05/05/2026
The Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management and Media Sciences at Sukkur IBA University arranged a Symposium on Resilient Agriculture Value Chains in Times of Geopolitical Uncertainty: From Globalization to Localized Agribusiness in Pakistan on Tuesday, May 05, 2026 in hybrid mode (online and on-campus).
The symposium commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Altaf Hussain Samo, Dean, and Faculty of Management & Media Sciences, who set the stage for a timely and policy-relevant discourse.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Asad Ali Qazi, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management, Sukkur IBA University on “From Engineering Resilience to Social-Ecological Resilience: Rethinking Agricultural Supply Chains in Pakistan.” His talk emphasized the need to transition from purely technical resilience frameworks toward integrated social-ecological systems that strengthen agricultural sustainability in the face of uncertainty.
This was followed by a panel discussion on “Resilient Agriculture Value Chains in Times of Geopolitical Uncertainty: From Globalization to Localized Agribusiness in Pakistan,” moderated by Mr. Touseef Hussain Ghumro, Program Coordinator, BBA-Agribusiness Program, Sukkur IBA University.
The panel of Experts included:
1. Mr. Ikramullah Qadri, Executive Vice President & Divisional Head Agri. Business, National Bank of Pakistan
2. Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Nangraj, Former Director Agriculture Extensions, Government of Sindh, and Renowned Columnist
3. Prof. Dr. Althaf Hussain Samo, Dean, Faculty of Management & Media Sciecnes, Sukkur IBA University
4. Mr. Malik Shafiq Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer, Shoaib Seed Corporation
The panel brought together perspectives from policy, finance, industry, and academia, concluding that while global geopolitical disruptions pose significant challenges, they also offer an opportunity to restructure Pakistan’s agricultural value chains. The discussion emphasized the importance of building resilient, technology-driven, and locally anchored agribusiness systems to ensure long-term stability and growth.
The panelists collectively presented a set of forward-looking recommendations to strengthen Pakistan’s agribusiness sector. Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Nangraj underscored the importance of promoting commercial agriculture supported by a robust national policy framework focused on technological advancement. Mr. Ikramullah Qadri recommended the introduction of innovative financing models based on agricultural yield, along with increased investment in critical infrastructure, including storage facilities, solarization, and the development of agricultural value chains. Prof. Dr. Altaf Hussain Samo emphasized the adoption of precision farming techniques, the integration of digital platforms in agriculture, and the need to address information asymmetry within the sector. Mr. Malik Shafique Ahmed highlighted the necessity of governance and policy reforms, coupled with the education and capacity building of farmers to enhance overall sectoral efficiency.
Furthermore, the session concluded on an optimistic note, reaffirming that with coordinated stakeholder efforts, Pakistan can transform existing vulnerabilities into strengths and move toward a more self-reliant and sustainable agricultural future.
