Lahore School of Economics

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Managing Business in Pakistan
May 06, 2026

The Lahore School of Economics hosted its Eighth Annual Business Research Conference on “Managing Business in Pakistan: Resilience and Transformation” on 6th and 7th May 2026 at the Amjad Chaudhry Library, Main Campus. The two-day conference brought together academics, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Pakistan, with a particular focus on sustainability, digital transformation, finance, organizational change, and innovation.

The conference commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the opening address by Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry, Rector of the Lahore School of Economics. Dr. Chaudhry highlighted the importance of resilience and transformation in Pakistan’s business environment amid global uncertainty, technological disruption, climate concerns, and changing economic realities. He emphasized the role of academic research in informing policy and guiding businesses toward sustainable and inclusive growth.

The first session on Day One focused on Sustainability and Green Finance and was chaired by Sohail Zafar, Dean, Faculty of Business at the Lahore School of Economics. Researchers explored themes related to sustainability reporting, Islamic finance, corruption, and green economic transformation. Dr. Arshad Hasan from the Lahore School of Economics examined the relationship between sustainability reporting, managerial ownership, and investor confidence. He highlighted how sustainability reporting affects investor confidence in Pakistan’s emerging market. Then, Dr. Farhan Ahmed from NED University discussed institutional and regulatory readiness for a Riba-free Pakistan by 2027. Dr. Jamshed Uppal from the Catholic University of America examined the economic impact of corruption on growth and investment, highlighting how different forms of corruption affect business sustainability and economic performance in Pakistan. Presenters emphasized the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, institutional preparedness, and financial innovation to support sustainable development goals.

The second session on Day One addressed FinTech and ESG Reporting and was chaired by Professor Nayyar Zaidi from the Lahore School of Economics. The session explored the transformative role of financial technology in Pakistan’s economy. Dr. Syed Taqi Zaidi from the University of Leicester discussed the role of FinTech in promoting financial inclusion. He analysed how neo-banks and challenger banks promote financial inclusion in Pakistan under structural banking constraints. Dr. Usama Arshad from FAST-NUCES Islamabad examined blockchain technologies and digital resilience in Pakistan’s financial sector. The discussions highlighted the increasing significance of technological innovation, transparency, and governance in shaping the future of finance and business management.

Day Two of the conference began with a session on Managing Talent and Organizational Change, chaired by Professor Shehla Arifeen from the Lahore School of Economics. The session examined organizational learning, workplace wellbeing, green human resource management, and sustainability challenges. Dr. Sohail Mahmood Khan from Ulster University explored the role of Critical Realism in relationship marketing within Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector. The study highlighted how trust, reciprocity, and contextual factors shape long-term buyer-seller relationships and business decision-making in complex environments. Dr. Sophia Ali from the Lahore School of Economics explored responsible AI adoption in human resource management and the role of organizational learning in adapting to technological change. Participants emphasized the growing need for organizations to adopt people-centered and environmentally responsible management practices.

The final session of the conference focused on Branding and Digital Transformation and was chaired by Fareed A. Fareedy from the Lahore School of Economics. The session explored emerging trends in digital branding, consumer behavior, regulation, and smart business management. Dr. Khalid Mirza discussed the importance of regulation and competition enforcement in economic development. Other papers addressed strategic frameworks for smart green business management in the electricity sector, the effects of CSR advertising in Pakistan’s FMCG industry, and digital customer loyalty from a behavioral perspective. The discussions reflected the increasing importance of digital transformation and innovation in shaping contemporary business strategy.

The conference concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry, who thanked the participants, faculty, researchers, students, and organizers for contributing to the success of the conference. He noted that the conference successfully provided a platform for meaningful academic dialogue on the future of business in Pakistan and highlighted the importance of resilience, sustainability, and technological adaptation in navigating emerging economic and organizational challenges.

On X: Day 1, Day 2

In Business Recorder, Pakistan Today

Labels: Business, Lahore School, Managing Business in Pakistan, Research