ANNUAL
Symposium
2026
Achievements
Build to Purpose
Dr. Khalid Ahmad Khan
Topic of Talk: Complicated or Complex? Why Misreading the Problem Derails Change
Synopsis: This session uses the Cynefin Framework to explore why some challenges require expert analysis and planning, while others demand experimentation and adaptive approaches. Participants will learn how to distinguish between different types of problems and identify key warning signs of a Type III error solving the wrong problem. The session also provides a practical diagnostic checklist that participants can apply in real-world situations.
Introduction: Dr. Khalid Ahmad Khan is Pakistan’s first PMP and President of the PMI Lahore Pakistan Chapter, which he helped establish. With over 25 years of experience in policy and project management, he introduced Earned Value Management in Punjab’s public sector and served as the first D.G of the Monitoring & Evaluation Directorate. He is a Professor of Project Management at Riphah International University and has extensive international consulting experience in development. In 2023, he received PMI’s Leadership Impact Award.
Mustafa Raza
Topic of Talk: Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity Governance
Synopsis: AI is reshaping cybersecurity, from threat detection and response to governance. This session explores how organizations can balance AI-driven automation with risk management and human oversight, establish effective governance and ethical frameworks, address compliance and data-sovereignty challenges, and strategically deploy AI while maintaining accountability, particularly across GCC sectors.
Introduction: Mustafa Raza brings 20 years of experience across cybersecurity, OT/IoT, and critical infrastructure, with leadership and advisory experience spanning defence, nuclear energy, banking, telecom, government, and international organizations. His professional experience includes work associated with the US Department of Defense, World Bank, EY, ENEC UAE, Pakistan’s defence sector, and major regional financial and telecom institutions. He holds PMI-RMP, CISM, and CISA certifications and a Master’s in Security & Networks.
Omar Mushtaq
Topic of Talk: AKCS-P's Experience in Managing Complex Heritage Sites
Synopsis: Omar will share practical insights from heritage projects involving Lahore Fort, Wazir Khan Mosque, and monuments in Gilgit-Baltistan. The session will explore managing complex and evolving requirements, balancing authenticity with development objectives, navigating stakeholder and community expectations, applying adaptive planning and risk-based decision-making, and managing multidisciplinary teams and regulatory complexities. Participants will also explore how heritage projects can create sustainable, long-term value beyond traditional measures of project success.
Introduction: Omar Mushtaq has over 10 years of experience in architecture and conservation, working at the intersection of heritage preservation and modern development. Through his experience with AKCS-P, he has contributed to conservation initiatives involving Lahore's historic fabric and complex heritage environments. His work focuses on connecting cultural heritage, architecture, and sustainable development — preserving the past while creating meaningful value for the future.
Omer Iqbal
Topic of Talk: Capital Efficiency at Scale: How Strategic Portfolios Deliver National Infrastructure Ambition
Synopsis: Omer will share lessons from leading a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure investment programme, including how to optimise portfolios when demand exceeds funding and how difficult trade-offs, including what to defer, can be made deliberately and transparently at executive level. Participants will gain practical frameworks for strategic portfolio management as an executive discipline.
Introduction: Omer Iqbal is a strategic portfolio leader with nearly 20 years of experience delivering major infrastructure investments across Pakistan, the Gulf, and Australia. He currently leads a multi-billion-dollar capital investment programme at a mega infrastructure utility. His career spans oil and gas in the UAE, Royal Australian Navy sustainment, and multi-billion-dollar rail and road portfolios for Transport for New South Wales. A civil engineering graduate of UET Lahore, he holds an Executive MBA from AGSM UNSW, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is a certified PMP. He has served as President of PMI's Sydney Chapter and lectured at the University of Sydney and UNSW.
Abida Javed
Topic of Talk: Communication as a Driver of Public-Sector Project Success
Synopsis: Project success is more than delivering scope, systems, and timelines — it is about ensuring that people understand, adopt, and benefit from the outcome. Drawing on practical experience from PITB and flagship initiatives such as e-Pay Punjab and Dastak, this session explores how effective communication can align stakeholders, support change and citizen adoption, build meaningful feedback loops, and connect project outputs with outcomes and public value. The session introduces a shift from "Build → Launch → Communicate" to "Listen → Align → Build → Communicate → Adopt → Improve."
Introduction: Abida Javed is Senior Program Manager, Communication & Coordination Wing at the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). With over 18 years of experience across government, telecom, and international retail sectors in Pakistan and the UK, she brings extensive expertise in technology-enabled public-sector delivery, stakeholder engagement, program governance, communication, and digital transformation.
Dr. Kamil Hassan
Topic of Talk: Decoding PMBOK® 8 & the Future of Project Management
Synopsis: Project management is evolving, and PMBOK® 8 reflects this shift toward strategic value, adaptability, governance, AI, sustainability, empowered teams, and modern ways of working. This session will explore what is changing, why it matters, and how project professionals can adapt to emerging expectations and remain future-ready.
Introduction: Dr. Kamil Hassan brings over 25 years of project management experience, including major technology and telecom initiatives with organizations such as Siemens, ICI, and Warid. He is an Electrical Engineer from UET Lahore, holds an MBA from LUMS, and a DBA in Project & Program Management from SKEMA Business School, France. He is PMP, PMI-RMP, PMI-ACP, and DASM certified and serves as an Authorized PMI Trainer.
Atif Irfan Shaikh
Topic of Talk: The Confidence Framework
Synopsis: Confidence is not simply a personality trait, it can be developed and strengthened through a practical framework. This keynote explores authentic confidence, how it differs from overconfidence, and how it influences the way professionals respond to challenges, communicate, and lead. Drawing on real-world experience, the session offers practical insights for building genuine, grounded confidence in professional and project management environments.
Introduction: Atif Irfan Shaikh is a Civil Engineer and C-Suite Professional with 30+ years of experience in leadership, management, and operations across leading national and multinational organizations. His extensive project portfolio includes major initiatives with PepsiCo, KIA Motors, British American Tobacco, K-4, USAID, and other industrial, infrastructure, and development projects. A two-time Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), Atif has held various leadership roles focused on strengthening leadership and communication capabilities. He is passionate about sharing his experience and helping professionals build the confidence, leadership, and communication skills needed to create meaningful impact
