In a keynote address that captured the attention of Pakistan’s financial leadership, Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, former Minister for Investment and current Chairman of Nutshell Group, called for immediate structural reforms and a renewed focus on investor confidence during the prestigious CFO Conference held in Lahore. Organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), the event brought together key figures from the finance, corporate, and policy sectors to discuss the evolving business and economic climate of the country.
Speaking at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore, Azfar Ahsan delivered a compelling speech under the theme “Investment Opportunities in Pakistan: Evolving Business Climate.” He offered a strategic overview of the economic hurdles currently facing the country while laying out a forward-looking vision for sustainable, inclusive growth. Emphasizing the urgency of reform, Ahsan highlighted the need for aligning with global investment trends, restoring investor confidence through institutional integrity, and ensuring continuity in policy implementation.
A central feature of his presentation was the unveiling of the “National Investment Vision 2035,” a comprehensive and transformative framework aimed at reimagining Pakistan’s investment potential. This roadmap emphasizes structural reforms, institutional accountability, regulatory transparency, and the development of consistent economic policies to elevate Pakistan’s profile as a competitive player on the global investment stage. The vision is not just aspirational—it calls for concrete action and commitment from both the public and private sectors.
“This is not just a vision, it’s a call to action,” Azfar Ahsan declared during his address. “Pakistan’s future depends on our ability to think long-term, act strategically, and invest in trust. We must move beyond reactive measures and build a resilient economic structure that promotes sustainable development and global competitiveness.”
Throughout his address, Ahsan stressed the vital role of finance professionals, corporate leaders, and policymakers in enabling economic transformation. He noted that a collaborative effort across sectors is essential for steering the country toward a stable and prosperous future. According to Ahsan, creating an environment of trust and predictability for investors is as critical as the economic fundamentals themselves. Transparent regulations, consistent fiscal policies, and effective governance were identified as cornerstones for driving investment and innovation.
The ICAP CFO Conference, widely recognized as a premier platform for thought leadership in Pakistan’s financial landscape, served as the ideal stage for such a powerful message. Attendees—ranging from CFOs and chartered accountants to CEOs and senior policymakers—received the keynote with strong engagement, many expressing appreciation for the relevance and urgency of the topics addressed.
Azfar Ahsan’s keynote underscored the fact that real economic change requires more than fiscal measures—it demands a cultural shift in governance, accountability, and long-term strategy. His address marks a continued effort by leaders in Pakistan’s private sector to shape national discourse and policy, reinforcing the role of platforms like ICAP’s CFO Conference as crucial arenas for dialogue and action.
As Pakistan grapples with economic uncertainty, voices like Azfar Ahsan’s play a critical role in shaping a collective path forward—one that prioritizes reform, trust, and a shared vision for national growth.