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P@SHA PULSE Vol 21. August 2024 Edition
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Dear Members,
We are excited to bring you the latest updates from the ever-evolving world of Pakistan’s tech sector. This past month has been particularly eventful, marked by several milestones that highlight the tremendous growth and global potential of our IT industry.
A significant development is the successful completion of P@SHA Elections 2024, through which a new Central Executive Committee (CEC) was formed. We are proud to welcome the new leadership team that is committed to driving P@SHA’s mission forward. The newly elected CEC will continue to represent and champion the interests of Pakistan's tech industry, advocating for policy improvements, fostering international collaborations, and promoting innovation across the board.
The HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2024 was another major achievement this year. With over 1,200 applications from across the country and a record number of winners, the event celebrated the best in Pakistani tech innovation. We congratulate all the winners and extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors for their unwavering support in making this event a remarkable success.
On the international front, P@SHA’s participation in Oslo Innovation Week 2024 allowed us to showcase Pakistan's tech talent on a global stage. It provided valuable opportunities to foster collaborations and highlight Pakistan’s capabilities in innovation, further positioning our industry as a competitive global player.
Domestically, we continue to work closely with key stakeholders to improve the business environment for IT companies. Our follow-up meetings with PTA on the National Firewall issue and discussions during the Policy Roundtable at the HBL P@SHA ICT Awards underscore our commitment to addressing critical challenges and improving Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
Looking ahead, we are eagerly preparing for GITEX Dubai 2024, and we invite you to stay connected for more exciting opportunities and updates as we continue to advocate for the growth of Pakistan's IT industry.
Regards,
P@SHA CEC
By the Members, For the Members
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September 7, 2024
P@SHA at Saylani Alumni Meetup
P@SHA was a proud supporting partner for the Saylani Alumni Meetup held at the historic Mohatta Palace on 7th September 2024. The event showcased the Saylani Mass IT Training (SMIT) Program, a key initiative by Saylani Welfare International Trust, which aims to train 10 million software developers across Pakistan. P@SHA had a booth at the meetup, attracting a large number of IT professionals eager to learn more about the association. Mr. Muhammad Zohaib Khan of P@SHA, also attended the event and actively engaged with the participants.
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September 10, 2024
P@SHA Participation in UN Women Conference
On 10th September, Nadeem A. Malik, SG P@SHA, participated as a panelist at the UN Women Conference 'Shaping Tomorrow: Private Sector Engagement for Financing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE).' He discussed strategies to address the gender digital divide in Pakistan, highlighting key initiatives taken by P@SHA to empower women through technology.
The distinguished panel also featured:
Ms. Musarat Jabeen – SECP: Enhancing financial access for women entrepreneurs
Ms. Rabia Khattak – Jazz: Bridging the digital divide through technology and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Ms. Shumaila Rifaqat – Karandaaz: Expanding financial inclusion for SMEs and individuals
The event explored how digital innovation and financial inclusion can create new opportunities for women and girls, emphasizing the vital role of the private sector.
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September 23, 2024
HBL P@SHA ICT AWARDS 2024
P@SHA proudly hosted the 20th edition of the HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2024 in Islamabad, marking a milestone celebration of Pakistan's brightest tech minds. The event honored outstanding innovation and excellence while providing insights into the future of technology.
This year's awards saw a record-breaking 1,200+ applications evaluated by a panel of 120 distinguished judges. Over 300 applications were submitted from Islamabad, 450+ from Karachi, and 50 from Lahore.
With 33 Gold Awards and 47 Merit Awards presented, the night was a true testament to the creativity driving Pakistan's tech future.
None of this would have been possible without our sponsors: HBL as the Title Sponsor, Systems Ltd as our Technology Partner, M&P as the Bronze Sponsor, and Viper as the Policy Roundtable Sponsor. A heartfelt thanks to all participants and sponsors for making this milestone event a resounding success!
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September 23-27, 2024
P@SHA Delegation to Oslo Innovation Week 2024
P@SHA successfully led a delegation to Oslo Innovation Week 2024 from September 23rd to 27th, showcasing Pakistan's tech potential on an international stage. The delegation participated in a series of insightful engagements with global innovation leaders, fostering valuable connections. Highlights included meetings with SMB Norge, representing 5,500 Norwegian SMEs, and Innovation Norway, where Mr. Ole Henæs, Head of Asia, welcomed the delegation. They also engaged with Mr. Tharald Nustad, Head of Katapult, and attended an exclusive business lunch at the Embassy Residence with distinguished figures such as Robert Schur, Director of the British-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, and Ms. Astrid Rønning Skaugseth, CEO of SHE Conference.
P@SHA hosted its signature event, P@SHA Tech Connect, in collaboration with SMB Norge, IKT-Norge, and the Embassy of Pakistan in Norway, bringing together global leaders and innovators for an evening of collaboration and inspiration. Esteemed speakers included Saadia Altaf Qazi, Ambassador of Pakistan to Oslo; Usman A. Mushtaq, Deputy Minister for Health, Norway; Henrik Renner Fredriksen, SMB Norge; Mikal Kvamsdal, Abelia; Kristin Anderssen, Make a Wish Norge; Vibeke Gwendoline Fængsrud, House of Math; and Raja Khuram Iqbal, Legevakt.
This event marked a unique opportunity to shape the future of technology through collaboration and innovation!
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September 25, 2024
ASEAN Delegation at P@SHA Office
On September 25th, 2024, P@SHA hosted a high-level delegation of diplomats representing ASEAN countries, aiming to foster stronger connections between Pakistan’s IT sector and the broader ASEAN region. Our Secretary General, Nadeem A. Malik, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining P@SHA's key initiatives and strategic vision. He emphasized P@SHA’s commitment to driving Pakistan’s IT exports to USD 25 billion, highlighting our efforts in advocating for policy reforms, promoting industry growth, and enabling innovation across the tech ecosystem. The presentation reinforced P@SHA’s mission to position Pakistan as a leading hub for technology services on the global stage.
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September 5, 2024
FOLLOW-UP MEETING WITH PTA ON NATIONAL FIREWALL ISSUE
P@SHA held a follow-up meeting with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on the National Firewall issue. P@SHA was represented by Secretary General Nadeem Malik, CEC member Dr. Shoab, and Manager of Policy & Government Affairs, Laraib Farhat. The discussion focused on the challenges faced by the IT industry due to internet disruptions and explored solutions to minimize future service degradation. P@SHA emphasized the critical need for uninterrupted internet access for IT companies and acknowledged PTA's efforts in streamlining VPN registration for software houses. While recognizing improvements in internet speeds and reliability, P@SHA stressed the importance of maintaining open communication between PTA and the industry to address connectivity issues. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to work together to promote a supportive environment for the growth and development of Pakistan's IT sector.
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September 23, 2024
Enabling Pakistan’s Digital Public Infrastructure Through The Private Sector - Policy Roundtable at HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2024
On 23rd September 2024, P@SHA’s Policy team organized a policy roundtable titled "Enabling Pakistan’s Digital Public Infrastructure Through The Private Sector" in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The event was held on the sidelines of the HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2024 and was based on ADB's "Country Digital Ecosystem Diagnostic Report for Pakistan." Key stakeholders, including representatives from the World Bank, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), the State Bank of Pakistan, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and Jazz, participated in the roundtable.
Participants were divided into two groups focusing on the report’s thematic recommendations: Digital Economy and Digital Infrastructure. Discussions centered on strategies to enhance Pakistan’s digital public infrastructure and foster collaboration between the private and public sectors. A policy paper will be developed, consolidating stakeholder input to outline actionable steps for advancing digital transformation.
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MEETING OF HONORABLE MINISTER FOR COMMERCE WITH SECTORAL COUNCILS
September 26, 2024On October 26, the Agro products wing of the Ministry of Commerce convened a meeting of the IT and e-commerce sectors. The Minister for Commerce, Dr. Jam Kamal presided over the meeting while Minister for IT & telecommunications, Shaza Fatima also attended the meeting. A comprehensive presentation on “The Growth of the IT Sector in Pakistan: Challenges & the way Forward” was given by Kashif Hussain, Research Lead from the Policy team. A Q & A session followed the presentation. While ensuring P@SHA their support for international branding and upskilling of university students, the Minister for Commerce directed IT and e-commerce sectors to form a joint working group.
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Central Executive Committee
CEC at 24 Fintech Event
Shahzad Shahid took the stage at the 24 Fintech event in Riyadh, offering key insights on the "Payments Evolution: The Power of Digital Wallets and Open Banking" panel. The session explored how digital wallets and open banking are revolutionizing payments, driving innovation, and shaping the future of financial services.
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September 5, 2024
CEC at 24 Fintech Event
P@SHA CEC member Mohsin Ali proudly representing Pakistan's tech talent at the 24 Fintech event in Riyadh.
From showcasing innovative solutions at the booth to networking with global industry leaders, we're excited to see Pakistan's fintech potential shine on the world stage!
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September 7, 2024
Chairman at Agile Conference
Mr. Muhammad Zohaib Khan, Chairman (P@SHA, took the stage as a keynote speaker at Agile Pakistan 2024 (ACP24 - KLI). As an official Outreach Partner for the event, P@SHA proudly contributed to its success. Mr. Zohaib Khan also had the honor of presenting a commemorative shield during the event.
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Skills Committee
Building a Future-Ready Workforce - Skills Roundtable at HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2024
On 23rd September, 2024 P@SHA’s Skills team arranged a Roundtable “Building a Future-Ready Workforce” in collaboration with GIZ. The roundtable was arranged on the sidelines of HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2024. Key stakeholders including Beaconhouse Newlands, GIKI, NUST, MCS and key industry representatives.
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P@SHA Participated in a Workshop conducted by British Council on IT Skills Requirement
P@SHA participated in the EmpowerTech: Skills for Employability workshop, conducted by the British Council at NIC. The workshop focused on group discussions aimed at identifying the most in-demand skills both domestically and internationally. It explored exportable skills for outsourcing companies and key IT-specific skills needed to drive economic growth over the next five years. A significant part of the workshop addressed empowering women and the most vulnerable segments of society. Representing P@SHA, Aleem Abbas, Manager of Skills Development and Training, actively contributed to the discussions.
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| September 2, 2024 |
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| Educating Sindh with Global Cetifications |
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Socio Engineering Technologies Pakistan has signed an MOU with the Sindh Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority,. Together, we are launching the “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Skill Support Program”, aimed at empowering students with essential skills for the future.
This initiative marks a significant step towards transforming education and providing quality certification opportunities for youth across Pakistan. Stay tuned for more updates!
Team includes:
Dr. Sonia Saleem, CEO-Founder
Alia Naseer, Education Consultant and Manager
View Website
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| September 19, 2024 |
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| Microsoft Press Release | KAISPE’s Vendor Portal Now Available on Microsoft AppSource |
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KAISPE, a Microsoft Gold Partner and Independent Software Vendor, has announced the release of its Vendor Portal on Microsoft AppSource. The portal streamlines enterprise resource management by integrating purchasing processes into a user-friendly interface, enhancing communication, and optimizing asset management. It features real-time tracking, AI-driven decision-making, and easy integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and other ERP solutions. Giovanni Mezgec, Vice President, Modern Work + Business Applications Field & Partner Marketing, Microsoft Corp. said, “We welcome Vendor Portal to AppSource, where global customers can find thousands of line-of-business partner solutions that work with the Microsoft products they already use.”
View Website
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| September 27, 2024 |
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| Digital Hyperlinks (Pvt) Ltd. Organized a Life-Saving Blood Donation Drive in Collaboration with The Indus Hospital |
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Digital Hyperlinks (Pvt) Ltd., in collaboration with The Indus Hospital, recently hosted a blood donation camp at their office, drawing an impressive turnout of employees and volunteers.
The drive ran smoothly, with medical staff from The Indus Hospital conducting thorough screenings and guiding donors throughout the process. Many employees, including first-time donors, eagerly participated, motivated by the cause and a strong sense of community.
The camp successfully collected a significant number of blood units, which will contribute to saving lives at The Indus Hospital, reflecting Digital Hyperlinks' ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives and community welfare.
View Website
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| July 9, 2024 |
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| Octans Digital wins Gold at HBL PASHA ICT Awards 2024 for its flagship trackability platform, LoopTrace, in the Industrial Category. |
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We are proud to announce that Octans Digital, a subsidiary of Interloop Holdings, has won a prestigious Gold Award at the HBL PASHA ICT Awards 2024 for its flagship Traceability platform, LoopTrace. Recognized in the Industrial Category, LoopTrace helps industries improve traceability, transparency, sustainability, and compliance with international standards. It is proving transformative in sectors like Cement, Pharmaceuticals, Tobacco, Sugar and many more, enabling businesses to track and trace material sources with precision. OD is also eager to support the Government of Pakistan in its traceability and sustainability initiatives. Thank you to HBL PASHA for this honor and recognition!
View Website
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14 - 18 October 2024
GITEX DUBAI 2024
We are thrilled to announce that P@SHA is organizing a delegation to GITEX GLOBAL. This premier event, known as the world's greatest business connector, brings together the most trusted tech leaders, global governments, innovative startups, expert investors, and corporate buyers.
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| Secretariat |
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Daftarkhwan Vanguard, 5-A Constitution Avenue, F-5/1, F-5, Islamabad
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