Lahore, A panel discussion exploring the intricate relationship individuals share with the bustling city of Karachi was recently hosted by the LUMS Alumni Karachi Chapter. Dubbed ‘Karachi – Love It or Hate It, You’ve Got to Embrace It’, the event sought to highlight the city’s cultural, educational, and business significance.
According to a news release by LUMS, held on September 23, 2023, in Lahore, the discussion saw participation from approximately 40 attendees. Prominent figures leading the conversation included Taimour Afaq, CEO of Red Bull; Sitwat Irfan, an Educationist from Karachi Grammar School; and Zia Akhtar Abbas, Vice President Inputs of The Citizens Foundation (TCF). The session was inaugurated by Irfan Khan, CEO of Cutera and President of the Karachi Alumni Chapter, with moderation handled by Tanzeela Hussain, Global Human Resources Business Partner at the British Council.
Taimour Afaq emphasized the central role Karachi has played in his personal development, noting its status as a nexus of innovation and enterprise. Sitwat Irfan spotlighted the educational prowess of the city, juxtaposing it against the challenges of its rapid urban pace. Meanwhile, Zia Akhtar Abbas focused on Karachi’s inherent capacity for transformation, underscoring the critical role of charitable endeavors in uplifting the city. The shared viewpoints highlighted Karachi’s resilience and multifaceted character.
Beyond the panel’s discourse, the floor was opened to the attendees, fostering a dynamic environment marked by an exchange of varied perspectives. Attendees took the initiative to pose questions, share anecdotes, and contribute to the overarching narrative on Karachi’s essence.
Feedback on the session was unanimously positive, with attendees commending the depth of the conversation and the chance to introspect on their bond with Karachi. In response to its success, there was a collective call for the LUMS Alumni Karachi Chapter to facilitate more such discussions, offering platforms for constructive discourse on Karachi’s myriad facets.