By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) successfully organized the ICAP CFO Conference 2026 under the theme “The New Playbook – Adapt, Innovate, Elevate”, bringing together leading finance professionals, business leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders to deliberate on the evolving role of finance leadership in an increasingly complex and uncertain economic environment.
In his opening address, Mr. Samiullah Siddiqui, FCA, President ICAP, welcomed the participants and highlighted the transformation of the CFO role from traditional financial stewardship to strategic leadership. He emphasized the need for finance leaders to adapt rapidly, innovate responsibly, and elevate organizational performance amid economic volatility, technological disruption, and heightened stakeholder expectations.
The conference featured a keynote address titled “From Volatility to Value: Strategic Leadership in Challenging Times”, delivered by Mr. Junaid Iqbal, Founder & CEO, Salt Ventures, who shared insights on navigating uncertainty, managing risk, and driving value creation through resilient and forwardlooking leadership.
A key highlight of the conference was the panel discussion “Repricing Risk, Rediscovering Value: Pakistan’s Economic Outlook”, which examined the economic challenges facing Pakistan—such as taxation complexities, policy fragmentation, liquidity constraints, and geopolitical volatility—alongside emerging investment opportunities. The panel comprised Mr. Ziad Bashir, Vice Chairman, Pakistan Business Council; Mr. Irfan Amanullah, COO, Attock Cement Pakistan Ltd.; Mr. Farrukh H. Khan, CFO, Jazz World; and Ms. Gulzar Khoja, CFO, Pakistan State Oil Limited, and was moderated by Mr. Fawad Aftab, CFO & Company Secretary, Asia Petroleum Limited.
The technology dimension of finance leadership was explored through a presentation titled “AI in Action: How Pakistani CFOs Are Using AI for Growth and Resilience” by Mr. Saad Kaliya, Partner – Technology Consulting & Risk Assurance, A.F. Ferguson & Co., Pakistan, highlighting practical applications of artificial intelligence in finance transformation. This was complemented by an international perspective from Mr. Dan Worsley, Head of Strategy and Governance at IFAC, who delivered a presentation on “FutureReady Finance in Emerging Economies: An IFAC Perspective for Pakistan.”
In a thoughtprovoking session titled “Big Trust: Rewire SelfDoubt for Leadership Impact,” Dr. Shade Zehrai, awardwinning leadership strategist and behavioural researcher, explored the human and psychological dimensions of leadership effectiveness.
Investment and capital markets were brought into focus through a panel discussion on “What Attracts Serious Capital in Today’s Landscape,” featuring Mr. Farrukh Sabzwari, CEO, Pakistan Stock Exchange; Mr. Muhammad Asim, Chief Investment Officer, MCB Funds; and Mr. Muhammad Ali Ahmed, MD & CEO, EFU Life Insurance, moderated by Mr. Usama Rashid, CEO, V2F Solutions.
Mr. Muhammad Zaid Kaliya, Chairman PAIB Committee and Council Member ICAP, delivered a dedicated address titled “Elevate More Heroes,” emphasizing the responsibility of finance leaders to mentor, empower, and develop future professionals.
Another insightful panel discussion, “Rewriting the Rules: Turning Uncertainty into CapabilityLed Growth,” explored the skills required for finance professionals to navigate technological change, geopolitical risks, and external disruptions. The panel included Mr. Badar Yousuf, CFO, National Foods Limited; Mr. Farhan Akram, CFO, Dawlance; Ms. Shireen Naqvi, Founder, School of Leadership & Senior Consultant, Carnelian; and Syed Tanveer Hussain, COO, Wholesale Banking, Meezan Bank Limited, and was moderated by Mr. Adeel Azhar, Broadcaster and Podcast Host.
The conference also featured a refreshing session titled “Pause, Breathe, Laugh: MicroMoments That Matter,” conducted by Mr. Adeel Hashmi, Professional Trainer and Coach, focusing on personal resilience and mental wellbeing.
A fireside chat titled “Why Pakistan?” brought attention to Pakistan’s growing potential as a hub for BPO and shared services delivery, featuring Mr. Asif Peer, CEO, Systems Limited, and Mr. Hasham Baber, CFO, GSK Pakistan, who shared insights on global outsourcing trends and Pakistan’s competitive advantage.
The ICAP CFO Conference 2026 provided a comprehensive platform for finance leaders to exchange ideas, debate emerging challenges, and identify practical solutions to drive sustainable growth and strategic decisionmaking in a rapidly evolving business environment.
The conference also marked the fourth iteration of the Professional Excellence Awards (PEA) which celebrated outstanding achievements across diverse categories, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact in their respective fields. In the Business Enabler Award – Public Entities Category, awards were presented to Syed Omair Ahmad Bokhari, CIO, Fatima Fertilizer, Ltd and Mr. Ahsan Anis Aziz, COO, Power Cement Ltd. The Business Leader Award – Public Entities Category was awarded to Mr. Muhammad Amin, MD, SSGC and Sajjad Iftikhar, CEO, Hoechst Pakistan Ltd. The Emerging Leader Award recognized Mr. Waqar Manzoor, Director Finance & Global Head of Accounting Careem and Mr. Danyal Haq Awan, Head of Internal Audit, Karandaaz. In the Finance Leader Award – Public Entities Category honored Mr. Muhammad Anas Farook, CFO, OGDCL, alongside Ms. Javeria Siddiqui, CFO, Feroze 1888 Mills Ltd. The Overseas Excellence Awards highlighted global achievements, with Mr. Adnan Haroon, MD, BIMAC; Ms. Asma, Jan Muhammad, Chief Financial & Operating Officer, Qaim Financing Consultancy and Mr. Mohammad Kashif Farooqi, Head of Audit Firm Inspection Department, SOCPA.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners for their remarkable accomplishments and unwavering commitment to excellence. The awards ceremony was gracefully hosted by acclaimed actress Naveen Waqar and versatile actor and host Ali Safina.
