WNAM REPORT: The Pathfinder Group, in collaboration with the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) and the Providentia Books Foundation, successfully hosted athought- provoking event titled “A Dialogue with Future Leaders” at AmaaniBagh.
The event brought together esteemed leaders, academics, and young minds from Generation Z to foster intergenerational dialogue and address contemporary leadership challenges.
The event was moderated by Sehrish Mustafa, Executive Officer of KCFR. Mr Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman of the Pathfinder Group and Patron-in-Chief of KCFR, delivered the welcome remarks. He underscored the significance of nurturing future leaders and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. He stressed the importance of empowering the younger generation to take on leadership roles in a rapidly evolving world.
Air Commodore ® Khalid Banuri set the tone for the dialogue with his opening remarks on the topic ” A Dialogue with Future Leaders: The Gen Z Leaders.” His presentation, rooted in his extensive expertise in policy analysis, international relations, and academia, provided a strong foundation for the discussions that followed. His insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Generation Z leaders were particularly impactful.
A recorded message from Dr Moeed Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of Beaconhouse National University and a former National Security Advisor, was also shared during the event. He emphasized the importance of leadership in shaping Pakistan’s future and also highlighted the need for visionary leaders who can navigate complex global and domestic challenges with resilience and foresight.
The event featured insightful presentations by students from Quaid-I-Azam University (QAU) and Air University (AU). The QAU team presented on “Attributes of Leadership,” exploring the essential qualities that define effective leaders. Meanwhile, the AU team delved into “Leadership Challenges and Opportunities for GenZ,” shedding light on the unique hurdles and prospects faced by the younger generation. These presentations showcased the innovative thinking and fresh perspectives of Pakistan’s future leaders.
The dialogue continued with reflections and contributions from prominent speakers, who provided valuable insights on the students’ presentations. Abdul Waris Hameed, Research Associate at the University of Lahore and Dr. Noor Amna Malik, Director General of the Higher Education Commission, shared their expertise, emphasizing the critical role of education in leadership development. Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Kausar, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Rashid Latif Khan University, highlighted the importance of ethical leadership and shared her extensive experience in academia and research, underscoring the need for integrity and vision in leadership roles.
Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, former Vice Chancellor of Sargodha University, shared his views on leadership and the importance of education in shaping future leaders. He advised Generation Z on the importance of hard work, setting goals, and staying committed to their vision. Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Chairman of the Competition Commission of Pakistan, shared his experiences and discussed the qualities that define effective leadership. His practical insights provided valuable lessons for the young audience.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Brig. Mujahid Alam (Retd.), CEO of the Providentia Books Foundation. He reflected on the importance of leadership transition and the role of education in shaping future leaders. He drew examples from great leaders of the past, including Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, to illustrate the qualities of visionary leadership. Brig. Mujahid stressed the need for vision coupled with action to drive meaningful change, inspiring attendees to take proactive steps toward building a better future.
