'Learn to ride the wave of chaos rather than drown in it,' Asad Umar tells students at MediaVerse ’26

Former finance minister Asad Umar urged students at MediaVerse ’26 to embrace uncertainty instead of fearing it, as he spoke about learning to navigate chaos and turn it into opportunities. Umar used surfing as an analogy, explaining that when a huge wave comes, it represents chaos. One can either learn to ride the wave and have an exhilarating experience, or drown in it.

The discussion took place at the University of Karachi, as part of MediaVerse ’26, a student-led initiative. Television director Saife Hasan and British-Pakistani actor Alyy Khan also participated in a panel titled Balance in Chaos: A Conversation on Navigating Uncertainty, moderated by Rabia Mughni. The theme of AI's influence on the entertainment industry was also discussed, with Hasan illustrating how AI was already being used in production.

Content creator Osamah Nasir cautioned against becoming overly dependent on AI, emphasizing the importance of using technology purposefully and not letting it compromise independent thinking. Hasan also stressed the importance of faith and hard work in dealing with personal and professional setbacks, suggesting that prayer should accompany effort.

Nasir urged students to remain present and recognize the impact of their work on others' lives. Actor Alyy Khan urged young people not to use chaotic circumstances as an excuse for inaction, instead suggesting the old-school approach of not allowing chaos to consume them. Finally, Umar encouraged students to look beyond financial success and conventional measures of achievement, urging them to reflect on their personal ambitions and values to identify meaningful opportunities.