Peshawar – Known as the “Gateway to Central Asia,” Peshawar positioned itself as the next hub of regional commerce by hosting the Pakistan Business Summit 2025. The event was held under the patronage of the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, co-hosted by Nutshell Group and Al Baraka Bank (Pakistan) Limited, with the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry as Strategic Partner. The theme, “Shaping What’s Next,” reflected the focus on economic resilience, investment, and regional connectivity.
The inaugural session gathered Pakistan’s top leadership and business voices. Acting President and Senate Chairman, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, underlined that empowering women, securing peace, and driving innovation will transform Pakistan’s resilience into sustainable prosperity and global recognition.
Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressed that the province, rich in hydel power, minerals, and tourism, can only unlock its true economic role through investment, peace with Afghanistan, and business–banking collaboration. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue, emphasized that equitable taxation is essential for fairness, shared responsibility, and sustainable national growth. Muhammad Ali, Federal Minister for Privatisation, called for structural reform, insisting that Pakistan must adopt a market-based economy that reflects the potential of its 240 million people.
During a key panel on “Pakistan’s Economy & Business Climate – Is Pakistan Ready for a Turnaround?”, Muzammil Aslam, Finance Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, pointed out that excessive taxation and barriers to profit repatriation are discouraging investment, urging the federal government to respect provincial development visions.
The Summit also honored three distinguished sons of the soil: Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rehman, renowned heart surgeon and founder of Rehman Medical Institute (RMI); Prof. Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, founder of the Indus Hospital Network; and squash legend Jahangir Khan. Each was recognized as a symbol of service, resilience, and excellence.
Corporate and thought leaders, including Kaan Terzioglu (Group CEO, VEON), Muhammad Atif Hanif (CEO, Al Baraka Bank Pakistan), and Muhammad Azfar Ahsan (Founder & Chairman, Nutshell Group), highlighted the urgency of digital readiness, economic resilience, and the central role of education. Azfar Ahsan particularly noted that with 3.8 million out-of-school children, Pakistan cannot achieve stability or economic progress without education reform.
Executives from leading institutions such as HBL, National Bank of Pakistan, Dubai Islamic Bank, Fauji Fertilizer, State Life Insurance Corporation, Zakori Group, Dawlance, Coca-Cola, easypaisa, LMKR, Teradata, AKD Securities, and advisors from China Energy Group joined discussions. Topics ranged from climate resilience and sustainable financing to digital innovation, agriculture, and artificial intelligence. Across the sessions, the consistent message was clear: Pakistan’s revival depends on stability, trust, inclusive policies, and innovation.
Closing the Summit, Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Sohail Aman remarked: “Pakistan stands at the most opportune moment—external conditions are favorable, internal cohesion is visible, the private sector is ready to drive growth, and the Government is willing to facilitate. This is the perfect time to lift off.”
Rabia Ahmad, Director & CEO of Nutshell Group, moderated the Summit proceedings.
Strategic partners included the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), Faysal Bank, National Bank of Pakistan, Dubai Islamic Bank, Bank of Khyber, State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan, Corporate Pakistan Group, ACCA, and Spectreco LLC.