Pakistan Business Council marks 20 years at the 4th edition of Dialogue on the Economy

The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) opened the 4th edition of its two-day Dialogue on the Economy 2025 at Serena Hotel, Islamabad. The event also marks PBC’s 20th year of impact, a milestone in shaping Pakistan’s business ecosystem and bringing together senior ministers, policymakers, economists, global partners and leading corporate leaders to reflect on the country’s economic direction.

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Pakistan’s economy is at a point where clarity, predictable reforms and stronger institutional collaboration are essential. Set against this backdrop, PBC’s two-decade legacy of evidence-based advocacy framed the discussions on competitiveness, investment, policy alignment and the role of responsible business in national progress.

In her keynote address, Dr Zeelaf Munir, Chairperson of PBC, underscored the role of productive businesses in driving national progress, while stating, “Pakistan’s economic strength depends on evidence-based policy, stability and long-term reform.” She added, “Pakistan’s growth requires predictability, fairness and confidence for business. These principles form the basis of a competitive economy. Sustainable growth needs partnership. Government, business, academia and civil society must work together to achieve shared outcomes.”

Along with the notable keynotes of Mr Jameel Ahmad Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue, Mr Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Federal Minister for Planning & Development, Lt. Gen. Sarfraz Ahmed, National Coordinator – SIFC and other notable industry experts, the two-day conference hosted discussions on a variety of essential topics.

Pakistan Business Council marks 20 years at the 4th edition of Dialogue on the Economy

The conference covered monetary policy, Pakistan’s geopolitical opening, the fiscal architecture, climate resilience and structural barriers to competitiveness.

Speakers emphasised that Pakistan’s economic future hinges on empowering businesses that can scale, innovate and contribute to job creation and exports. This aligns with the Council’s wider message to believe in business and to support an environment where responsible companies can grow, compete and help build a more prosperous nation.

Javed Kureishi, CEO of PBC, noted that Pakistan is standing at a moment where the economic model must be reimagined. He said the country has real opportunities in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, mining and energy and that stronger engagement with global partners can accelerate the pace of progress. He added that confidence will follow when policy direction is clear and aligned with long term national priorities.

The Dialogue will continue with discussions on taxation, investment, energy transition, trade, mining, privatisation, institutional reform and the country’s evolving digital economy. The conversations aim to build alignment across institutions so that Pakistan can unlock its economic potential with clarity and consistency.

As the forum progresses, the PBC reaffirmed its commitment to working with policymakers, businesses and international partners to strengthen economic governance. The Council noted that the principles of clarity, predictability and responsible partnership have shaped its advocacy for the past two decades and will remain central to its work in the years ahead.

As Pakistan enters a new economic cycle, PBC will continue championing dialogue on reforms that strengthen competitiveness and long-term growth.