ICAP hosts most awaited CFO Conference 2023.

The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) successfully organized the highly anticipated CFO Conference 2023 on a theme of Resilient CFO – Balancing the Agenda for Tomorrow at a local hotel Karachi.

Mr. M. Ali Latif, President ICAP in his address highlighted the crucial role that Chief Financial Officers play in guiding organizations through challenging times while effectively managing their long-term strategic priorities. He said that this conference underscores the significance of possessing essential qualities such as visionary thinking, agility, innovation, and digital expertise in order to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Moreover, this year’s CFO Conference holds special significance as it coincides with the prestigious Professional Excellence Awards (PEA) ceremony, honouring exceptional ICAP members in the business and industry for their outstanding contributions, exemplary performance & leadership, and remarkable value addition within their respective organizations.

Mr. Amir Paracha, Chairman and CEO of Unilever Pakistan delivered a keynote speech on Leadership through Empathy and Excellence. He emphasized the significance of empathy in fostering a performance-driven culture and achieving collective goals as a team, regardless of generational differences. He strongly emphasized the paramount importance of emotional banking, whereby achieving success not only elevates the individuals directly involved but also benefits the collective as a whole. He shared insights regarding two distinct approaches: the shotgun and rifle approach. The shotgun approach involves targeting a broad audience, while the rifle approach emphasizes a more focused and targeted strategy. He further provided detailed elaboration on the three fundamental belief systems (psychological safety, radical transparency and idea atrocity). These belief systems were identified as critical elements for fostering stronger relationships among staff members and nurturing an environment conducive to collaboration and growth.

The conference’s inaugural panel discussion on “Skill-sets for Tomorrow” featured esteemed industry leaders including Mr. Rayomond Kotwal, CFO, Habib Bank Limited., Mr. Amin Rajput, Group Managing Director & CFO, SSGCL, Ms. Naila Kassim, Group Director HR, House of Habib and Mr. Muhammad Rizwan Dalia, Chief People Officer, K-Electric. The panelists placed a strong emphasis on the paramount importance of operational efficiency, delving further into exploring alternative methodologies for effectively representing data. They highlighted the essential role of CAs in contributing their expertise to the public sector and comprehend the importance of continuous up-skilling to stay abreast of evolving industry demands. They further stressed that CFOs must stay updated with current trends, embrace technology, and build collaborative relationships.

During the 80/20 Dialogue session, experts delved into the intricacies of finding a delicate balance between optimization efforts and crucial business priorities. The panelists for the session included Ms. Farheen Salman, President of BSAPN Lipton Teas & Infusions, Syed Amir Ali, President & CEO of Bankislami, and Mr. Muhammad Humair, Head of Special Projects at Dawood Hercules Group. They shed light on the Pareto Principle, which unveils the concept that a minority of causes can have a substantial impact on outcomes, with roughly 80% of consequences originating from a mere 20% of the factors. The panelists shared profound insights and their extensive expertise, underlining the critical importance of striking a balance between resources and organizational imperatives.

Mr. Yousuf Bashir Qureshi, a renowned motivational speaker delivered an awe-inspiring talk in the dynamic segment known as “Power Tonic.” He shared invaluable wisdom and perspective, empowering individuals to unlock their true potential and overcome challenges they may encounter along their journey.

Mr. Samiullah Siddiqui, Chairman, PAIB Committee and Council Member, ICAP highlighted the conference’s objectives, vision, and ICAP’s significant contributions to Pakistan’s finance sector. He emphasized its relevance to professionals in business and finance.

Mr. Ali Tabba, CEO of Lucky Cement Limited, delivered a keynote address on Harnessing Leadership in Radical Times. He emphasized that embracing challenges enables us to tap into our strengths, uncover hidden capabilities, and build resilience. He emphasized the significance of venturing beyond our comfort zones, embracing calculated risks, and drawing lessons from our experiences, as these actions unlock our genuine potential.

In the insightful discussion on Opportunities Beyond Uncertainties, Mr. Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder & CEO, Nutshell Group and Mr. Usama Rashid, CEO, V2F Solutions, illuminated the art of seizing opportunities amidst unpredictable circumstances. They stressed the pressing need for a comprehensive overhaul of our current political system to reinvigorate our nation. Looking ahead, it is imperative for every sector of society to diligently fulfill their responsibilities and leverage the potential of critical factors to drive progress.

The engaging Fireside Chat, titled “The Call of Duty,” delved into the multi-faceted challenges that businesses encounter in the face of fluctuating energy and oil prices, rising competition from smaller economies, the advent of online banking, knowledge brain drain, and technology risks. The esteemed panelists who contributed their expertise to the discussion were Mr. Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, Minister of State & Former President ICAP; Amjad Waheed, CEO, NBP Funds; Dr. Kaiser Bengali, Economist and Prof. Dr. Huma Baqai, Rector, Millennium Institute of Technology & Entrepreneurship. The panelists shared their valuable insights and perspectives on how businesses can navigate these challenges and seize opportunities amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape.

To recognize the outstanding contributions and remarkable achievements of ICAP members, the Professional Excellence Awards (PEA) ceremony was organized. During the ceremony, ICAP members were honored in various categories for their noteworthy accomplishments in their respective organizations. Mr. Shahid Mahmood Khan, Managing Director, Pak-Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO), and Kamran Azim, CEO of Taleem Finance Company Limited were honored with the prestigious Business Leader Award. Syed Majid Ali, CFO, Faysal Bank Limited., and Mr. Touseef Alam Khan, CFO, National Logistics Cell were awarded the Finance Leader Award. Mr. Muhammad Faisal, President Automotive & COO, Lucky Motor Corporation Limited and Mr. Muhammad Shahzad Yousuf, Chief Business Operations Officer, PTCL were the recipients of the Business Enabler Award. Mr. Jatin Kumar, CFO, Trans Karachi, and Mr. Yasir Ahmad Hashmi, Chief Internal Auditor & Head of Audit, FINCA Microfinance Bank Limited., were awarded the Emerging Leader Award. Lastly, Mr. Muhammad Saeed Butt, Head of Financial Control, Eskan Bank BSC(C), and Mr. Asher Noor, CIO and Group CFO, Al-Touq Group were honored with the Overseas Member Award.

Mr. Arslan Khalid, Vice President, ICAP delivered the closing remarks, offering a reflective summary of the conference proceedings and emphasizing the key takeaways and insights shared during the event. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the participants, speakers, and organizers for their invaluable contributions, which undeniably played a significant role in the success of the conference.

All in all, the CFO conference speakers debated the idea of staying resilience from different tangents in the lights of current economic turmoil and political uncertainty.

ABOUT ICAP: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) is a professional body of Chartered Accountants in Pakistan, and symbolizes finance professionals engaged in public practice, business and industry. The Institute of Chartered Accountant of Pakistan (ICAP) was established on 01 July 1961 with the prime objective of regulating the profession of accounting in Pakistan. ICAP offers great services to the nation by fostering and nurturing the young talent for leadership through its robust education and examination system throughout the years producing high caliber professionals. ICAP envisions preparing dynamic and state-of-the-art ‘Business Leaders’ for the 21st Century, capable of addressing the challenges being faced by the Corporate Sector of Pakistan and globally.

11th Edition of Karachi Literature Festival (KLF 2020) themed as “Across Continents: How the Word Travels” inaugurated by Shafqat Mahmood.

“This is a very exhilarating experience for me. I have never seen so many literary icons in one place and it is a real honour to be able to meet them and discuss issues of common interest. The very richness of this occasion fascinates me and creates in me the wish that instead of being a former bureaucrat and now a minister, I should also have followed the profession of art and literature and expressed my thoughts and feelings in a free-flowing manner.”

“As you would be aware, the subject of education is a major priority for the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan and he has given me special instructions to make education viable and progressive if Pakistan is to move ahead on the path of national development. It is events like the Karachi Literature Festival that greatly enable our government to further the cause of education because these events promote the habit of reading and healthy discourse between individuals of all ages.”

This was stated by Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, who was the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the 11^th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) on 28^th February 2020 at the Beach Luxury Hotel. The Karachi Literature Festival is a three-day event being held on 28, 29 February and March 1.

After the inauguration, on 28 February, the following two days of the Festival will comprise full days of discussions, talks, readings, author signings, art-exhibition, performances, talks and discussions, etc. A food court and book fair have also been set up at the Festival.

The theme of the Festival this year is ‘Across Continents: How the Word Travels.’ As every year for the past ten years, the purpose of KLF is to bring together international and Pakistani writers to promote reading and showcase writing at its best.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. Arshad Saeed Hussain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press Pakistan, said, “the institution I head is, by its nature, deeply involved in the process of educating Pakistan. I would suggest to you that an event like the eleventh KLF we are inaugurating today, is part and parcel of that process. By bringing together scholars, intellectuals, artists, writers, and policy makers to engage in discussion over many issues, we are creating living examples of Critical Thinking to place before you. By testing and sharpening new and maybe challenging ideas, we are encouraging innovative thinking and promoting Thought Leadership. In this festive spirit, we continue to encourage the habit of reading among young and old alike.”

Mr. Arshad Saeed Hussain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press Pakistan delivering welcome speech.

He further added, “KLF brings us together to express ourselves creatively and to engage with the fast changing political situations that surround us, through literature, music, poetry, songs, visual performing arts and other genres. KLF is a platform for people to speak in an open and free forum in celebration of the human spirit in all its forms.”

The Guest of Honour, His Excellency Dr Christian Turner CMG, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, spoke on the occasion of his very interesting experience of being in Pakistan and his deep fascination with the country’s cultural identity.

Remarks were also made on the occasion by Jason Green, Public Affairs Officer US Consulate, and Ms. Anna Ruffino Consul General of Italy in Karachi, while keynote speeches were delivered by Mr. William Dalrymple author and historian and Ms. Zaheda Hina Urdu short story writer and playwright.

Several book awards instituted by KLF were also announced on the occasion. These comprised:

KLF-Infaq Foundation Urdu Literature Prize: The books shortlisted for this prize were Chaar Darweshaur Aik Kachwa by Syed Kashif Raza, Ae Falak-e-Na Insaf by Hasan Manzar and Sindhi Adab: Aik Mukhtasir Tareekh by Attiya Dawood. The winner was Ae Falak-e-Na Insaf by Hasan Manzar. The jury comprised Mr. Asghar Nadeem Syed, Dr. Nasir Abbas Nayyar, and Mr. Hameed Shahid.

KLF-Getz Pharma Fiction Prize: The shortlisted books were Call Me Al by Sheheryar Sheikh, The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali by Uzma Aslam Khan, Red Birds by Mohammed Hanif and The Selected Works of Abdullah the Cossack by H M Naqvi. Red Birds by Mohammed Hanif won the Prize. The jury of the prize comprised Mr Ghazi Salahuddin, Ms. Hoori Noorani and Dr. Nadya Chishty-Mujahid.

KLF-Habib Metro Non-Fiction Prize: The books short-listed comprised Interpretation of Jihad in South Asia by Tariq Rahman, The Parliament of Pakistan by Mehboob Hussain, and From Kargil to the Coup by Nasim Zehra. Interpretation of Jihad in South Asia by Tariq Rahman was declared the winning entry. The jury of the Prize comprised Dr. Syed Jaffar Ahmed, Mr. Zafar Hilaly and Mr. Muhammad Ali Siddiqi.

The Awards function was followed by a Kathak performance by Zahshanné Malik titled ‘A Tribute to Perveen Shakir’.

The first day of the KLF featured a session ‘The Story of Qawwali’ based on a talk by Ally Adnan which was interspersed with performances by Ghayoor-Moiz-Mustafa Qawwal, Farid Ayaz and Abu Mohammad.

A discussion was held on ‘Education in Pakistan: A Roller Coaster Ride’ and featured Shafqat Mahmood, Asad Ali Shah, Amjad Waheed and Shahid Siddiqui as speakers. Baela Raza Jamil moderated the discussion.

A discussion titled ‘Challenges to International Diplomacy Today’ was also held on the opening day of KLF. The panelists included Christian Turner, Shahid Amin and Tariq Waseem Ghazi and Shaheen Salahuddin was the Moderator.

A session titled ‘Women of Substance’ was also organized centering around the lives of Fatima Jinnah, Benazir Bhutto and Asma Jehangir. Participants in the discussion were Victoria Schofield, Sheema Kirmani and Karamat Ali.  The moderator was Fouzia Saeed.

‘The Atlantic Muse by the Arabian Sea: Poetry in English’ featured poetry recitations by emerging as well as established poets like Adrian Husain, Arfa Ezazi, Farida Faizullah, Fatima Ijaz, Harris Khalique, Ilona Yusuf, Maya Nadeem, Peerzada Salman, Sadaf Halai and Tehmina Ahmed.

ABOUT Oxford University Press: Oxford University Press (OUP) is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. OUP Pakistan is committed to promoting the reading culture and to improving the intellectual content of life in Pakistan. It has an extensive school and college textbook publishing programme which addresses the need for books that are both of high quality and specific to the environment. It has gained a reputation for publishing well-researched academic and general books which are considered to be authoritative and definitive works on Pakistan

ABOUT Karachi Literature Festival: Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) seeks to create an intellectual space in which the diversity and pluralism in Pakistan’s society and that expressed by authors from literary and cultural traditions beyond Pakistan’s borders can be freely accessible to people in an open and participatory manner.

Mr. Arshad Saeed Hussain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press Pakistan delivering welcome speech at the inauguration of 11th KLF 2020.