In an exclusive event aimed at bridging the gap between Pakistan’s most influential business minds and aspiring entrepreneurs, Iqra University hosted a Meet & Greet session with the distinguished panel of Shark Tank Pakistan. The event, organized by IU-CORE, took place at the Mini Auditorium, EDC Campus, Iqra University, marking a milestone in entrepreneurial education.
“Today’s session represents an important nexus between established business acumen and emerging talent. Our students are witnessing firsthand the transformation of Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape,” stated Umair Ahmed Khan, Manager at IU-CORE, setting the tone for the engaging session.
The event featured an impressive panel of business leaders including Faisal Aftab – Founder & CEO, Zayn VC, Aleena Nadeem – Founder & CEO, EduFi, Karim Teli – Managing Director, IGLOO, Rabeel Warraich – Founder & CEO, Sarmayacar, and Usman Malik – Producer, Shark Tank Pakistan, with Muhammad Umer Khan moderating the discussion.
The panel discussion began with views about investment criteria, addressing to which, Faisal Aftab, Founder & CEO, Zayn VC emphasized on the human element.
“The most critical factor I assess is an entrepreneur’s survival instinct. The true test comes when cash flow is tight and payroll deadlines loom. It’s about handling stress not just during abundance, but especially during scarcity,“ he opined.
Discussing government support and initiatives for the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Aleena Nadeem, Founder & CEO, EduFi, highlighted recent positive developments:
“The government has shown increasing support for the tech sector. The introduction of Special Technology Zones, offering tax exemptions for technology start-ups over a decade, demonstrates a commitment to fostering innovation,“ she shared.
Karim Teli, Managing Director, IGLOO, emphasized upon the fundamental qualities needed for success, sharing:
“Courage and confidence are non-negotiable traits for entrepreneurs. These qualities form the backbone of any successful business venture, especially in challenging market conditions.”
Rabeel Warraich conveyed a valuable piece of advice for emerging entrepreneurs, saying:
“Our start–ups must build stronger networks with more experienced players in the ecosystem. Learning from those who have already gone through similar challenges is crucial for sustainable growth.”
Speaking about the future of startups in Pakistan, Usman Malik, Producer at Shark Tank Pakistan, shared an optimistic perspective: “Pakistan has one of the largest populations globally, yet its entrepreneurial potential remains largely unexplored. I am excited to see what the future holds as more young people take the leap into start-up culture,” he expressed.
Throughout the event, the panelists also praised the entrepreneurial spirit displayed by Iqra University’s students. Usman Malik expressed his admiration, noting, “The energy and curiosity of Iqra University’s students is truly commendable. They are eager to learn and engage with challenging questions, which is an encouraging sign for the future of startups.”
Dr. Sameer Hashmat Qazi, Director ORIC, ended the session with powerful insights: “The contrast between past and present educational paradigms is stark. While our generation had limited career perspectives, today’s students are fortunate to have access to diverse entrepreneurial pathways and innovative initiatives like business incubation centres. This transformation in educational approach is preparing them for the real challenges of tomorrow’s business world.”
The event concluded with a shield distribution ceremony, marking a memorable day of knowledge exchange and inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
