LIIBS 2026 Concludes with Framework on “The Next Move” for Economy, Technology, and Global Positioning

The 9th edition of the LEADERS IN ISLAMABAD BUSINESS SUMMIT (LIIBS) 2026, themed "The Next Move," concluded in Islamabad with a commitment from policymakers, global business leaders, and thought leaders to take decisive action to convert Pakistan's economic potential into a sustainable advantage. Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb reported a 3.7% GDP growth in the previous fiscal year, with growth continuing into the current year.

Large-scale manufacturing has improved, and strong remittance inflows and IT exports have bolstered the external account. The consensus was that Pakistan needed to move beyond a consumption-led growth model and adopt sustainable and productive growth.

Federal Minister & Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali emphasized that Pakistan cannot merely be a consumer of technology; it needs to be a creator. The ambition is to have productive businesses at a global scale, requiring stronger education, equal workforce participation, and extending talent to manufacturing, defense, and other future technologies. Building productive cities and equipping young people with skills for the economic future is essential.

Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani stressed the need for structural reforms and better governance. Structural reforms, improved federal and provincial governance alignment, breaking away from the cycle of uncontrolled spending, and increased exports are crucial. The government reduced super taxes last year, and efforts are being made to support the agricultural sector, SMEs, and ensure financial access.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar highlighted that while addressing security challenges, the deeper issue lies in addressing the underlying economic constraints. Policies based on elite capture lead to exploitation, and a consensus must create a level playing field based on skills and merit. The closing remarks emphasized the importance of eliminating elite capture and enabling students from great universities to succeed without barriers.

The summit discussed Pakistan's inflection point across economic policy, technology, and global positioning, bringing together key perspectives to chart a way forward. Topics covered included Geopolitics, Geoeconomics, Business, Technology, AI, Digital Transformation, Capital, Finance, and Pakistan's "Next Move." Distinguished speakers from various sectors were presented with a copy of the book "Syed Babar Ali: A Centennial Tribute."