SOT Events Launches 20th Edition, ‘Possible Worlds,' in Islamabad – Pakistan News

ISLAMABAD: SOT Events launched its 20th edition, 'Possible Worlds,' in Islamabad on October 24, bringing together leading voices from diverse fields for a day of thought-provoking conversations on the future of humanity. Themed around the idea that the future is shaped by the choices and decisions made today, Possible Worlds explored a wide range of possibilities facing individuals and societies. The Islamabad edition, the first of three events planned across Pakistan, featured eight sessions covering topics including the future of learning and work, climate resilience, online safety, artificial intelligence, beauty standards, geopolitics, conflict and the arts. Despite stormy weather, the event attracted a strong audience from Islamabad and surrounding areas, with attendees participating in discussions addressing some of the most pressing questions facing society today. SOT Events Launches 20th Edition, 'Possible Worlds,' in Islamabad One of the highlights of the event was 'Who Owns Imagination?', a unique combination of discussion and music featuring renowned musician Ali Azmat alongside voices from the music and arts community. Curated in collaboration with the Lahore Biennale Foundation, the session examined how artificial intelligence is transforming creativity, artistic expression and imagination. A live DJ performance added an experiential dimension to the discussion, bringing the questions around technology and creativity to life. Another widely attended conversation brought together aestheticians and psychologists to examine society's growing obsession with ideal appearance. The discussion explored how artificial intelligence is influencing beauty standards and the physical and psychological consequences of pursuing increasingly unrealistic ideals. A separate debate examined whether artificial intelligence is making humanity less human, weighing the technology's potential against concerns surrounding creativity, judgement and human connection. Meanwhile, journalist Syed Talat Hussain moderated a discussion with Dr Moeed Yusuf, Fahd Husain and Munizae Jahangir on shifting global power dynamics and the implications of an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape. The event also addressed issues directly affecting families and communities. The session 'Growing Up Online' examined the shared responsibility of parents, communities and institutions in protecting children from digital harm, while 'Communities on the Climate Frontline' focused on how communities most exposed to climate shocks can strengthen their resilience and prepare for an increasingly uncertain environmental future. Organised by Beaconhouse Group, SOT Events has evolved over more than 25 years into one of Pakistan's leading platforms for open and public discourse. This year, Possible Worlds is being held across three major cities. Following Islamabad, the event will move to Lahore on November 28 and 29 at Faletti's Hotel, featuring two days of conversations, debates, performances and interactive experiences. The series will conclude in Karachi on December 12 at Beach Luxury Hotel. Speaking about this year's theme, Kasim Kasuri, Chair of SOT Events and CEO Beaconhouse, said: 'SOT has always created space to question, challenge and exchange ideas openly. Taking Possible Worlds to three cities allows us to widen that exchange and bring more people into conversations that will ultimately affect us all.' United Bank Limited (UBL) is the Lead Sponsor of SOT Events 2026, supporting the event series across Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.