakers, the Pakistan Policy Dialogue will bring together parliamentarians, corporate and business leaders, economists, development partners, academics, policy thinkers and leading media voices. This diverse mix is intended to bridge perspectives from government, the private sector and civil society, enabling more holistic discussions around economic priorities and reform pathways.
The dialogue is described as strictly invitation-only, with approximately 300 senior leaders from Pakistan’s national intelligentsia expected to attend. This limited and curated participation is designed to maintain depth and quality of discussion, allowing participants to engage meaningfully with complex policy issues in a trusted environment.
The organisers have emphasised that the dialogue will focus on translating ideas into action. Rather than broad statements of intent, sessions are expected to centre on practical steps, timelines and responsibilities that can support economic stabilisation and long-term growth. Topics are likely to include fiscal discipline, investment mobilisation, export competitiveness, digital and industrial policy, institutional capacity and climate-resilient development.
The Pakistan Policy Dialogue is being designed and produced by the Policy Research & Advisory Council, with Corporate Pakistan Group and Nutshell Group serving as key collaborators. These organisations have played an active role in facilitating dialogue between policymakers and the private sector, and the event reflects their continued focus on evidence-based policy engagement and national development.
Bank Alfalah is participating as the platinum partner, while other institutional partners and supporters are also associated with the dialogue. The event will be broadcast live on Nutshell Group’s digital platforms, extending its reach beyond the physical venue and allowing wider audiences to follow key discussions.
As Pakistan continues to navigate economic pressures and reform imperatives, the Pakistan Policy Dialogue is being positioned as an important forum for aligning leadership, policy intent and execution capacity. By focusing on correcting course and resetting economic direction, the dialogue aims to contribute to more coherent, credible and results-driven policymaking at a time of heightened national importance.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updates across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.