Adeel Malik An Economist Adeel Malik, is an economist with a focus on the political economy of development in Muslim societies, specializing in the Middle East and North Africa. His work uses empirical and historical methods to study trade reform, political dynasties, and the role of religion in economic development. A Rhodes Scholar from Oxford, his research is published in leading journals. He teaches and supervises at Oxford’s International Development Department and is affiliated with several research organizations, including the Economic Research Forum and CERP.

Alexey Kravchenko An Economic Affairs Officer Alexey Kravchenko, is an Economic Affairs Officer at Trade Policy and Facilitation Section of Trade, Investment and Innovation Division at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission of Asia and the Pacific. His focus of work revolves around applied research in trade policy and trade data analysis, as well as training of government officials in the areas of trade policy analysis and trade data analysis. Alexey holds a PhD in Economics from University of Waikato (New Zealand). Prior to joining ESCAP Alexey ran an economics consultancy in New Zealand developing and conducting non-market valuation surveys for central and regional government agencies. He also taught economics in Shanghai, China, as part of a joint program with University of Waikato and taught various economics papers during his post-graduate studies in at the Waikato University. He speaks English, Russian, Chinese and Thai (and making strides in French and Spanish).

Asad Rahim Khan Barrister and Partner at Ashtar Ali LLP Asad Rahim Khan is a barrister and partner at Ashtar Ali LLP, specializing in constitutional law and international arbitration. He teaches at LUMS and has served as amicus curiae for the Lahore High Court. Asad contributed to Pakistan’s 25th Amendment and has represented key constitutional cases. He is also a columnist for Dawn.

Farooq A. Khan Farooq A. Khan has over 28 years of leadership experience in the financial sector, currently serving as Group Head at Bank Alfalah. He specializes in managing risk assets, corporate portfolios, and investment banking mandates, with a proven track record of meeting key performance goals. He has held senior roles at UBL, MCB Bank, and Faysal Bank, and has Board-level experience in diverse industries. Mr. Farooq holds an MBA from Washington University, USA.

Farzana Noshab Senior Economics Officer Farzana Noshab is Senior Economics Officer, Pakistan Resident Mission, Asian Development Bank. She contributes to ADB operations by designing and implementing public sector management loans, conducting economic policy and project analysis. Her work involves engaging in policy dialogue with the government and various stakeholders, including development partners, focused on macroeconomic development as well as public sector management, specifically public sector enterprises, trade and competitiveness, and economic and energy corridors. Ms Farzana holds a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of Manchester.

Laila Sohail Farooq Assistant Professor, Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi Laila Sohail Farooq is an Assistant Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts. She earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Missouri, Columbia, USA, in 2018.

Nadia Seth Deputy General Manager, at SMEDA Nadia Seth, Deputy General Manager at SMEDA, Nadia Seth leads the Policy & Planning Division, championing SME growth and entrepreneurship in Pakistan for over 24 years. She has spearheaded initiatives like the Prime Minister’s Youth Business Loan Scheme and supported national goals under Vision 2025. With expertise in project design, policy reform, and international linkages, her work enhances SME access to finance and development services. Holding advanced degrees in development management and economics, Nadia is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized groups in Pakistan.

Sultan Mehmood Assistant Professor, New Economic School, Moscow Sultan Mehmood is an Assistant Professor of Economics at the New Economic School, Moscow. He is also a faculty research fellow at Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP), Pakistan Institute of Development Studies (PIDE) and Paris Research University (PSL). His research interests are in development in economics and political economy. His research seeks to understand the conditions for establishment of rule of law in societies and its consequences for institutional design and development.

Sultan Mehmood Syed Aftab Haider, with over 22 years in public service, Syed Aftab Haider is dedicated to advancing public sector reforms through digitization. A key architect of Pakistan's Customs reforms, he led the development of the WeBOC system and the Pakistan National Single Window (PSW). Currently, as CEO of the Pakistan Single Window Company, he oversees the PSW’s operations and implementation. He holds a master’s in public administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School.