December 1st, 2024

P@SHA Supporting 'Reach to Teach - Ride for a Better Tomorrow'!

On December 1, 2024, Mr. Hassan Bin Rizwan, P@SHA CEC Member, graced the closing ceremony of the Cycling Event "Reach to Teach - Ride for a Better Tomorrow" at Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi.

From presenting shields to the participants to delivering an inspiring speech, he celebrated the spirit of community and commitment to a brighter future.

Moments like these remind us that every ride can spark a positive change!

December 4th - 8th, 2024

APICTA 2024

The Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2024 officially kicked off on December 4 in Brunei, with P@SHA delegates proudly representing Pakistan. The grand opening ceremony, attended by Brunei’s Minister of Transportation and Information Communications, marked the beginning of an eventful journey for our talented innovators.

Highlights:

• A magnificent opening ceremony setting the stage for excellence and collaboration.
• Active participation in the EXCO Briefing Session to strategize for the competition.
• Rigorous pitch preparation, ensuring our teams are primed for success.

A Historic Win for Pakistan!
Pakistan’s tech innovators have made history at APICTA 2024 by winning 10 prestigious awards across diverse categories!

Our Achievement by the Numbers:

• Participants: 20 exceptional teams, including startups, IT companies, and academic institutions.
• Competing Nations: Pakistan stood out among 16 countries, including Australia, China, and Malaysia.

This remarkable accomplishment underscores the brilliance, resilience, and innovation of Pakistan’s ICT sector, showcasing our talent on a global stage.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their relentless pursuit of excellence! P@SHA is proud to support and promote the visionaries who continue to elevate Pakistan's standing in the global ICT landscape.

December 28th, 2024

Exclusive Session with JJ Zhaung

On December 28th, 2024, P@SHA Vice Chairman Raheel Iqbal attended an exclusive speaker session at Systems Limited Lahore. The event featured JJ Zhuang, a renowned technology leader and AI expert, who shared his knowledge on the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.

During the session, Raheel Iqbal shared his valuable insights on how AI can be used to drive transformation and achieve success in today's fast-evolving tech world. He highlighted the importance of AI in transforming industries and creating new opportunities.

It was an inspiring event filled with ideas, learning, and discussions about the future of technology.

December 12th, 2024

P@SHA X Saleem Memorial Hospital

On December 12, 2024, a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Lahore between Dr. Asad Yaqoob, CEO of Saleem Memorial Hospital, and Mr. Abdul Wahab Ahmad, P@SHA CEC Member.

This partnership represents a shared commitment to leveraging technology to transform healthcare and deliver impactful solutions.

December 3rd, 2024

Asian Development Bank

Strategic Foresight Workshop: Envisioning Pakistan’s Digital Future

P@SHA, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), held a Strategic Foresight Workshop focusing on the transformative impact of digital technologies on Pakistan's future economy. The event was guided by a vision for a Digital Pakistan over the next decade, discussing global trends and disruptive technologies like green technologies and the metaverse. Participants, divided into groups, explored areas such as digital empowerment, economic diversification, and green technologies. They identified challenges like infrastructure gaps and proposed solutions including a comprehensive SME Digital Framework to support small and medium enterprises in integrating digital tools seamlessly. The workshop concluded with a consensus on the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies, emphasizing the need for strategic interventions to enhance economic growth, governmental efficiency, and global competitiveness in the digital age.

December 4th, 2024

Intellectual Property Organization

In a recent meeting between P@SHA and the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO), P@SHA was represented by Secretary General Nadeem Malik and Manager, Policy & Government Affairs Laraib Farhat. The focus was on the importance of intellectual property (IP) protection to attract international investment in Pakistan. Discussions highlighted the need for robust IP systems.. The meeting addressed software and content piracy issues and emphasized enhancing IP awareness, particularly in the gaming industry.

December 5th, 2024

Senate of Pakistan

P@SHA was called upon at the Senate of Pakistan to present its stance on the pressing issues faced by the IT sector. P@SHA was represented by Chairman Sajjad Syed, Secretary General Nadeem Malik, and Manager of Policy & Government Affairs, focusing on challenges related to internet stability and policy uncertainties impacting the IT sector. Discussions covered the operational delays expected in new VPN regimes, degradation of service without specific metrics due to outages, and the importance of reliable access amidst evolving policies. The Secretary of IT acknowledged the government’s support during disruptions, and the PTA Chairman advocated for VPN licensing as a solution starting January 1st, contrasting the lack of telecom sector investments and upcoming spectrum auctions. Concerns about slow internet were attributed to low spectrum and congestion, emphasizing the need for a cohesive policy framework to ensure industry integrity and address national security-related internet disruptions.

December 13th, 2024

Federal Board of Revenue

In a meeting between P@SHA and the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT), P@SHA was represented by CEC member Salman Dar, Secretary General Nadeem Malik, and Manager of Policy and Government Affairs Laraib Farhat. The discussion focused on consolidating tax notices received over the past 12 months. Key issues raised included the lack of understanding among Commissioners related to the IT sector, dovetailed with challenges posed by the stringent approach of the chief commissioner. The breakdown of income streams and the delegation of sales tax on services to provinces were also discussed, with a commitment to address these issues. Additionally, the meeting highlighted the necessity of appointing dedicated commissioners to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.

Central Executive Committee

P@SHA CEC at 80th Convocation of FAST National University!

On 5th November 2024 Mr. Abdul Wahab Ahmad, esteemed Central Executive Member of P@SHA, was invited as the Guest of Honor to the 80th Convocation of FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (NUCES), Lahore Campus. Dr. Summaira Sarfraz, Director of FAST-NUCES, Lahore, extended the invitation. During the ceremony, he had the privilege of distributing degrees to the graduating students and celebrating their academic achievements.

December 7th, 2024

P@SHA CEC at Pakistan Economic Summit 2024!

On December 7, 2024, Raheel Iqbal, P@SHA's Vice Chairman, had the honor of speaking at the Pakistan Economic Summit 2024 at the University of South Asia.

He shared valuable insights on "The Current Economic Situation of Pakistan and the Role of Institutions in Supporting Incubation Centers, AI Integration, and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development at the Public Level." Raheel was also presented with the Guest of Honor recognition.

December 17th, 2024

P@SHA CEC at Industry Meetup!

Appsgenii, Ingenious Concepts, and elevAID P@SHA hosted an industry meetup.

The event was graced by the presence of Chairman P@SHA, Mr. Sajjad Syed, along with Industry Engagement Chair Mr. Abdul Wahab Ahmad who shared valuable industry insights and updates. His words of encouragement inspired both new and seasoned members, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the P@SHA community.

This gathering served as a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and reinforcing the collective commitment to driving innovation and growth in the tech industry.

December 15th, 2024

P@SHA CEC at IT C-Level Meetup: Advancing Pakistan’s Digital Future

On December 15, 2024, Sajjad Syed - Chairman of P@SHA, Raheel Iqbal - P@SHA Vice Chairman, P@SHA's CEC Members- Abdul Wahab Ahmad - Usman Akbar, and other members attended the IT C-Level Meetup organized by Peak Solutions Technologies at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore.

During the event, Sajjad Syed took the stage to share valuable insights on the future of Pakistan's IT sector, focusing on the latest trends, challenges, and growth opportunities.

P@SHA members also spoke about the role of technology in transforming businesses and discussed how the IT sector can evolve to meet new demands.

December 17th, 2024

P@SHA & TDAP Collaboration for IT Growth!

On December 17, 2024, P@SHA's leadership, including Chairman Mr. Sajjad Syed, Vice Chairman Mr. Raheel Iqbal, Treasurer Mr. Muhammad Haris Naseer, and Industry Engagement Chair Mr. Abdul Wahab Ahmad, met with Ms. Rafia Syed, DG TDAP Punjab, at the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Lahore office.

The discussion revolved around boosting Pakistan's IT exports by leveraging international exhibitions in key markets like North America, the Middle East, and East Africa. Chairman P@SHA highlighted the potential for a focused IT exhibition strategy in Africa to unlock new opportunities.

December 21st, 2024

P@SHA CEC at Software Finder Excellence Awards

On December 21, 2024, Sajjad Syed, Chairman of P@SHA, had the honor of attending the 5th Anniversary Celebration and Software Finder Excellence Awards hosted by Software Finder in Lahore.

It was a momentous occasion, where Mr. Sajjad Syed presented prestigious awards to the outstanding contributors in the software industry.

Here's to many more years of success and innovation ahead!

December 21st, 2024

P@SHA Leads the Way in Digital Innovation at Skillsrator National Conference 2024

On December 14, 2024, Abdul Wahab Ahmad, the P@SHA Chair of Industry Engagement, graced the skillsrator National Conference 2024 in Lahore as the Guest of Honor.

In his insightful address titled ‘The Role of IT and Tech Companies in Shaping Pakistan’s Digital Future’, he shed light on the critical role technology plays in driving innovation, creating opportunities, and empowering Pakistan’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.

His expertise and forward-thinking vision inspired attendees, setting the stage for thought-provoking discussions and collaborative efforts throughout the event.

P@SHA CEC at eRozgaar Freelancing Summit 2024!

Abdul Wahab, CEC P@SHA was invited to the eRozgaar Freelancing Summit 2024 where he shared invaluable insights and inspired students and alumni with his extensive knowledge and experience in the digital and freelancing industries. This summit, organized by the Directorate of IT IUB and eRozgaar IUB, brought together over 1000 alumni freelancers and featured: 

- Thought-provoking Mentorship Talks 

-Engaging Guest Panel Discussions 

-Empowering Success Stories shared by alumni 

-A dynamic Keynote Address 

-Recognition through Shield and Certificate distributions

P@SHA & PITB Meeting on Global IT Certifications

A meeting was held between PITB and Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) to discuss rolling out CM Punjab’s Global IT Certifications initiative. 𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐁 𝐃𝐆 𝐞-𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐣𝐢𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐟 discussed the scope of the initiative with 𝐏@𝐒𝐇𝐀 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐈𝐪𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐄𝐂 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐮𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐛 𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐝 highlighting how these certifications would elevate skills and strengthen the workforce of various software houses. 𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐁 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐡𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦 was also present. Global IT Certifications is an initiative of the Government of Punjab. Executed by the Punjab IT Board, it allows citizens across Punjab, regardless of professional the background and qualification, to get certified by Tech Giants like Google, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Meta, Cisco and have their certification fee reimbursed by the Punjab government.

Skills Committee

British Council-NAVTTC Qualification Development Session

P@SHA Secretariat attended this 5 day activity, held in IMSciences University Peshawar, focused on addressing skill gaps in animation and game development identified through a gap analysis study by IPSOS. The study highlighted a lack of industry-relevant courses in this sector in the current training ecosystem. To bridge this gap, essential skills for these courses were identified, and detailed occupational profiles and competency standards were developed with input from industry experts and educators. P@SHA assisted in the development of these documents, taking the lead when groups were assigned and assisted in smooth operations of this exercise.

This collaborative effort as part of the British Council TVET Sector Support Program, aims to create Centers of Excellence in KP and Balochistan where high quality and industry led training will be provided to college female students and align education with industry demands, fostering growth in Pakistan's creative industries.

Meeting of National Committee on ICT Skills and Capacity Development with Secretary IT

The meeting was attended by P@SHA VC, Raheel Iqbal, and Skills Committee member, Dr Sonia also joined as a representative from the committee, with a focus on aligning IT training programs across the nation. The discussion revolved around key questions: What to train? How to train? How many to train? Raheel Iqbal highlighted the importance of industry development through targeted training for both the Product and Services sectors. He emphasized the critical role of P@SHA’s Skills Survey in providing data-driven demand analysis to address the questions posed by the chair. The survey serves as a foundational tool for understanding workforce requirements and aligning training initiatives with industry needs.

Meeting at PM Office on Skills and Esports Sector

P@SHA Vice Chairman Raheel Iqbal and Aleem Abbas from P@SHA Secretariat attended a meeting at the PM Office with Mr. Rana Mashood to discuss government initiatives in Skills Development and the burgeoning Esports sector. Raheel underscored P@SHA’s role as a key stakeholder in any demand-driven projects led by the government, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for impactful outcomes.

Launch of CXO Mentorship Program

P@SHA launched the CXO Mentorship Program that invites experienced industry leaders to become mentors and help shape the next generation of professionals. It gives members a chance to share their expertise, expand their network and make a lasting impact on the IT industry. This program aims to strengthen the industry through knowledge sharing, foster leadership and innovation and contribute to professional development.

Gaming & Publishing Committee

P@SHA x USAID-ERDA Capacity Building Session on Gamepreneurship

USAID and P@SHA partnered to launch the first session of an exciting capacity development series at Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology in Haripur.

Under the guidance of VC P@SHA and Games Committee Chair Raheel Iqbal, the session aimed to inspire and equip students with the skills and insights needed to explore the vibrant gaming and animation industry in Pakistan. Topics covered included launching gaming start-ups in KP, leveraging games for business, and understanding the essential skills for game development ventures. Aleem Abbas and Safa Hassany from P@SHA Secretariat, highlighted P@SHA and USAID ERDA's commitment to fostering talent and driving innovation. The interactive session featured a panel discussion led by esteemed industry experts, including Muhammad Hilal, Chairperson of IGDA Pakistan, Yasir Amir Awan, mentor and evangelist, and Omar Khokar, CEO of Maida Apps.

Bett UK 2024

We are excited to announce that P@SHA is planning a delegation to BETT UK. BETT UK is the world’s leading education technology event, bringing educators, tech innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders together to explore cutting-edge solutions in the education sector. This package offers exclusive access to BETT UK 2024 and its diverse range of activities, enabling delegates to maximize opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.

Date: 22 - 24 January 2025

Location: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock

Leap 2025

LEAP 2025 is a premier global tech event that combines cutting-edge technology showcases, B2B networking opportunities, and expert-led conferences. The event is hosted at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center in Malham and spans 17 content tracks, including AI, SportsTech, and Startup ecosystems. It is a must-attend for tech innovators, businesses, and investors.

Deadline: 12th January 2025