Applied Economics Research Centre-AERC

The Applied Economics Research Center hosted a special lecture on Cross-Border Trade and Facilitation, organized and hosted by Dr. Zia Abbas, Research Economist at AERC.

We were honored to have Mr. Rizwan Samad, Deputy Manager – Change Management at Pakistan Single Window, as our guest speaker. Mr. Rizwan is an expert in Learning & Development, digitalization, change management, capacity-building, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory frameworks for trade.

During the session, he shared practical insights on modernizing trade processes and building digital adoption across government, trade bodies, and the private sector. His experience in translating complex policies into actionable guidance gave participants a clear roadmap for leveraging the Pakistan Single Window system.

Mr. Samad encouraged greater participation from women and youth, stressing that the future of trade and digital transformation depends on inclusive voices and new leaders.

🌍 A Proud Moment for Applied Economics Research Centre 🎓
The Applied Economics Research Centre is honored to share a remarkable achievement by our Research Economist, Dr. Faisal Sultan Qadri.

Dr. Qadri has been selected as a member of the International Program Committee of Future-BME 2026 - the International Conference on Business, Management, and Economics Engineering, hosted by the University of Novi Sad Faculty of Technical Sciences.

This prestigious, Scopus-indexed conference convenes leading scholars from across the globe, including the USA, Canada, Austria, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Slovenia. His selection reflects both his individual excellence and the growing global contribution of researchers from the Global South.

✨ A Meaningful Contribution Beyond Recognition

We are especially proud that Dr. Qadri successfully advocated for exclusive participation discounts for researchers from the Global South across all categories. This initiative is a significant step toward making international academic platforms more accessible and inclusive.

🌐 What This Means for Researchers

Scholars from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and across Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific can now:

• Present their research at a leading international conference
• Gain valuable global academic exposure
• Connect with world-class researchers
• Strengthen their international academic profiles

👏 We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Qadri on this outstanding achievement and his commitment to advancing
inclusive academic excellence.

Beyond the presentation…

These moments reflect dialogue, exchange, and shared curiosity at the University of Oxford .

At the Applied Economics Research Centre, we deeply value such engagements as part of our contribution to global knowledge and evidence-based discourse.

We appreciate Dr. Faisal Sultan Qadri’s active engagement with international scholars-where research is not just presented, but challenged, refined, and expanded.

Because meaningful impact begins where conversations deepen.



State Bank of Pakistan Asian Development Bank Higher Education Commission, Pakistan United Bank Limited Narowal Ministry of Climate Change, Govt of Pakistan Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan

It is both a pleasure and a great honor for the Applied Economics Research Centre to share that Dr. Faisal Sultan Qadri is actively participating in an international dialogue addressing some of the most pressing global challenges of our time at the University of Oxford .

This engagement reflects our commitment to contributing to meaningful, evidence-based discussions on critical economic and societal issues, while fostering global collaboration and knowledge exchange.

We take immense pride in seeing our researchers represent the Center on such a prestigious platform, engaging with leading experts and thought leaders from around the world.

Wishing Dr. Faisal Sultan Qadri continued success in contributing to impactful global conversations.

The panel discussion titled “Evolving Geopolitical Fault Lines and Their Implications for Pakistan’s Development and Security”, held at the Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC), University of Karachi, brought together distinguished experts to reflect on global power shifts, governance challenges, and Pakistan’s strategic economic future.

The session was chaired by Dr. Faisal Sultan Qadri, whose leadership and academic guidance ensured a highly productive dialogue on critical geopolitical and economic issues. His role in moderating and structuring the discussion helped bridge perspectives on governance reform, economic modernization, and strategic policy direction for Pakistan.

The panel featured eminent participants including:
• Rear Admiral (R) F**d Amin
• Air Vice Marshal (R) Abid Rao
• Commodore Vaqar Muhammad
• Brigadier (R) Tariq Khalil

The discussion emphasized the importance of balanced foreign policy, strong governance frameworks, economic modernization, and strategic engagement in a rapidly evolving global order. Participants highlighted how Pakistan must strengthen institutional capacity, leverage its natural and maritime resources, and pursue sustainable economic development while navigating geopolitical competition.

Such platforms play a crucial role in fostering policy dialogue, strategic thinking, and collaboration between academia, policymakers, and defense experts to address Pakistan’s long-term development and security challenges.

Congratulations to all participants for contributing to this meaningful and timely conversation.

The first day of the AERC International Conference titled Sustainable & Resilient Pakistan in a Changing Global Order, brought together leading policymakers, academics, and experts to discuss Pakistan’s path toward sustainability and resilience.

In the inaugural session:
Prof. Dr. Khalid Mehmood Iraqi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi, emphasized that sustainability and resilience are national imperatives. He highlighted the Five Ps (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership) and emphasized political stability, research-driven localization of the SDGs, climate-adaptive infrastructure, and the promotion of a green economy.
Mr. Muhammad Ismail Rahoo, Sindh Minister for Universities & Boards, stated that universities must act as engines of resilience, not bystanders.

He underscored the need for problem-driven research in water security and renewable energy, curriculum modernization, and stronger academia-industry linkages.

Mr. Muhammad Abbas Baloch, Secretary, Universities and Boards, highlighted governance reforms, data transparency, and regulatory improvements as foundations of a resilient higher education system. He called on universities to serve as the state's knowledge partners.

Earlier, Prof. Dr. Nooreen Mujahid, Director of AERC, welcomed the participants and outlined the conference's key themes: climate justice, debt sustainability, digital futures, and social protection.

The Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC), University of Karachi, successfully hosted a remarkable Two-Day International Conference on “Sustainable & Resilient Pakistan in a Changing Global Order.” The conference provided a dynamic platform for dialogue on economic transformation, governance, geopolitics, and sustainable development, bringing together policymakers, academicians, defense experts, business leaders, and students from across Pakistan.

The event was honored by the gracious presence of Mr. Muhammad Ismail Rahu, Honorable Minister for Universities & Boards, Government of Sindh (Chief Guest), and Mr. Najam Ahmed Shah, Chairman, Planning & Development Board, Government of Sindh (Special Guest). Distinguished participation also included Mr. Noor Ahmed Samoo, Director General TM&R Wing, Government of Sindh; Mr. Muhammad Abbas Baloch, Secretary Universities & Boards, Government of Sindh; and Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President FPCCI Karachi.

Over two impactful days, technical sessions and high-level panel discussions featured participation from representatives of the Federal & Sindh Governments, ex-officers from Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force, IMF representatives, ABAD leadership, and renowned strategic and economic experts. The enthusiastic engagement of students and young scholars added vibrant energy and optimism to the proceedings.

The depth of discussion, diversity of participation, and collaborative spirit marked this conference as a significant academic and policy milestone, reaffirming AERC’s commitment to research-driven dialogue and a progressive, resilient Pakistan. ✨
Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan Sindh Education Foundation, Government of Sindh National Bank of Pakistan Pakistan Bureau of Statistics University of Karachi Times - KU Times" United Bank Limited Narowal IMF Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific World Bank PakistanADB Southeast Asia Development Solutions - SEADS

AERC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2026 – REGISTRATION OPEN NOW! 🚨

The Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC), University of Karachi invites students, researchers, professionals, policymakers, journalists, and knowledge enthusiasts to be part of one of the most dynamic academic and policy events of the year!

🎟 REGISTRATION IS FREE

📜 BUT MANDATORY for Participation & Certificate
⏳ Limited Seats – First Come, First Served!
👉 Fill this Google Form to Register Now:
(Link in the first comment)

🗓 Conference Dates: 11 & 12 February 2026
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

This conference brings together national experts, industry leaders, defense analysts, economists, environmental specialists, and policymakers for powerful discussions on Pakistan’s economy, security, climate, industry, and global affairs.

🌟 WHY YOU SHOULD REGISTER

✔ Access to Exclusive High-Level Panel Discussions
✔ Learn from Top National Experts & Thought Leaders
✔ Official Participation Certificate
✔ Networking with Academia, Industry & Media
✔ Exposure to Real-World Policy & Development Dialogues
Whether you are a student, academic, professional, entrepreneur, or policy enthusiast, this conference offers a unique platform to learn, connect, and contribute to meaningful national conversations.

📢 Registration is FREE but COMPULSORY for entry and certification.
Secure your spot today be part of the dialogue shaping Pakistan’s future!

Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC)
University of Karachi

Pakistan Bureau of Statistics Sindh Education Foundation, Government of Sindh University of Karachi Times - KU Times" United Bank Limited Narowal National Bank of Pakistan Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan

The Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC), University of Karachi successfully hosted a truly engaging and enlightening book discussion event featuring Brigadier (R) Tariq Khalil, the author of Blood and Toil.
The session began with a brief yet insightful overview by the author, setting the stage for a long, lively, and highly engaging question-and-answer session that captivated the audience.
The event was graciously hosted and expertly moderated by Dr. Faisal Sultan Qadri, who guided the discussion with clarity and depth. Mr. Syed Manzar Naqvi, Mr. Mubashir Mir, Lt. Col. Mukhtiar Ahmed Butt, TI (M) (R), and Prof. Dr. Nooreen Mujahid shared their thoughtful views on the book’s contents as well as reflections on the author’s life and experiences, enriching the dialogue further.
The session was concluded by Dr. Faisal Sultan Qadri on the following prayer, bringing a meaningful close to an intellectually stimulating and memorable event.
خدا کرے کہ میری ارض پاک پر اترے
وہ فصل گل جسے اندیشہ زوال نہ ہو

Pakistan Bureau of StatisticsSindh Education Foundation, Government of SindhUniversity of Karachi Times - KU Times" Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan National Bank of Pakistan United Bank Limited Narowal