The ACCA Pakistan Leadership Conversation (PLC) 2023 session in Karachi gave senior business leaders and influencers in the nation the chance to engage in future-focused discussions and present businesses and the government with a forward-looking action plan on how to weather the current economic headwinds and capitalize on new opportunities in emerging sectors.

The session concentrated on important policy reforms and business initiatives to create an environment that will allow the emerging sectors to thrive, assist the nation in addressing its current economic challenges, and set out on a path to sustainable, inclusive growth, in keeping with this year’s event theme, “Shaping the future in uncertain times: Learn. Adapt. Thrive.” 

Focusing on the central role of the accountancy profession, ACCA’s global president, Joseph Owolabi, in his keynote address emphasized: ‘As society’s expectations shift with speed and intensity, the challenges that lie ahead for business, governments, and policymakers are complex. But with skills, knowledge, and experience that transcend sectors and borders, the accountancy profession is uniquely placed to help drive the change people want to see.’   

The Federal Minister for Marine Affairs, Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari, spoke on the environment, climate change, and green growth.

Sima Kamil, the State Bank of Pakistan’s deputy governor, also spoke at the event and gave a thought-provoking speech on the subject of “Building economic resilience in unpredictable times.” 

In an insightful keynote, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President and CEO of HBL, presented a business case for the adoption of the ESG framework and described how it helps companies achieve sustainable growth by luring investments, winning client trust, boosting financial performance, and streamlining operational processes.

In an insightful keynote, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President and CEO of HBL, presented a business case for the adoption of the ESG framework and described how it helps companies achieve sustainable growth by luring investments, winning client trust, boosting financial performance, and streamlining operational processes.

Honorable Mentions  

Notable conversation leaders who contributed with their knowledge and insights included Shaista Ayesha, CEO, of SEED Ventures, Sadia Dada, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, K Electric, Assad Hameed Khan, Head of ACCA Pakistan, Eqan Ali Khan, GM Strategy, Business Development & Innovation, Lucky Core Industries Limited, Mehvish Waliany, COO, AlKaram Studio, Muhammad Shahzad, Finance Director, and ESG Ambition Lead, Unilever Pakistan, Nazish Shekha, Senior Research Associate, CERB, Rana Nadeem, Partner, KPMG, Sarwat Ahson, Executive Director, CFA Society Pakistan, Naureen Hayat, Co-Founder & CEO, Tez Financial Services, Nasha Tengra, Senior Manager Consulting, Digital, Data, Strategy & Fintech, A F Ferguson & Co, Azfer Naseem, CEO-Alpha Capital (Pvt) Ltd, Muhammad Shamoon Tariq, Founder/CEO, Mahaana Wealth, Muhammad Shoaib, CEO, Al-Meezan Investment Management, Shahzad Shahid, Group CEO, TPS Worldwide, and Shaham Ahmed, Honorary Secretary, ICMA Pakistan. 

With a focus on high-impact initiatives that would advance the nation, the purpose of this ACCA conference is to create a meaningful framework for growth, encourage innovation, and shape forward-thinking policy decisions and commercial prospects. On February 23 in Lahore, the leaders will meet for the final time.

Seed Ventures joined as co-organizers for this year’s edition. Bank Islami and The Coca-Cola Company were the Strategic Partners. Platinum Partners included SKANS School of Accountancy, U Microfinance Bank, and The Millennium Universal College. Telenor Group Adroit Accountax/ Obox Accounting, National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited, National Disaster Risk Management Fund, Tabani’s School of Accountancy, PAC Group of Colleges, and Mirchawala’s Hub of Accountancy are supported as Gold Partners. TCM – The Centrum Media joined as Outreach Partner and KPMG and Nutshell Group were the Knowledge Partners.

The event is also supported by the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), Pakistan Stock Exchange, Special Technology Zones Authority, Pakistan Software Houses Association, KP Board of Investment and Trade, The Centre of Excellence in Responsible Business (PBC), ICMA Pakistan, National Incubation Center, Universal Service Fund, Punjab Board of Investment & Trade, Punjab Information Technology Board, Central Power Purchasing Agency, and the CFA Society Pakistan.

With more than 241,000 fully qualified members and 542,000 future members globally, ACCA is the top organization for professional accountants. It connects people with satisfying professions, businesses with the greatest finance talent and economies with the building blocks for growth via its unmatched connections across the globe.