ESG in Pakistan

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Today, more than ever, investors are interested not just in financials, but also in how a company is impacting their communities and the environment. According to research conducted by the CFA institute, 76% of institutional investors and 69% of retail investors have an interest in ESG investing. Hence, global efforts have been ramped up in recent years to ensure consistent and comparable access to investors for such parameters. Pakistan has also jumped on the bandwagon and various entities have started vocalizing the need for ESG integration in financial practices in the country. 
As a champion of ethics and responsible financial practices, CFA Society Pakistan has taken several initiatives in this regard.

AI and Energy Transition for Sustainable Investing:

The seminar on ‘AI and Energy Transition for Sustainable Investing’ was successfully held on 3 January 2025 at 4:30 pm in Karachi, organized in collaboration with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

The event brought together industry experts to discuss the vital role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in accelerating the energy transition and fostering sustainable investing. Panelists shared insights into the growing intersection of technology, energy, and investment strategies aimed at creating a more sustainable future.

The esteemed panelists included:

  • Mr. Farrukh Sabzwari, CEO of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), who spoke about the role of stock exchanges in facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy through innovation and responsible investment practices.
  • Ms. Mubashira Bukhari Khwaja, CFA, Investment Director at abrdn, UK, who provided a global perspective on how AI is reshaping investment models, focusing on its impact on energy markets and the shift toward sustainable energy sources.
  • Mr. Kamran Kamal, CEO of The Hub Power Company Limited, who shared practical insights on how AI is being utilized in the energy sector to optimize resource management, improve operational efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.

The seminar explored how AI-driven technologies are transforming investment strategies, enabling companies to make more data-driven, sustainable decisions, particularly in energy and resource management. It also highlighted the importance of aligning financial goals with environmental and social considerations.

A special thank you to our distinguished speakers and PSX for their invaluable collaboration in making this event a success. We also appreciate the participation of our members, who actively engaged in the discussions. Members were requested to check their emails for registration details and event updates.

Integrating ESG in Investing: Emerging Markets Perspective

This insightful panel discussion on ‘Integrating ESG in Investing: Emerging Markets Perspective’ took place in Karachi on Tuesday, 25 July 2023, and provided a deep dive into the growing significance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in investment strategies.

Mr. Ali Farid Khwaja, Chairman of KTrade Securities, expertly moderated the session, guiding the panelists through an engaging discussion on how ESG principles are shaping the investment landscape, particularly in emerging markets.

The esteemed panelists included:

  • Mubashira Bukhari Khwaja, CFA, Investment Director at abrdn, UK, who shared her expertise on the evolving ESG frameworks and their implementation in global markets.
  • Mohammad Shoaib, CFA, Director of CFA Society Pakistan & CEO of Al Meezan Investment Management Limited, provided insights into the regional challenges and opportunities of integrating ESG in the Pakistani market.
  • Assad Hameed Khan, CEO / Head of ACCA Pakistan, who discussed the growing role of corporate governance and transparency in the financial sector.

The panel offered invaluable perspectives on how the investment community in emerging markets is adapting to ESG trends, and the need for private sector leaders to align their strategies with sustainable, long-term goals.

The session was well-attended by industry professionals and provided a platform for stimulating conversations on the future of responsible investing.

ESG Task Force

CFA Society Pakistan is part of a joint task force set up by Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Limited. Representatives of the Society who have participated in the taskforce sessions so far include Mr. Mohammad Shoaib, CFA, Director, CFA Society Pakistan, and Ms. Sarwat Ahson, Executive Director, CFA Society Pakistan.

The sessions were led by Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Chairperson, Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Limited. Representatives of Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance (PICG), ACCA, ICAP and KPMG also participated in these sessions. 

Events

Consultative Workshop on ESG Framework in Pakistan

23 January 2023

This workshop was jointly hosted by Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and UN Women.

Mr. Mohammad Shoaib, CFA, Director, CFA Society Pakistan & CEO, Al Meezan Investment Management Limited, moderated the panel discussion on 'Seeking Sector Specific ESG Commitments from Private Sector Leaders (Futuristic Approach)' as part of the workshop.

Other attendees from CFA Society Pakistan included Ms. Rukhsana Narejo, CFA, Director, CFA Society Pakistan & Head of Treasury Division & Financial Institutions, Sindh Bank Limited, Ms. Sarwat Ahson, Executive Director, CFA Society Pakistan, Mr. Mubashir Zuberi, CFA, Senior Analyst, Tundra Fonder AB, and Ms. Sana Tauseef, DBA, CFA, Associate Professor & Chairperson - Finance, IBA Karachi.

ESG Integration into Investing

13 December 2021

Pakistan Stock Exchange, Karachi

CFA Society Pakistan organized a speaker session on 'ESG Integration into Investing' at the Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited.

Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Chairperson, Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Limited graced the event as the Chief Guest, and Ms. Mubashira Bukhari Khwaja, CFA, Investment Director, abrdn, was the speaker for the session. The session highlighted ESG related initiatives, the efforts towards ESG integration into the business, how ESG can be integrated as part of the investment process, ESG criteria and how applying best practices can enhance long term risk adjusted returns. Ms. Mubashira shared her practical insights and experience as a global emerging markets fund manager, investing in line with ESG principles.
Attendees of the event included members of CFA Society Pakistan, employees of PSX, and senior industry professionals.

ESG: Business Integration, Public Trust and Brand Asset

2 December 2021

British Deputy High Commission, Karachi

CFA Society Pakistan participated as a supporting partner at this event organized by ACCA Pakistan and SEED Ventures, in collaboration with InfraZamin Pakistan.

Based on the theme, the hybrid event captured diverse insights from seasoned business leaders who stressed on the importance of ESG awareness, its mainstreaming, and leveraging it to enhance public trust.