LAHORE: The Executive Development Institute (EDI) of the National School of Public Policy (NSPP), Lahore, successfully conducted the fifth course of its three-day Directors’ Training Program (DTP) for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) from August 19 to 21, 2026. The training initiative was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and focused on enhancing corporate governance, leadership and institutional performance within SOEs. A total of 21 participants from across Pakistan attended the program, representing federal and provincial governments as well as the private sector. Participants included officials and executives from the Ministry of Industries and Production, SECP, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, Pakistan Airports Authority, NESPAK, PASSCO, Northern Power Generation Company Limited, WAPDA, Water and Sanitation Services Company Haripur, Punjab Mineral Company, Punjab Police, Universal Service Fund, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center, and Lahore Development Authority. Rector NSPP Mr. Farhan Aziz Khawaja welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of strengthening corporate governance through quality professional training. He said the program aimed to establish a new benchmark in governance training with the support of SECP. He also emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability and responsible leadership in public-sector organizations. Dr. Naveed Elahi, Dean EDI, provided an overview of the training program and explained its focus on improving SOE governance and performance through effective leadership. He said the course addressed contemporary governance requirements, including directors’ legal responsibilities, board effectiveness, risk management and ethical decision-making. He encouraged participants to actively engage in case studies, simulations, discussions and networking opportunities throughout the training. The program featured a distinguished panel of guest speakers, including Mr. Abdul Rehman Warraich former SECP Commissioner; Dr. Ishrat Hussain, former Advisor to the Prime Minister; Mr. Kashif Ahmad Noor Military Accountant General; Mr. Farhan Aziz Khawaja, Rector NSPP/DG CSA; Dr. Irum Saba Director, IBA Karachi; Mr. Muhammad Anwar Sheikh retired Federal Additional Secretary, Finance Division; Mr. Mairaj A. Ariff, former Director General, NIPA Quetta; Dr. Kashif Zafar Dean-SST, UMT Lahore; Mr. Imtiaz Mahmood Company Secretary, SNGPL; Mr. Tariq Bajwa former Governor State Bank of Pakistan and Ex-SAPM on Finance; and Mr. Salman Amin Member, Competition Commission of Pakistan. The three-day course covered a wide range of topics, including principles of corporate governance, SOE reforms and legal frameworks, government stewardship, directors’ selection and performance evaluation, external and internal audits, audit committees, organizational culture, Islamic finance, financial risk governance, public service obligations, competitive neutrality, business planning, cybersecurity, digitization, reporting and disclosure, board composition and structure, as well as board simulations and case studies. During the closing session, Rector NSPP thanked the participants for their active participation and valuable contributions. He also appreciated the efforts of the Dean EDI and his team in successfully organizing the program. Participants showed keen interest throughout the course and actively participated in question-and-answer sessions. At the conclusion of the training, Rector NSPP, along with the Dean EDI, distributed certificates among the participants, formally marking the successful completion of the fifth Directors’ Training Program for State-Owned Enterprises.
