The 5th Pakistan Future of Retail Summit & Expo (FOR 2025) brought together key figures from Pakistan’s retail and real estate sectors at the Movenpick Hotel in Karachi to discuss the future of commerce in a rapidly changing environment.
Held under the theme “Retail in a Changing World: Building Resilience in Pakistan’s Commerce”, the event focused on how innovation, technology, and sustainable development are transforming the retail landscape. The summit featured prominent speakers, thought leaders, and industry professionals who discussed challenges and opportunities in areas such as omnichannel retail, artificial intelligence, fintech, and consumer behaviour.
Representing the IMARAT Group were Chairman Mr. Shafiq Akbar, Group Director Mr. Sharjeel Ehmar, Leasing Director Mr. Imran Farooq Bhatti, GM of Mall Operations Mr Amir Malik, Director of Projects & Development Mr. Asim Ullah Khan, and Mr. Usama Khan.
In his keynote address, Chairman Shafiq Akbar shared IMARAT Group’s vision for the future of retail and real estate in Pakistan. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between developers, retailers, and technology platforms to create modern, customer-focused shopping environments. “Retail is evolving rapidly; the physical and digital must merge seamlessly. At IMARAT, we are not only building malls but creating integrated experiential ecosystems, with Graana.com serving as our real estate technology backbone”, he said.
Shafiq Akbar also spoke about the economic challenges affecting Pakistan’s retail sector, including inflation and supply chain disruptions, calling for stronger partnerships to accelerate growth and innovation.
IMARAT’s leadership participated actively in various sessions throughout the summit. Mr. Imran Farooq Bhatti discussed leasing strategies in a multi-channel market, while Mr. Amir Malik shared insights on mall operations in light of changing consumer preferences. Mr. Asim Ullah Khan spoke about the group’s project development initiatives aligned with emerging retail formats. Mr. Sharjeel Ehmar and Mr. Usama Khan highlighted the role of data analytics and property technology in improving tenant performance and enhancing customer engagement.
Industry experts at the event noted that Pakistan’s retail model is shifting from traditional footfall-based approaches to experience-driven formats. Technology adoption, digital payments, and logistics integration were identified as critical factors for the sector’s growth. Speakers also underlined the need for investment in digital infrastructure, sustainable design, and flexible leasing to meet the demands of modern consumers.
IMARAT’s participation at FOR 2025 reinforced its position as a leading force in retail-orientated real estate. The group continues to invest in innovative mall developments and digital platforms that connect property, technology, and retail operations. Through Graana.com, IMARAT is integrating real estate with analytics, leasing insights, and tenant engagement tools to enhance the overall retail ecosystem.
Despite economic challenges, participants at the summit expressed optimism about Pakistan’s retail potential. The discussions emphasised that the next few years will be crucial for the industry to adapt through innovation, technology, and customer experience. IMARAT’s contribution to the summit reflected its commitment to shaping the future of retail in Pakistan, building not just malls but connected spaces that define the next era of commerce.