Islamabad, 4 November 2026: MS Business Analytics students from SZABIST University Islamabad participated in Day 3 of the 29th Sustainable Development Conference, organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), under the theme “Rethinking Development in an Age of Disruption.”

The conference featured several insightful sessions addressing Pakistan’s economic, financial, and development challenges, including:

• Session B-9: Political Economy of Real Estate Policy and Taxation in Pakistan.

• Session B-11: Digital Lending in Priority Sector Financing: Expanding Access, Strengthening Inclusion and Unlocking Productive Growth in Pakistan.

• Plenary 4.2: Transforming Pakistan’s Agriculture and Food Systems in an Age of Disruption: AI for Regenerative and Climate-Smart Farming.

SZABIST students attended Session B-11, which explored how digital lending can expand access to financial services, strengthen financial inclusion, and support productive economic growth in Pakistan.

The session featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Hassan Mohsin from the Ministry of Finance; Mr. Nofel Daud from The Bank of Punjab; Mr. Ammar Habib Khan from the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited; Ms. Azka Munir from the Punjab Skills Development Fund; Mr. Taimoor Ali from Karandaaz Pakistan; Mr. Sajjad Ali from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP); and Dr. Waqas Javed from The Bank of Punjab.

Key discussions highlighted the importance of expanding access to digital financial services, strengthening financing opportunities for SMEs and priority sectors, and promoting financial inclusion through innovation.

The conference provided students with valuable learning opportunities by connecting their academic knowledge of business analytics with real-world financial and economic challenges. It also offered insights into the role of digital innovation in supporting inclusive and sustainable economic development.