DAY 1
Every great conference begins with a spark — and Day 1 of ISIF 2025 ignited ideas that continue to inspire dialogue on Pakistan’s economic future.
Theme: Innovation, Sustainability & Islamic Finance – Shaping Pakistan’s Green Economy
The Department of Economics & Management Sciences, NED University, successfully inaugurated Day 1 of the 3rd International Conference on Economics & Allied Sciences (ISIF 2025) — uniting scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore new paradigms in Islamic finance, sustainability, and economic transformation.
Inaugural Session:
The day opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran and the National Anthem, followed by a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Noman Ahmed (Pro Vice Chancellor, NED University), who highlighted the department’s growing impact and academic excellence.
H.E. Muhammad Sakib Sadaqat (Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh) joined as Guest of Honour, stressing regional collaboration and shared learning between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Dr. Ishrat Husain (Former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan) delivered the Keynote Address, sharing insights on Pakistan’s financial evolution and the role of innovation, inclusion, and policy in achieving sustainable growth.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tufail (Vice Chancellor, NED University) commended the Department’s interdisciplinary role in bridging academia and industry.
Panel Discussion I: “Emerging Paradigms in Islamic Finance & FinTech” — moderated by Dr. Shahid Iqbal, featured:
* Dr. Mufti Irshad Ahmad Aijaz (BankIslami)
* Mufti Muhammad Naveed Alam (Meezan Bank)
* Mr. Muhammad Faisal Shaikh (Faysal Bank)
* Mr. Muhammad Imran Khalil (Engro Fertilizer)
The discussion examined how Islamic banking and FinTech are reshaping Pakistan’s financial landscape by:
* Strengthening Shariah governance and ethics
* Leveraging technology for inclusion
* Enhancing literacy and youth participation
* Building academic–industry linkages
The speakers collectively emphasized that the future of Pakistan’s economy lies in ethical, technology-driven, and inclusive Islamic financial systems.
The day concluded with engaging discussions over networking and Hi-Tea, where participants reflected on the insights shared.
DAY 2
Pakistan’s future will be green, digital, and collaborative — and Day 2 of ISIF 2025 made that clearer than ever.
Today’s program brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and international delegations to map practical steps toward a sustainable, resilient economy.
Highlights — Day 2
Parallel Sessions (09:00–11:00)
Evidence-based research across sustainability, Islamic finance, and FinTech strengthened the bridge between academia and practice.
Panel II — Transforming Pakistan’s Energy Landscape
Speakers stressed renewable adoption, governance, and finance for a resilient energy future:
H.E. Herman Hardynata Ahmad (Consul General of Malaysia) — Advocated Islamic green finance (notably green sukuk) and proposed Malaysia–Pakistan collaboration in research, capacity building, and cross-border projects.
Mr. Shehryar Omar (CEO, Petroleum Institute of Pakistan) — Urged infrastructure reform and youth leadership to reduce import dependence and improve service delivery.
Mr. Shahid Hussain Shah (Indus Consortium) — Highlighted the finance gap hampering green transport and called for higher lending limits and enabling policies.
Mr. Shehzad Dhedhi (ESG Consultant) — “Profit without purpose is pollution.” Stressed accountability, ESG adoption, and closing the gap to 2030 renewable targets.
Prof. Dr. Raza Ali Khan — Framed energy problems as governance and planning failures; recommended integrated policymaking and academia–industry partnerships.
Address — Sri Lanka Consulate General
The Sri Lankan representative urged a people-centric view of sustainability: resilience, transparent debt management, climate-smart agriculture, renewable investment, and regional cooperation. He emphasized that crisis-led reforms can become foundations for long-term, inclusive growth and called on South Asia to collaborate on shared climate and economic challenges.
Panel III — Building a Sustainable Economic Future
Speakers (including Mr. Azfar Ahsan virtual) emphasized green SMEs, export orientation, talent development, and stronger public–private collaboration.
Closing
Keynote — Dr. Kaiser Bengali: Macroeconomic discipline and long-term policy continuity.
Closing — Prof. Dr. Noman Ahmed: Thanks to partners and participants; reaffirmed NED’s role in convening research-led dialogue.
Vote of Thanks — Dr. Mirza Faizan Ahmed.
Takeaway
Pakistan has the knowledge and momentum—what’s required now is sustained commitment, coordinated policy, and ethical finance to turn potential into inclusive, green growth.