LUMS Economics Delegation Wins Top Honours at the 20th SAESM in Kathmandu, Nepal

A team of undergraduate students from the Chaudhry Nazar Muhammad (CNM) Department of Economics at LUMS represented the University at the 20th South Asian Economics Students’ Meet (SAESM) 2025, hosted by the Nepal Economic Association in collaboration with the Central Department of Economics at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, with support from the World Bank. At the conference, the LUMS delegation shared the top title, securing an exceptional result for Pakistan.

This year’s theme, “Assessing Risks and Vulnerabilities in South Asia and the Path to Economic Resilience,” brought together undergraduate economics students from across the region. SAESM is an annual regional gathering, and LUMS has proudly participated since the conference’s inception in 2004.

This year’s LUMS delegation comprised Muhammad Hasaan Haroon, Hiba Sajjad, Maria Khalid, Simran, Zainab Asad, Zulekha Shoib, Amen, and Muhammad Shahwali Najmi, accompanied by Dr. Ali Hasanain (Associate Professor and Country Coordinator for Pakistan for SAESM) and Dr. Fahd Ali (Assistant Professor) from the CNM Department of Economics. Also representing Pakistan were Aliza Waseem, who won the policy discussion round, and Mobeen Mukhtar, accompanied by Dr. Zunia Saif Tirmazee (Assistant Professor) from the Lahore School of Economics.

Several members of the LUMS team distinguished themselves in the paper presentation competition, achieving multiple wins across categories. Simran presented “Covariate and Idiosyncratic Shocks: Implications for Poverty and Welfare,” Maria Khalid presented “Economic Shocks, Trade Disruption, and Investment Risks,” Muhammad Hasaan Haroon presented “Energy Transition for Green and Resilient Economies,” and Hiba Sajjad presented “Urbanization and Infrastructure Resilience.” All other Pakistani participants emerged as strong runner-ups across the remaining paper presentation themes.

The students also took part in the Budding Economist Quiz, the South Asian Economics Quiz Contest, policy dialogues, country presentations, and workshops conducted by senior economists and policy specialists. All four LUMS students competing in the flagship Budding Economist Quiz advanced to the top 10, with Zulekha Shoib securing a position in the top 5.

H.E. Abrar H. Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, warmly received the triumphant team from LUMS and congratulated them on their outstanding performance at this prestigious regional forum.

The CNM Department of Economics congratulates the delegation on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to continued LUMS participation in SAESM in future years.