The Pak-U.S. Business and Entrepreneurship Conference, held at Karachi Arts Council, organized by the Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI) with support of United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) and the Pak-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN). The event convened an esteemed group of PUAN alumni, entrepreneurs, tech incubator executives, policymakers, media innovators, trade leaders, and development partners to explore avenues of economic collaboration and innovation between Pakistan and the United States.
The day-long conference served as a platform for cross-sector dialogue on advancing entrepreneurship, digital media, trade development, startup investment and promote cross-border collaboration. The conference aimed to deepen bilateral ties through innovation-driven engagement and to promote sustainable economic opportunities for youth, media professionals, and the business community. On this occasion, PULSE President And senior Journalist and Broadcaster Faysal Aziz Khan, in his video message, highlighted the critical importance of strengthening trade relations between Pakistan and the United States.
The event opened with welcome remarks by Najia Ashar, PUAN Alumni and President GNMI, she highlighted the project’s focus on Pak-US commercial ties, business storytelling, digital entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaboration. She noted “Media and entrepreneurship together can drive innovation and build inclusive, future-ready partnerships.”
A keynote speech by Anthony Jones – Public Diplomacy officer at U.S. Consulate General Karachi, emphasized the growing significance of economic diplomacy and the role of innovation in strengthening Pak-U.S. ties. He highlighted the United States’ continued support for Pakistan’s economic prosperity through collaborative efforts in entrepreneurship, capacity-building, and sustainable growth, underlining the shared commitment to advancing inclusive development and bilateral cooperation.
Throughout the day, the audience engaged with a mix of six documentary screenings and three panel discussions that spotlighted inspiring stories of business success, media entrepreneurship, and innovation partnerships between Pakistan and the U.S.
The first panel, Redefining Influence – Building Sustainable Media Enterprises, featured prominent media voices like Najia Ashar – President GNMI, Adeel Azhar – Founder, Leadership Adventure, Naimat Khan – Senior Correspondent, Arab News, and Seema Taher Khan – Founder of NEWS ONE, who discussed how digital platforms are reshaping journalism and creating entrepreneurial opportunities. The panel was moderated by Syed Masood Raza, senior broadcast journalist. The panel explored how digital storytelling, independent journalism, and content innovation are redefining modern media. Speakers discussed the growing need for sustainable revenue models, editorial independence, audience-driven content, and the role of technology in shaping the future of journalism. They also highlighted the importance of freedom of expression, media literacy, and cross-border collaborations in building resilient and impactful media enterprises in today’s digital-first world.
Later in the afternoon, a second panel titled Pak-U.S. Business Collaborations – A Strategic Vision, brought together leaders from Pakistan’s trade, manufacturing, and business communities. The panel include Junaid Naqi – President Korangi Association of Trade and Industries (KATI), Shehryar Taj – Secretary Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Dr. Huma Baqai – Rector, Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship. Moderated by senior broadcast journalist and IVLP alumna Nadia Naqi, the discussion focused on enhancing Pak-U.S. trade relations, addressing export challenges, and identifying opportunities in emerging sectors such as minerals, IT, and services. Panelists also emphasized the need for policy consistency, infrastructure development, and underlined the importance of deepening bilateral collaboration not only in trade but also in academics, research and development, and diaspora engagement, promoting long-term goodwill and shared prosperity between Pakistan and the United States.
The final panel, Capital Meets Creativity: The Startup Investment Equation, addressed the country’s growing startup landscape and highlighted efforts by investors, incubators, and the diaspora in supporting early-stage ventures. Notable speakers included Jehan Ara – Founder, Nest I/O & Katalyst Lab; Tariq Qazi – Executive Producer of Shark Tank Pakistan; Syed Azfar Hussain – Director, NIC Karachi; Nadia Patel Gangjee – Founder, Femprow; and Saif Ali – Founder Dastak Ventures. The panel explored Pakistan’s evolving startup landscape and the role of investors, incubators, and the diaspora in supporting early-stage ventures. Speakers emphasized the need for passion-driven entrepreneurship, institutional support, gender inclusivity, and university-led incubation to support sustainable growth in the ecosystem.
The Pak-U.S. Business and Entrepreneurship Conference marks a significant step in advancing shared economic goals and promoting people-to-people connections through enterprise, storytelling, and innovation.
