Harvard Pakistan Conference 2026, themed “From Potential to Performance,” drew over 700 participants, including students, faculty, and diaspora from Pakistan and beyond, along with 55 speakers across 17 panels at Harvard University's David Rubenstein Treehouse.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, opened with remarks on the nation's resilience and immense potential amid challenges.
Economic Agenda: Stability and Reforms Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb detailed Pakistan's successful handling of economic crises, including COVID-19 and the US/Israel-Iran conflict. He noted Eurobond repayments, operational Gwadar port receiving trade shipments, and record March 2026 remittances reflecting trust in government policies.
Economist Atif Mian critiqued the lack of long-term growth policies to absorb shocks. Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu attributed the crisis to insufficient institutionalized policies, urging stricter decisions for long-term gains over short-term politics.
Foreign Policy: Navigating Crossroads Former National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf emphasized Pakistan’s potential and resilience, criticizing India’s hegemonic approach under PM Modi for blocking peace. He called for leveraging diplomatic successes for economic growth, praising Pakistan's independent, consistent foreign policy.
US Senator Chris Van Hollen, born in Karachi, affirmed Pakistan’s potential and affinity, criticized the US for starting the US-Iran war, and suggested Pakistan's mediation role.
Former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar highlighted Pakistan’s war-on-terror sacrifices and mediation in the US-Iran conflict, facilitating a ceasefire and negotiations.
Countering Sectarianism Prof. Hassan Abbas of US National Defense University and Boston College Law Prof. Adnan Zulfiqar stated no institutional sectarian bias exists in Pakistan. Despite regional influences, sectarian violence has declined, evidenced by a vibrant Shia community, strong ties with Sunni Arab states and Shia Iran, Hindus as Sindh’s business backbone, and beautiful churches.
Law, Power, and Democracy Panels addressed civil-military power-sharing challenges. Retired Justice Mansoor Ali Shah criticized the judicial system and regime's legitimacy, calling for constitutional restoration before reforms. He noted compromised lawyers but pinned hope on Gen Z activism.
Michael Kugelman countered that Pakistan’s strategic security needs elevate military roles, as seen in US-Iran mediation, though India holds a strategic edge with less democratic scrutiny. Moderator Zarrar Sehgal noted Pakistan’s history of activism and robust legal community.
Stories of Survival and Leadership Shahbaz Taseer, a Taliban abduction survivor, and Zafar Masud, CEO of Punjab Bank and OGDCL Chairman who survived the 2021 PIA Karachi crash, shared stories symbolizing national resilience.
Cultural and Media Spotlights Panels on culture featured singer Momina Mustehsan, designers Hassan Sheryar Yasin and Faraz Zaidi, and singer Faisal Kapadia, portraying Pakistan as a diverse talent hub.
Anchorperson Asma Shirazi discussed Pakistani journalists' vital role in upholding democracy and the constitution.
Additional panels covered healthcare, education, energy, ventures, innovation, and investment opportunities in Pakistan.
