Paklaunch UNConference 2026 will bring together a diverse group of founders, investors, and industry leaders in Islamabad on April 29–30, 2026. The gathering will take place at Islamabad Serena Hotel and is positioned as a closed-door forum connecting founders, global investors, regulators, and ecosystem builders working across emerging markets. Among the speakers and participants announced are Saad Idrees, Irfan Wahab Khan, Shoaib Zahid Malik, Kassim Shroff, Huma Fakhar, and Abdul Rafay Gadit, each representing sectors including technology, fintech, agribusiness, venture capital, and digital commerce that are shaping Pakistan’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
Saad Idrees, CEO and Co-Founder of Daftarkhwan, is expected to contribute perspectives on the development of collaborative workspaces and startup communities in Pakistan. Through Daftarkhwan, Idrees has helped establish flexible work environments designed to support startups, freelancers, and growing companies by offering infrastructure that encourages collaboration and innovation. Over the past several years, the platform has expanded across multiple cities, becoming a well-known hub where founders, creatives, and technology professionals gather to exchange ideas and build companies. His work in creating shared workspaces has supported the growth of entrepreneurial communities by providing accessible environments for networking, mentorship, and early-stage company development. At UNConference 2026, he is expected to discuss the evolving nature of workspaces and how physical innovation hubs can strengthen startup ecosystems in emerging markets.
Another notable participant is Irfan Wahab Khan, Chairman of the Board at easypaisa digital bank, who brings decades of leadership experience from telecom and digital financial services. Under his strategic guidance, Easypaisa has continued expanding its role as one of Pakistan’s widely used digital financial platforms, providing millions of users with access to payments, transfers, savings products, and other financial services. The platform has played a significant role in accelerating financial inclusion by making digital banking accessible to individuals who previously relied on traditional cash-based transactions. The event will also feature Shoaib Zahid Malik, Director at Kausar and Partner at Walled City Co. L.L.C-FZ, whose work focuses on the agricultural and food export sectors. Through Kausar Basmati, Malik has contributed to strengthening Pakistan’s reputation as a global supplier of premium-quality rice and agricultural products while helping connect local agricultural production with international markets.
Several technology founders representing high-growth startups are also expected to participate in the gathering. Kassim Shroff, Co-Founder and CEO of Krave Mart (YC S22), has been building a quick-commerce platform that focuses on fast grocery and essential item delivery through technology-driven logistics systems, using dark-store networks and operational efficiency to reshape urban retail and last-mile delivery. Huma Fakhar, Founder and CEO of MAP Group, will also join discussions, bringing experience from agribusiness, commodities, and global investment initiatives while advocating for women’s economic empowerment and sustainable agriculture through projects including the AgriReWild Climate Fund. Abdul Rafay Gadit, Partner at Disrupt.com and Co-Founder of ZIGChain, is also confirmed to participate, bringing expertise from venture building, blockchain infrastructure, and Web3 innovation. The two-day conference will feature conversations around venture capital, fintech, startup infrastructure, global expansion strategies, and cross-border collaboration opportunities across emerging markets.
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