OUR SPEAKERS
Here is a first set of speakers and we will keep adding more in coming days. Stay tuned.
Dr. Safdar Ali Sohail
Executive Director, Social Protection Resource Centre
Dr. Safdar Ali Sohail is a former civil servant with over 39 years of experience in trade policy, civil service training, and international diplomacy. He most recently served as Dean of the National School of Public Policy, Lahore, and currently leads the Social Protection Resource Centre as Executive Director. A PhD in Sociology from Paris University X, he has authored key national policy frameworks and continues to teach and advocate for inclusive development and social protection in Pakistan.
Puruesh Chaudhary
President, AGAHI
Puruesh Chaudhary is an award-winning futures researcher, strategic narrative professional, and Founder of AGAHI. Recognized among the world’s top female futurists and honored as Pride of Pakistan, she won the Asia-Pacific Futures Network Award in 2022. A Harvard and Singularity University alumna, she advises global futures networks and teaches strategic communication at leading Pakistani institutions.
Ghulam Shabbir
Chief Operating Officer, The Urban Unit
Ghulam Shabbir is a leading expert in Organizational Development, Digital Transformation, Industry 4.0, and AI-driven strategy. He specializes in aligning technology systems with human-centric organizational design. With global experience across sectors like retail, aerospace, oil & gas, and education, he has led large-scale consulting projects for corporate, governmental, and development organizations.
Noman Waseem
CEO, Supreme Technocrafts Aviation Services
Noman Waseem is the CEO of Supreme Technocrafts Aviation Services, with deep expertise in project leadership, business development, and management consulting. He specializes in commercializing innovations, leading cross-functional teams, and executing high-impact projects across aviation, tech, and marketing sectors. With a focus on HR strategy, brand activation, and operational excellence, he brings a dynamic vision to corporate growth and transformation.
Imran Ali Sultan
Program Director, Punjab Affordable Housing Program
Imran Ali Sultan is the Program Director of the Punjab Affordable Housing Program and Chief Operating Officer at The Urban Unit, Government of Punjab. With over 20 years of experience in urban development and local governance, he has led major planning and infrastructure projects across Pakistan. An alumnus of LSE and GRIPS Tokyo, he specializes in sustainable city-making and institutional reform for urban resilience in the Global South.
Fatima Nadia Rehman
Award-Winning Arabic Calligraphy Artist
Fatima Nadia Rehman is an award-winning Arabic calligraphy artist based in Dubai, known for her work with royal families, global luxury brands, and top institutions like the Burj Khalifa. She holds a double master’s in Fine Arts and has pioneered inclusive calligraphy education in the UAE. Her art blends tradition with innovation, earning her recognition as one of Marie Claire’s inspirational women of the UAE.
Justice Musheer Aalam
Former Supreme Court Judge
Justice Mushir Alam is a former Supreme Court judge with over four decades of service in Pakistan’s legal and judicial system. He has served as Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court and played a key role in safeguarding judicial independence during the 2007 constitutional crisis. A graduate of S.M. Law College, Karachi, he has been actively involved in legal reforms, labor rights, and international law. He currently contributes to national discourse on digital governance and cybersecurity through advisory roles and thought leadership.
Dr. Muhammad Asad Arfeen
Award-Winning Arabic Calligraphy Artist
Dr. Muhammad Asad Arfeen is an Associate Professor at NED University and Scientific Director of the Internet Security Lab at Pakistan’s National Center for Cyber Security. He leads AI-driven cybersecurity research, specializing in malware detection, fraud analytics, and threat intelligence. His work combines machine learning with network security, advancing national AI policy and digital resilience.
Khet Kumar
STEAM & AI Education Pioneer
Khet Kumar is a pioneering educator in Pakistan’s STEAM and AI education landscape, dedicated to equipping youth with future-ready skills. As the founder of the social enterprises RedPi Club and Takhtee, he has been instrumental in integrating robotics and AI into K–12 curricula, particularly benefiting underprivileged communities. His efforts have led to the development of the “Digital Horizon” book series, providing accessible technology education to students across Pakistan. Recognized for his innovative approach, Kumar continues to advocate for inclusive, hands-on learning experiences that bridge the digital divide.
Dr. Mirza Omer Beg
Associate Professor, FAST-NUCES & Senior Director, Afiniti
Dr. Mirza Omer Beg is a TEDx speaker and AI expert specializing in Natural Language Processing (NLP), Conversational AI, and Speech AI. At Afiniti, he focuses on developing cutting-edge AI-driven solutions. As an Associate Professor at the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES) in Islamabad, he contributes to academia and research. Dr. Beg’s work bridges theoretical research and practical applications, pushing the frontiers of applied AI in business.
Air Commodore Raza Haider (Retd)
Director Emerging Technologies, Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS)
Air Commodore Raza Haider (Retd) is the Director at the Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) in Islamabad. With over 30 years of experience in the Pakistan Air Force, he played a pivotal role in the development and production of the JF-17 Thunder aircraft. He retired as Deputy Chief Project Director of the JF-17 Program and was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz Military for his commendable contributions. An aerospace engineer with an MPhil in Strategic Studies from the National Defense University, Islamabad, he has also spent five years in China working on cutting-edge aerospace technologies. Air Commodore Haider is a prolific writer, contributing regularly to various magazines and journals, and his research focuses on emerging technologies and the aerospace industry.
Dr. Rashad Ramzan
Director, Integrated Circuit Design Lab, FAST-NUCES
Dr. Rashad Ramzan is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at FAST-NUCES Islamabad and serves as the Director of the Integrated Circuit Design (ICD) Lab. He earned his Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering from Linköping University, Sweden, and has extensive experience in RF, analog, and mixed-signal IC design. Dr. Ramzan has led numerous successful IC tapeouts and is recognized for pioneering integrated circuit education in Pakistan. Under his leadership, the ICD Lab has become a hub for cutting-edge research and hands-on training in microelectronics. He is also the CEO of Pi Invent, an innovation-focused company.
Dr. Kamran Naqi
Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Hamdard University
Dr. Kamran Naqi is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of social sciences, currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at Hamdard Institute of Management Sciences in Karachi, Pakistan. He holds a Ph.D. in Social Sciences and has a robust background in strategy, marketing, and organizational behavior. Dr. Naqi has contributed to various academic and professional forums, emphasizing the integration of business education with industry needs. His work focuses on fostering innovation and leadership within the business community. Additionally, he has been involved in initiatives aimed at enhancing the logistics and warehousing sectors in Pakistan, highlighting the importance of academia-industry collaboration.
Rafay Baloch
Cybersecurity Expert, Cyber Citadel
Rafay Baloch is a globally recognized cybersecurity expert and ethical hacker, currently serving as Lead Security Researcher at Cyber Citadel. He has uncovered critical vulnerabilities in major platforms like PayPal, Google, and Apple, earning accolades such as the “Pride of Pakistan” award in 2022. Baloch is the author of Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Guide and Web Hacking Arsenal, and has presented his research at international conferences including Black Hat and Hack in Paris. His work focuses on browser security, AI privacy, and the broader implications of surveillance technologies.