FAST Cables hosts carbon-neutral dialogue

KARACHI: FAST Cables convened the ‘FAST Forward Sustainable Development Forum’ at the University of Central Punjab (UCP) on Friday, initiating dialogue on achieving a carbon-negative and sustainable industrial future for Pakistan. The event, which brought together academics, industry leaders, and public and private sector representatives, focused on the critical role of industries in adopting sustainable practices.

Pro-Rector of UCP Hammad Naveed opened the forum, emphasising academia’s role in fostering industry-led carbon-neutral initiatives within Pakistan. Chief Commercial Officer of FAST Cables Sheikh Usman delivered the keynote address, reiterating the company’s commitment to sustainable innovation and highlighting the urgency of collective action given the country’s climate vulnerability.

Panellists, including Nazifa Ishfaq of WWF; Noureen Arif from the Punjab energy department; Raffay Bin Rauf of Sapphire; and Dr Yaqoob from COMSATS University, shared insights on driving sustainability across various sectors. Usman called for unified efforts to bridge gaps and implement solutions for a greener future, announcing upcoming forums in Karachi and Islamabad.

One of the event’s outcomes was the agreement to launch the FAST Excellence Award and the FAST Sustainability Award for UCP students. The Excellence Award will recognise academic achievement, while the Sustainability Award will support final-year projects focused on innovative sustainable solutions.