Najam Sethi sets the tone for ThinkFest 2026 on opening day in Lahore

LAHORE (Dunya News) – ThinkFest 2026 formally commenced today at the Alhamra Arts Council in Lahore, with chairman Najam Sethi delivering the opening address and welcoming audiences to what he described as a major international gathering of ideas, dialogue, and debate.

Addressing attendees in a packed hall, Sethi greeted participants and guests at the outset of the three-day festival, calling it a grand edition of ThinkFest marked by the presence of creative and influential voices from across the world.

Sethi emphasised that ThinkFest had grown into a significant public forum because of sustained institutional support and partnerships. He stated that sponsorship played a decisive role in making the event possible, noting that without the backing of its supporters, the festival could not have taken place. During his address, he acknowledged a broad range of corporate institutions, banks, foundations, and diplomatic missions that contributed to ThinkFest 2026.

Habib Bank Limited was highlighted as a prominent sponsor, with Sethi recalling the institution’s earlier role in supporting major national initiatives. He referred to Habib Bank’s decision to sponsor the Pakistan Super League a decade ago, describing it as a moment when the bank showed confidence in an idea that later became a national success. He thanked Habib Bank Chairman Sultan Ali Allana and his team for stepping forward once again to support ThinkFest, expressing hope that the collaboration would continue in the years ahead.

The National Bank of Pakistan was also recognised during the address, with Sethi thanking its president, Rehmatul Hasnain, for his generosity and long-standing support. He noted that the bank had remained a supporter of ThinkFest for the past two to three years, contributing consistently to the festival’s continuity.

Sethi paid special tribute to the Bank of Punjab, referring to its leadership and sustained involvement in public and intellectual initiatives. He thanked Zafar Masud for his creativity and readiness to support events such as ThinkFest, while also acknowledging Atif Bajwa for his past association. Recalling their interactions during the early discussions around the Pakistan Super League, Sethi reflected on the scepticism that surrounded the project at the time and the subsequent success it achieved.

Further acknowledgements included Shehryar Tishti, whom Sethi described as a close friend, colleague, and supporter of ThinkFest. He expressed appreciation for Tishti’s continued backing and personal association with the festival.

Diplomatic missions and international partners were prominently acknowledged as well. Sethi thanked representatives from the Canadian High Commission, including the deputy high commissioner, and highlighted ThinkFest’s long-standing association with the European Union Delegation. He recognised Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis of the EU, noting the depth of cooperation between the festival and European institutions over the years.

The Embassy of the Netherlands was also acknowledged, with Sethi recognising Ambassador Robert Jan Seegers. He extended thanks to the Embassy of France, naming Ambassador Nicolas Galey, and mentioned the Alliance Française as a long-standing partner in cultural and intellectual exchange. The Embassy of Germany was recognised as well, with reference to Anne-Marie Schimmel Haus in Lahore and Ambassador Ina Lepel, who was expected to join the festival on the following day.

Sethi also acknowledged Indus Enclave, noting its role in hosting festival-related events and supporting the programme lineup. He stressed the importance of recognising all sponsors, including those who often work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth organisation of the event.

Among the additional sponsors named were Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, with Sethi acknowledging Chairman Ismail Qureshi. He also recognised OGDCL, IGI Insurance, Interloop, Pakistan State Oil, Service Industries, Nestlé Pakistan, The Dawood Foundation, and the Islamic Bank. Sethi thanked the leadership of these organisations for their continued willingness to support intellectual and cultural initiatives, describing their backing as essential to sustaining platforms such as ThinkFest.

Following the acknowledgements, Sethi turned to the introduction of the opening day’s keynote speaker, Professor Vali Nasr of Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, DC. He outlined Nasr’s academic credentials, noting that he holds the Majid Khadduri Professorship of International Affairs and Middle East Studies. Sethi also recalled Nasr’s tenure as the eighth dean of SAIS between 2012 and 2019.

Sethi highlighted Nasr’s experience in public policy, stating that he served as senior adviser to the US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, from 2009 to 2011. He recalled Holbrooke’s engagement with Pakistan during that period and described him as a longstanding friend of the country.

Describing Nasr as a prolific author, Sethi said it was difficult to list all his publications, estimating that he had written more than a dozen books. He noted that Nasr has advised senior American policymakers, world leaders, businesses, and political campaigns, and has written extensively for leading international publications, including The New York Times, Foreign Affairs, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post.

Sethi drew attention to Nasr’s latest book, Iran’s Grand Strategy, describing it as particularly timely given global interest in Iran’s political trajectory and its implications for regional and international affairs. He told the audience that the book was available at the venue and invited attendees to engage with its themes.

Concluding his address, Sethi formally invited Professor Nasr to deliver the keynote speech, marking the opening of ThinkFest 2026 and setting the stage for three days of discussions, debates, and cultural exchanges at Lahore’s Alhamra Arts Council.