LAHORE: The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) convened its flagship CFO Conference 2025 at a local hotel, centered around the theme “Quantum Leap: Agility & Competitive Edge.”
A highlight of the gathering was the keynote speech by Syed Hyder Ali, Chief Executive and Managing Director of Packages Group. In his address, titled “Leadership Metamorphosis: Recalibrating CFOs in Motion,” he delved into the shifting role of CFOs—from traditional financial custodians to strategic business partners. Ali emphasized the increasing expectation for CFOs to drive innovation, enhance performance, and build resilience in an economically volatile global landscape.
In his remarks, ICAP President Saif Ullah underlined the relevance of the conference theme, noting that the pace of global transformation requires finance professionals to embrace agility, adopt emerging technologies, and act as proactive enablers of change. He stressed that in today’s complex economic environment, the ability to foresee change and create value is no longer optional—it’s essential for long-term sustainability.
Vice President Samiullah Siddiqui expressed gratitude to the attendees, sponsors, ICAP Council Members, and the event’s organizing committee for their pivotal contributions. He reiterated the evolving nature of the CFO’s role—no longer limited to financial governance but now encompassing digital transformation, ethical leadership, and the pursuit of sustainable growth.
The conference featured a range of thought-provoking discussions. One such panel, “Empowered Growth: Leveraging the Digital Ecosystem,” moderated by Sana Mela, VP Strategy at Swyft Logistics, featured industry leaders including Atyab Tahir (CEO, Hugo Bank), Salman Hafeez (Executive Director, Nishat), and Faisal Khan (CEO, IGI General Insurance). The session explored how digitalization, data analytics, and financial agility are reshaping business growth trajectories.
An engaging presentation followed, titled “Ethics in AI: Safeguarding Trust & Transparency in Finance,” by Asmar Atif, Chief Intrapreneur and Head of Octopus Digital at Avanceon. Atif emphasized the need for strong ethical frameworks and governance to guide the integration of AI in financial decision-making processes.
Lee White, CEO of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), delivered a keynote titled “Finance in the Age of Acceleration.” He urged professionals to embrace artificial intelligence, align financial practices with sustainability goals, and implement inclusive leadership strategies to remain competitive amid accelerating global shifts.
Ashfaq Yusuf Tola, President of the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA), also addressed the audience with a session titled “Redefining Finance: Quantum Thinking for Agile Times.” He highlighted the necessity of forward-thinking finance models in uncertain environments.
A session titled “Unleash Your Superpower” brought fresh insights from young ICAP member Faizan Hanif, who engaged in a dialogue with Zunair Zafar, CFO of The International Grammar School, Lahore. The conversation inspired upcoming professionals to embrace their individual strengths and take purposeful leadership roles in the evolving finance landscape.
On the investment front, Azfar Ahsan, Chairman of Nutshell Group, presented “Investment Opportunities in Pakistan: Evolving Business Climate,” discussing emerging sectors, ongoing reforms, and key opportunities within Pakistan’s economic framework.
Talent and leadership development came under the spotlight during the panel discussion “The Human Balance Sheet: Future-Proofing Talent & Leadership,” moderated by Khalil Ahmed Hashmi, CFO of SPEL Ltd. Panelists Muhammad Faisal (CEO, Lucky Motors), Javed Akhtar (Chief Strategy Officer, Style Textile), and Toima Asghar (CHRO, Systems Pvt. Ltd.) underscored the need for building adaptable talent pipelines and leadership models centered on empathy and innovation.
A compelling fireside chat on ESG titled “Beyond Compliance: ESG for Sustainable Success” featured speakers Nazifa Butt (WWF Pakistan), Fawad Ul Hassan (Nestlé), and Nadia Rehman (Planning Commission), moderated by Aleem Zubair of A.F. Ferguson & Co. The session emphasized how environmental, social, and governance standards can drive long-term business performance.
Renowned leadership expert and author Qaiser Abbas delivered a motivational talk, “Commanding the Leap,” urging finance professionals to lead with clarity, courage, and vision during times of disruption.
The conference concluded with a high-level economic panel titled “Riding the Economic Wave,” moderated by Farid Alam, CEO of AKD Securities. Panelists included Khurram Schehzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister, and Dr Shahid Kardar, economist and former State Bank Governor. The discussion offered an in-depth assessment of Pakistan’s economic outlook, policy direction, and fiscal challenges.
In his closing remarks, Muhammad Awais, Vice President of ICAP, thanked all stakeholders and reaffirmed the institute’s ongoing commitment to advancing the finance profession in Pakistan through leadership development, innovation, and principled governance.
