Speakers
Muhammad Aurangzeb
Federal Minister of Finance
Muhammad Aurangzeb is a leading figure in Pakistan’s banking and finance sector, widely recognized for his strategic vision and commitment to inclusive economic growth. As President and CEO of Habib Bank Limited (HBL)—the country’s largest commercial bank—Aurangzeb has introduced forward-thinking reforms and guided the organization through a transformative period of digital innovation and expansion. A graduate of The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he brings extensive global experience from senior leadership roles at top financial institutions such as JP Morgan and ABN AMRO.
In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Aurangzeb actively engages in policy dialogue and industry advocacy, emphasizing the need for robust financial systems and transparent governance to foster sustainable development. By championing access to financial services for underserved populations, Aurangzeb has helped shape the banking sector’s focus on equitable economic opportunities. His work exemplifies the importance of strategic leadership and institutional resilience in addressing Pakistan’s evolving socio-economic challenges.
RIZWAN SAEED SHEIKH
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh is a career diplomat from Pakistan with over three decades of experience. Prior to the current assignment, he served as Additional Foreign Secretary for Middle East (ME), Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and Economic Diplomacy (ED) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad from December 2022-August 2024.
Ambassador Sheikh was Pakistan’s first Permanent Representative to OIC- at the head of a pioneering act in the country’s diplomatic history. He also served as Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC for over 4 years (August 2015-November 2019). Before joining the Embassy in Washington DC, Ambassador Sheikh served as Joint Secretary at the National Security Division, Islamabad where he was primarily engaged in drafting Pakistan’s first National Security Policy. Earlier, he was deputed to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), General Secretariat, Jeddah and served for around five years as Secretary General’s spokesman/Executive Director OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC).
Dr. SAJID TARAR
Pakistani American businessman
Sajid moved to the United States in the 1990s and became a U.S. citizen. He is a Pakistani-American businessman from Baltimore, a pro-Trump Republican Party leader, and the founder of “American Muslims for Trump.” Sajid served as an advisor on Muslim affairs to former President Trump. He also serves as the CEO of the non-profit Center for Social Change, based in Baltimore, Maryland.
Sajid previously sat on a governors’ finance committee and has been the president of several investment groups and organizations. He is considered one of the most influential entrepreneurs in his community, known for his vast experience and keen insight.
Salman Akram Raja
Lawyer and Politician
Salman Akram Raja is a prominent lawyer and constitutional scholar known for his extensive work in advancing human rights and strengthening the rule of law in Pakistan. A graduate of the University of Cambridge, Raja has argued numerous landmark cases before the Supreme Court of Pakistan, shaping the country’s jurisprudence on issues ranging from civil liberties to public-interest litigation.
Beyond his practice, Raja has been actively engaged in legal education, serving as visiting faculty at leading institutions where he has taught courses on constitutional law, legal theory, and public policy. His research and advocacy often focus on the intersection of law, governance, and social justice, emphasizing how judicial and legislative reforms can uphold fundamental rights and foster more equitable social outcomes. Raja’s work is widely recognized for its emphasis on the practical implications of constitutional principles, reflecting his belief that robust legal frameworks and effective institutions are essential for addressing Pakistan’s evolving socio-political challenges.
Hamid MIR
Journalist, Television Anchor & Political Commentator
Hamid Mir is a renowned Pakistani journalist, television anchor, and political commentator, known for his fearless reporting on national and international affairs. Over his decades-long career, he has interviewed world leaders and covered critical issues such as security, governance, and press freedom. Despite facing threats and attacks, including an assassination attempt in 2014 and being banned by Geo TV in 2021, Mir remains a staunch advocate for media freedom and democracy.
In 2016, he received the Most Resilient Journalist Award from Free Press Unlimited, and in 2014, RSF declared him an “Information Hero.” He has also served on the RSF Press Freedom Award jury for many years. In 2024, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned death threats against him for speaking out on press freedom. Mir has received numerous accolades, including Pakistan’s Hilal-e-Imtiaz.
Dr. Ayesha Jalal
Mary Richardson Professor of History, Tufts University
Dr. Ayesha Jalal is a renowned Pakistani-American historian and scholar specializing in South Asian history, colonialism, and political thought. She is the Mary Richardson Professor of History at Tufts University, where she has made significant contributions to the study of Pakistan’s political and historical evolution. Her work explores themes of nationalism, identity, and state formation, with a particular focus on the Partition of India and its lasting impact.
A MacArthur Fellow, Dr. Jalal is the author of several influential books, including The Sole Spokesman: Jinnah, the Muslim League, and the Demand for Pakistan and The Struggle for Pakistan: A Muslim Homeland and Global Politics. Her most recent publication is Muslim Enlightened Thought in South Asia. Through her research and writing, she continues to shape global discussions on South Asian history and politics.
Michael Kugelman
Writer, Foreign Policy Magazine
Michael Kugelman is a leading expert on South Asian affairs, specializing in geopolitics, security, and U.S. foreign policy in the region. He is the Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, where he provides analysis on key regional issues, including India-Pakistan relations, U.S.-India strategic ties, and developments in Afghanistan. A prolific writer and commentator, Kugelman regularly contributes to major publications and is frequently cited in global media for his insights on South Asian politics and security dynamics.
Dr. Hassan Abbas
Distinguished Professor of International Relations, Near East South Asia Centre for Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Dr. Hassan Abbas is an eminent scholar and expert on South Asian politics, security, and religious extremism. He currently holds the position of Distinguished Professor of International Relations at the Near East South Asia Centre for Strategic Studies at National Defense University (NDU) in Washington, D.C. His research focuses on governance, counterterrorism, and the geopolitics of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Dr. Abbas studied at Tufts University’s Fletcher School and has held various fellowships at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Asia Society in New York and New America Foundation in Washington DC. He also served as Distinguished Quaid-i-Azam Chair at Columbia University. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including Pakistan’s Drift into Extremism, The Prophet’s Heir, and The Return of the Taliban. A respected commentator, he frequently contributes to global policy discussions on security, law enforcement, and political stability in South West Asia.
Reza Baqir
Former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan
Dr. Reza Baqir served as the 20th Governor of the State of Bank of Pakistan during 2019-2022. He is currently a Research Fellow at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at Harvard Kennedy School and the Global Head of Sovereign Advisory at Alvarez & Marsal. During his time at the State Bank, Dr. Baqir was a key member of Pakistan's economic team that negotiated a new IMF program, successfully completed six subsequent reviews, and led several initiatives to drive the country’s financial response during the Covid-19 pandemic.
His views on economic challenges facing emerging markets, sovereign debt, and related areas have been covered frequently in the Financial Times, Bloomberg, Reuters, CNN, and CNBC. Dr. Baqir holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California at Berkeley and an A.B. (Magna cum Laude) in Economics from Harvard University.
Abrar Hassan
CEO, National Foods
Mr. Abrar Hasan is the Global CEO at National Foods Limited (NFL) and has been a Director on the Board of NFL since 2000. He is a Director at National Foods DMCC (NFDMCC), a wholly owned subsidiary of NFL; a Director at National Epicure Inc. Canada (NEI) and National Foods Pakistan UK Ltd., and a Director at A-1 Bags & Supplies Inc. Canada, a subsidiary of NEI.
Since 2018 he has been an Independent Director on the Board of Cherat Cement Company Ltd. Other Directorships Mr. Abrar Hasan currently holds are at: ATC Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, ATC Technology Consultants (Pvt) Ltd., Associated Environment & Energy Solution (Pvt.) Ltd, Epicure DMCC., National Epicure USA Inc., Associated Textile Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan Business Council
Mr. Abrar Hasan studied Industrial Management and Industrial Engineering from Purdue University, Indiana, USA, and and is a Certified Director from the Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance.
Ambassador Robin Raphel
Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs
Ambassador Robin Raphel is a distinguished American diplomat with extensive experience in South Asian affairs and international relations. As the first Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs from 1993 to 1997, she played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy toward the region during a critical period of geopolitical transformation. Throughout her diplomatic career spanning four decades, Ambassador Raphel has served in key posts across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Known for her nuanced understanding of Pakistan's strategic landscape and regional dynamics, Ambassador Raphel has been a consistent advocate for diplomatic engagement and balanced approaches to complex international challenges. Since leaving government service, she has remained active in policy discussions through advisory roles with prominent think tanks and international organizations focused on peace-building and regional stability.
Dr. Meghan O'Sullivan
Director, Belfer Center, Harvard Kennedy School
Dr. Meghan O'Sullivan is a leading authority on international affairs, geopolitics, and energy policy. As Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School, she oversees one of the world's premier research institutions in international security and diplomacy. Her distinguished career includes service as Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and Deputy National Security Advisor for Iraq and Afghanistan.
Dr. O'Sullivan's acclaimed book "Windfall: How the New Energy Abundance Upends Global Politics and Strengthens America's Power" examines the geopolitical implications of energy transformations. With expertise spanning diplomacy, conflict resolution, and strategic analysis, she brings valuable insights to discussions on global power dynamics and the evolving international order. Her research focuses on the intersection of energy, economics, and security—subjects with particular relevance to Pakistan's position in an increasingly complex world
Momina Mustehsan
Artist & Social Advocate
Momina Mustehsan is a globally recognized Pakistani singer-songwriter and social activist. She rose to prominence through chart-topping musical collaborations, garnering millions of views on digital platforms and achieving mainstream success in South Asia and beyond. Beyond her musical career, Mustehsan is an outspoken advocate on issues ranging from mental health awareness to women’s empowerment, using her platform to amplify underrepresented voices.
Named among the BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women in 2017, Mustehsan has performed at high-profile events that bridge cultural understanding, including Coke Studio Pakistan and international humanitarian fundraisers. Combining the power of art with civic engagement, she continues to inspire younger generations to tackle social challenges with creativity and compassion.
Taimur Khan Jhagra
Former Minister of Health & Finance, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Taimur Khan Jhagra is a reform-driven political leader who has served as both Minister of Finance and Minister of Health in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. During his tenure, he introduced transformative policies aimed at enhancing fiscal transparency, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and streamlining public-sector expenditures.
An alumnus of top global institutions, Jhagra previously worked with leading management consultancies before venturing into public service. Known for his focus on data-driven solutions and citizen-centric governance, he remains a prominent figure in discussions about Pakistan’s economic planning and institutional innovation.
Dr. Carmen Reinhart
Former Chief Economist, World Bank and Harvard Kennedy School Faculty
Dr. Carmen Reinhart is one of the world's foremost authorities on international finance, macroeconomics, and economic history. She served as Chief Economist of the World Bank Group from 2020 to 2022 and is currently a professor at Harvard Kennedy School. Her groundbreaking research on financial crises, sovereign debt, and capital flows has profoundly influenced economic policy and thinking globally.
Co-author of the seminal book "This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly," Dr. Reinhart has provided crucial insights into patterns of financial crises across different countries and eras. Her expertise in debt sustainability, financial regulation, and economic recovery strategies offers valuable perspectives on Pakistan's macroeconomic challenges and opportunities for structural reform.
Ziad Bashir
Director, GulAhmed
Ziad Bashir is a prominent business executive and diplomat, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Arwen Tech and Director at GulAhmed Textile Mills, among other international ventures. He is presently serving on the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council. He is the Honorary Consul General of Denmark in Karachi and a recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Dannebrog. With expertise spanning textiles, retail, information technology, and global trade, Ziad plays a key role in shaping economic policy as Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Business Council. A graduate of Babson College, he is a frequent advisor to government bodies and an advocate for innovation and leadership in industry.
Hitesh Hathi
Executive Director, Mittal Institute, Harvard University
Hitesh Hathi is the Executive Director of Harvard’s Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, where he facilitates cross-disciplinary collaboration on pressing regional issues. With a background spanning academia and public radio—he was formerly Executive Producer of WBUR’s Radio Boston—Hathi brings a unique blend of storytelling, scholarship, and program management to his role. He has been instrumental in fostering dialogues on South Asian politics, economics, and cultural heritage at Harvard and beyond.
Dr. Adil Haider
Dean at Aga Khan University & Professor of Surgery
Dr. Adil Haider is Dean of the Medical College at Aga Khan University, where he leads curricular reform, research expansion, and partnerships aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s health-care workforce. An internationally recognized trauma surgeon and disparities researcher, he pioneered studies showing how race, gender, and income affect surgical outcomes.
At AKU, Dr. Haider champions equitable care, simulation-based training, and evidence-driven health policy. As moderator of “From Dysfunction to Reform,” he draws on clinical and administrative experience to spotlight governance innovations that can elevate public services nationwide.
Dr. Kathyrn Boudett
Senior Lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Dr. Kathy Boudett is an internationally recognized expert in educational leadership, data-informed decision making, and systemic school improvement. As Executive Director of the Data Wise Project at Harvard Graduate School of Education, she leads initiatives that bridge research and practice in educational policy and leadership development. Her influential work includes co-authoring "Data Wise: Educators Collaborating So Each Learner Thrives," and "System Wise: Continous Instructional Improvement at Scale," which have transformed approaches to educational improvement worldwide.
Dr. Boudett's research focuses on building organizational capacity for continuous improvement and developing leadership frameworks that support educational equity and excellence. Her extensive experience working with educational systems across diverse contexts provides valuable insights into how Pakistan can strengthen its human capital development and education reforms to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving global economy.
George Sarrinikolaou
Executive Director of the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University and Assistant Provost for Climate and Sustainability
George Sarrinikolaou is a leading figure in climate and sustainability policy, serving as Executive Director of the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University. His work is dedicated to advancing global understanding of climate resilience, policy innovation, and sustainable development. With deep expertise in environmental governance, Sarrinikolaou significantly contributes to shaping actionable strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation worldwide.
Ehsan Malik
CEO, Pakistan Business Council
Ehsan Malik is a seasoned business leader who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), the country's premier business advocacy forum representing major Pakistani corporations and multinationals. With over three decades of corporate leadership experience, including as CEO of Unilever Pakistan, Malik has established himself as an influential voice on economic policy, industrial development, and business-government relations.
Under his guidance, the PBC has become instrumental in formulating evidence-based recommendations for enhancing Pakistan's industrial competitiveness and economic growth. Malik's expertise spans corporate governance, sustainable business practices, and strategic planning—making him a valuable contributor to discussions on Pakistan's economic transformation and integration into global value chains.
Imran Sayeed
Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Senior Lecturer, MIT
Imran Sayeed is a technology entrepreneur, educator, and innovation specialist who serves as Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Senior Lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management. As co-founder of several successful technology ventures and former Chief Technology Officer at NTT DATA, he brings practical expertise in digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies to his academic work.
At MIT, Sayeed leads initiatives focused on innovation-driven economic development and entrepreneurial ecosystems. His research and teaching explore how developing economies can leverage technology to accelerate growth and address structural challenges. With deep connections to Pakistan's technology sector, he offers valuable perspectives on fostering innovation culture, developing digital talent, and building knowledge-based industries in emerging markets.
Shahid Ahmed Khan
Senior Policy Advisor & Former Member, Biden Administration
Shahid Ahmed Khan brings extensive experience in international affairs and policy-making, having served as a senior advisor in the Biden administration. His career reflects deep engagement in diplomacy, economic policy, and governance issues, particularly in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting economic resilience. Khan's expert insights continue to guide impactful policy dialogues between Pakistan and the global community.
Mosharraf Zaidi
CEO, Tabadlab
Mosharraf Zaidi is a prominent public policy analyst and the CEO of Tabadlab, a think tank renowned for its incisive analysis of governance, development, and education reforms in Pakistan. A former advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zaidi is celebrated for his insightful commentary and strategic perspectives on institutional reform, socio-economic policy, and governance innovation.
Shahid Azim
CEO, C10 Labs
Shahid Azim is a technology entrepreneur and CEO of C10 Labs, an innovation-centric firm focused on next-generation solutions in cybersecurity and data analytics. With a background in Silicon Valley startups, he has built a reputation for leading agile teams that craft pioneering tech products. Azim’s dedication to mentorship and professional development positions him as a strong advocate for nurturing future talent in Pakistan’s budding tech ecosystem.
Gerald Brown
Senior Advisor for Climate & Professor, Tufts University
Gerald Brown’s career spans multiple roles in government, large and small private companies. After working in supply chain operations and consulting with large multinationals, Gerald led an effort to attract corporate investment to post-conflict Iraq and Afghanistan as part of a US government stabilization strategy. He later founded the Institute for Economic Stability, which studied the impact of economics in post-conflict societies.
His work since leaving government has focused on applying business principles to addressing global problems by building economically and environmentally sustainable business systems for biofuels, the decarbonization process, and new technologies, including work with public procurement agencies, large utilities and start ups
Gerald holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management, an Executive Degree in Economics from the Fundação Getúlio Vargas in Brazil. He has taught at Tufts University’s School of Engineering and Fletcher School for over 20 years.
TARIQ KHAN
President, OPEN Global
Tariq Khan is the President of OPEN Global, a premier organization uniting Pakistani entrepreneurs and professionals worldwide. He leverages extensive corporate experience, including high-level marketing and leadership roles at Fortune 500 firms, to foster growth and innovation among diaspora-driven ventures. Under his stewardship, OPEN Global has expanded mentorship networks, investment opportunities, and industry partnerships—advancing entrepreneurial ecosystems in both the U.S. and Pakistan.
Nikolay Gueorguiev
Division Chief, International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Nikolay Gueorguiev heads a division in the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department, where he leads multidisciplinary teams advising emerging-market governments on public-finance reform and macroeconomic stabilization. His portfolio spans debt sustainability analysis, budget transparency, and social-spending efficiency—core ingredients of inclusive growth.
Having managed IMF missions across Europe, Africa, and Asia, Gueorguiev brings a comparative lens to Pakistan’s fiscal challenges. He will moderate the keynote conversation on “Pakistan’s Economic Future,” framing pathways to resilient, investment-friendly, and socially balanced economic policy.
Shafiq Khan
CEO & President, Teach the World Foundation
Shafiq Khan leads Teach the World Foundation, a nonprofit using low-cost tablets and adaptive software to deliver literacy and numeracy to children in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malawi. Under his guidance, the organization’s micro-school model has helped thousands of out-of-school learners acquire foundational skills at a fraction of traditional costs.
A veteran of digital innovation in travel and hospitality, Khan now channels his expertise to close the global learning gap. His work demonstrates how technology-enabled education can unlock human capital and drive the knowledge-based economy
Erum Sattar
Lecturer, Tufts University
Dr. Erum Khalid Sattar is an expert in water governance and environmental policy, with a focus on the impacts of climate change on water availability. She earned her Doctorate in Juridical Sciences (S.J.D.) from Harvard University, where her research on water federalism and trans-boundary water sharing in the Indus River Basin laid the foundation for her work.
At Tufts University, Dr. Sattar is a Lecturer and was the Program Director of the Sustainable Water Management Program, teaching interdisciplinary courses on water-related challenges. Her current research examines the legal and institutional frameworks needed to address the environmental stresses of floods, droughts, and climate change, with a focus on the socio-economic and political implications of water management on food production, livelihoods, and migration.
Asad Ejaz Butt
Economist & Policy Advisor
Asad Ejaz Butt is a seasoned public policy and economics expert with over a decade of experience in debt management, taxation and energy policy formulation. He has advised governments in the U.S., Canada, Africa, and Pakistan on demand-side management in the energy sector, fiscal transfers, and macro-fiscal policies, consulting for the World Bank, EU, USAID, GIZ, and other international organizations.
A prolific commentator on political economy, Asad hosts Political Economy This Week on New Wave Global and has published extensively in platforms such as South Asian Voices, Stimson Center, Dawn, Business Recorder, and the Institute of South Asian Studies (NUS). He is affiliated with leading think tanks, including the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics and the Mahbub ul Haq Research Center, and previously served as Director at the Burki Institute of Public Policy. He’s one of the authors of the Routledge book “Pakistan at Seventy”.
Jawad Sheikh
Cultural Commentator & Performer
Jawad Sheikh is a vibrant cultural commentator and performer who celebrates Pakistan’s artistic heritage through storytelling, theater, and folk music. Drawing on a deep understanding of regional history and oral traditions, Sheikh’s performances illuminate Pakistan’s cultural mosaic for both local and international audiences. His passion for preserving heritage has earned him a dedicated following among diaspora communities seeking an authentic connection to their roots.