Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, delivered a keynote address and led a pivotal dialogue at the opening session of the Uraan Pakistan Creative Industry & Culture Economy Conference, held at the Marriott Hotel, Karachi. The grand event brought together leaders from the media and entertainment industry, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and cultural figures to reimagine the role of creativity and culture in Pakistan’s economic development.
Government’s Commitment to the Creative Economy
In his address as the Chief Guest, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving creative economy by celebrating Pakistan’s creative pulse. He highlighted the integral role of cultural industries in shaping a progressive national identity and outlined the strategic importance of sectors such as film & TV, fashion, music, design, and digital media in driving job creation, innovation, and global recognition of Pakistan’s rich heritage.
Fireside Panel Discussion with Industry Leaders
The opening session featured a Fireside Panel with prominent figures, including:
- Actors: Ahsan Khan, Adnan Siddiqui, Saba Hamid
- Producer: Abdullah Seja
- Musician & Singer: Azaan Sami Khan
- Fashion Designer: Rizwan Beyg
- Fashion Journalist: Maliha Rehman
- Digital Entrepreneur & Influencer: Faisal Kapadia
- Cultural & Literary Experts: Mahtab Rashdi and Dr. Arfa Zehra
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal’s Vision for Pakistan’s Creative Future
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal stated:
“The creative industry and culture economy are not just mediums of entertainment; they are strategic assets of power, identity, and economics. They shape how the world sees us and how we see ourselves. With the Pakistani drama industry as one of our most successful cultural exports, our government is fully committed to supporting the creative industry as a key sector of economic and cultural development.
Under the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ initiative, we have identified priority sectors for export growth, at the forefront of which is the creative and cultural industries, and we aim to make them one of the pillars of our economy. So let us tell stories that reflect our values, our resilience, and our potential. And let us take those stories to every screen in the world. This is not just entertainment; it is the story of Pakistan. Let’s write it together.”
Pre-Conference Engagements
Before the conference, the Federal Minister engaged in key activities, including:
- A visit to FG Public School Karachi for youth engagement.
- A Round Table Discussion with the Film & Drama Sector.
- A press talk at the Karachi Press Club.
Uraan Pakistan Conference: A Platform for Collaboration
The Uraan Pakistan Conference aims to cultivate The Power of Creative Pakistan by fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders nationwide. Panels and sessions throughout the day focused on:
- Policy frameworks for creative industries
- Creative entrepreneurship
- Digital transformation
- Public engagement with a strong emphasis on regional inclusion
Government’s Strategic Focus on Arts & Culture
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary’s presence at the conference reaffirmed the government’s recognition of arts and culture as strategic assets in national development. His leadership is driving the Made in Pakistan Vision, which places creativity at the heart of Pakistan’s socio-economic future.
Upcoming Roundtables on Creative Sectors
As part of the Uraan Pakistan initiative, a series of roundtables will be organized on various sectors of the creative industry and culture economy, including:
- Music
- Literature & Academia
- Digital Media & Influencing
- Culture & Heritage
- Design, Art & Craft
- Fashion
These discussions are part of a strategic growth plan to position Pakistan’s creative industries as key drivers of economic progress.