KARACHI: Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, hosted its inaugural market-focused client event, Visa Connect Karachi, last week. The event, attended by over 200 participants, including senior members of the State Bank of Pakistan and top figures from the financial industry, was the first of its kind in the North Africa, Levant, and Pakistan (NALP) region.
The event featured a series of insightful sessions by regional experts covering key trends in digital payments, new business growth opportunities, AI-enabled digital experiences, and innovative product solutions. A high-level panel discussion, which included senior government and banking officials, focused on the importance of effective public-private sector partnerships.
Umar Khan, Visa’s Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan, highlighted that Pakistan is on an accelerated journey towards digitization. He emphasized that Visa Connect reflects Visa’s commitment to driving innovation and assisting clients in navigating the evolving digital landscape. "The event served as a valuable platform for networking, sharing knowledge, and leveraging Visa's global insights to meet local needs," said Khan.
Mr. Saleem Ullah, Deputy Governor (Finance, Inclusion & Innovation) of the State Bank of Pakistan, commended the event for fostering meaningful dialogue between key stakeholders in Pakistan’s financial sector. He stressed the importance of collaboration for driving innovation and creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem that benefits all parties involved.
Visa Connect Karachi marks a pivotal moment in Visa’s efforts to shape the future of commerce in Pakistan, positioning the country as a leader in the digital payments space.
