Karachi will host a high-level dialogue titled “Fixing the Fundamentals: Pakistan’s Economic Reset” on Saturday, February 7, 2026, bringing together leading policymakers, economists, and business leaders to discuss the country’s economic reform priorities, macroeconomic stability, and strategies to restore investor confidence. The session is part of the 17th Karachi Literature Festival, organized by Oxford University Press.
The dialogue will feature an esteemed panel of discussants, including Mohammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation; Dr. Ishrat Husain, renowned economist and former State Bank of Pakistan governor; Asad Umar, former Minister for Finance, Planning and Reforms; Dr. Miftah Ismail, former Minister for Finance and Revenue; and Dr. Zeelaf Munir, Chairperson of the Pakistan Business Council. The discussion will be facilitated by Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, former Minister for Investment.
The panel aims to provide a candid, solution-oriented discussion that interrogates the factors that have hindered reforms in the past, identifies trade-offs that currently influence policy decisions, and outlines realistic pathways to restore macroeconomic stability. Key topics will include fiscal management, debt sustainability, investment climate, and strategies for sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.
Scheduled to run from 4:30 pm to 5:45 pm at the Main Garden of the Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi, the session promises an engaging exchange of ideas, offering insights for policymakers, business leaders, and investors seeking to understand and navigate Pakistan’s economic landscape.
Organizers highlight that the dialogue seeks not only to analyze past challenges but also to chart actionable steps that can rebuild investor confidence and support long-term economic resilience. By convening government officials, financial experts, and business leaders, the session will provide a platform for practical recommendations to strengthen Pakistan’s economic governance and reform framework.
This dialogue reflects a growing focus on collaborative approaches to economic policy, where insights from public and private sector leaders are integrated to create coherent strategies. It offers participants a unique opportunity to gain firsthand perspectives from individuals who have shaped Pakistan’s economic policy and can provide guidance on navigating ongoing challenges in trade, investment, and fiscal management.
Attendance at the session is expected to attract industry experts, academics, investors, and civil society representatives interested in understanding the practical measures needed to stabilize the economy and drive sustainable growth. The event underscores the Karachi Literature Festival’s role in fostering informed discussions on critical national and global issues, providing a platform for thought leadership in economic policy and reform.
Through this dialogue, participants and attendees alike will explore comprehensive strategies to strengthen Pakistan’s economic fundamentals, stimulate growth, and enhance investor confidence, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable economic future.
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