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P@SHA PULSE Vol 32. September 2025 Edition
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Dear Members,
September 2025 has been a remarkable month for Pakistan’s IT industry and for P@SHA as a community. Together, we celebrated excellence at the HBL P@SHA ICT Awards in Lahore, where we received the highest-ever number of applications and honored over a hundred trailblazers in technology. The event was not just an awards night, but a true reflection of the passion, talent, and innovation driving Pakistan’s digital economy forward.
At ITCN Asia in Karachi, P@SHA convened thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators through strategic roundtables on Skills, Policy, Startups, and Diversity & Inclusion. These discussions helped shape the future of our industry by addressing workforce readiness, regulatory frameworks, financial inclusion, and the global positioning of Pakistani startups.
On the international front, the Pak-Kuwait Tech Conference opened new avenues for collaboration and cross-border investment. Partnerships with PMYP for youth empowerment and CITADEL for showcasing Pakistani startups at Davos further demonstrate our commitment to creating opportunities that reach beyond borders.
We also made strides in policy advocacy and research, including roundtables on AI Governance and Fintech & RAAST, and the launch of our latest policy paper on AgriTech Frontiers in Gilgit-Baltistan. The release of the Skills Survey Report 2025 at the ICT Awards marked another milestone in aligning talent with the needs of our evolving industry.
As we gear up for GITEX Global Dubai, Oslo Innovation Week, and TechCrunch Disrupt, we encourage all members to actively participate, represent Pakistan’s innovation capacity, and build stronger global connections.
This progress has only been possible because of the collective strength of our members. P@SHA remains committed to ensuring that your voices shape the future of our industry. By the members, for the members, together, we are building an inclusive, globally competitive, and future-ready digital Pakistan.
P@SHA CEC
By the Members, For the Members
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September 19th, 2025
HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2025 – Lahore Grand Night
On 19th September 2025, Lahore hosted the HBL P@SHA ICT Awards Grand Night, celebrating Pakistan’s vibrant technology ecosystem and digital innovators. With 1,600+ applications, the highest ever in Awards history, a total of 104 companies were honored (37 Winners, 58 Runners-Up, 9 Special Appreciation Awards).
The evening featured:
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Keynotes by Chairman P@SHA, Sajjad Syed, President & CEO, HBL, Muhammad Nassir Salim, CEO, PSEB, Abu Bakar, Chief Executive, TDAP, Faiz Ahmad, and Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives.
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A recorded message from Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
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National Anthem, networking, Kahoot sessions, and a special performance by Hassaan Bin Shaheen.
On the sidelines, P@SHA hosted two high-impact roundtables:
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AI Governance Framework for Pakistan (sponsored by sAi Venture Capital)
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Future Skills for the IT Industry (sponsored by Contour Software), which also launched the Skills Survey Report 2025.
The night was a true celebration of excellence, innovation, and the future of Pakistan’s tech industry.
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September 23rd - 25th, 2025
P@SHA at ITCN Asia 2025 – Karachi
P@SHA played a leading role at ITCN Asia 2025, driving conversations on policy, skills, startups, and diversity.
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Day 1 began with an inspiring inauguration led by Shaza Khawaja (Federal Minister IT & Telecom), P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Syed, and industry leaders, followed by impactful keynotes from local and global experts.
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Day 2 featured two strategic roundtables: Future Skills for the IT Industry hosted by HBL P@SHA, and a Fintech Policy Roundtable on the role of RAAST in Pakistan’s digital economy.
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Day 3 spotlighted innovation and inclusion through the Startup Roundtable (“From Services to Startups”) and the Diversity & Inclusion Roundtable, with voices from Pakistan, Malaysia, Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
Over three days, P@SHA created powerful platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and global engagement, shaping the roadmap for Pakistan’s digital economy, future-ready workforce, and inclusive tech ecosystem.
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September 30th, 2025
Pak-Kuwait Tech Conference 2025
The Pak-Kuwait Tech Conference 2025 has officially begun, setting the stage for meaningful discussions on AI integration, digital infrastructure, and bilateral tech investment.
The opening session was joined by P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Syed, P@SHA Senior Vice Chairman Muhammad Umair Nizam, and PSEB CEO Abu Bakar, who also engaged in active networking with industry peers and stakeholders.
The P@SHA booth at the conference is serving as a hub for knowledge exchange, showcasing Pakistan’s ICT strengths and connecting with potential partners from Kuwait and beyond.
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September 15th, 2025
P@SHA and PMYP Sign Letter of Intent to Empower Pakistan’s Youth & Entrepreneurs!
On 15th September, the Pakistan IT Industry Association (P@SHA) and the Prime Minister Youth Programme (PMYP) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to foster youth empowerment, skills development, and tech entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
The collaboration will focus on policy advocacy, industry-aligned curricula, certifications, mentorship, internships, and entrepreneurial support, with a special emphasis on women-led startups.
The LoI was signed by Dr. Muhammad Ali Malik (Deputy Secretary, PMYP) and Ali Hasani (Secretary General, P@SHA), in the presence of Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan (Chairman, PMYP) and Dr. Sonia Saleem (P@SHA CEC Member & Focal Person PMYP).
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September 24th, 2025
P@SHA & CITADEL Sign MoU for Global Startup Growth!
On 24th September, P@SHA signed an MoU with CITADEL to collaborate on the CITADEL Davos Startup Challenge 2026, aimed at showcasing top Pakistani startups at the World Economic Forum Annual Summit in Davos, Switzerland.
The partnership will support global visibility, investor connections, and innovation growth for Pakistani startups.
The MoU was signed in the presence of P@SHA leadership including Chairman Sajjad Syed, and representatives from CITADEL / Pathfinder SoE led by Mr. Ikram Sehgal.
Together, P@SHA and CITADEL will create new opportunities for Pakistani startups to shine on the world stage.
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September 19th, 2025
Policy Roundtable : Building a Risk Responsive AI Governance Framework for Pakistan
On September 19, 2025, P@SHA’s policy team hosted a Policy Roundtable discussion on “Building a Risk-Responsive AI Governance Framework for Pakistan,” held on the sidelines of the HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2025 in Lahore. The session convened leading voices from the IT industry, government, legal community, and other key sectors to exchange perspectives on shaping Pakistan’s AI future. With valuable insights from P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Syed and expertly moderated by industry veteran Mr. Osman Nasir, the dialogue marked a significant step toward developing a balanced and future-ready AI governance framework for the country.
Stay tuned as we release the white paper on the subject.
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September 24th, 2025
Policy Roundtable : The Boom of Fintech and the Role of RAAST in Pakistan
On September 24, P@SHA’s Policy Team hosted a Policy Roundtable on “The Boom of Fintech and the Role of RAAST in Pakistan” at ITCN Asia in Karachi. The event brought together leading voices from the fintech industry, policy circles, and finance to explore Fintech growth and infrastructure, commercial and consumer impact, and policy enablement. Moderator Ali Janjua led the dialogue, highlighting how fintech and RAAST are essential drivers for a future where Pakistan is more inclusive, cashless, and digitally empowered.
Stay tuned as we release the white paper on the subject.
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Call to Participate in the State of the IT Industry Survey 2025
P@SHA is in the final stages of collecting responses for the State of the IT Industry Survey 2025, a landmark initiative aimed at producing Pakistan’s first-ever comprehensive report on the IT and ITeS sector. We strongly urge all member companies to take a few minutes to participate and ensure their voices are reflected in this vital industry-wide effort. The survey explores key dimensions of the sector including services and product offerings, internet and infrastructure readiness, regulatory environment, talent and workforce development, emerging trends, and a strategic PESTEL analysis. The findings of this survey will shape the direction of policy, investment, skills development, and international positioning of Pakistan’s tech ecosystem.
The survey is open to all IT & ITeS stakeholders and takes only 15–20 minutes to complete. If you haven’t already, please take this opportunity to contribute. Let’s make sure Pakistan’s tech industry is represented by data, not assumptions.
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September 10th, 2025
Meeting with the British Council
VC P@SHA Raheel Iqbal and the Skills Team had a detailed online meeting with the British Council’s TVET Sector Support Programme team on September 10, 2025, to discuss the execution of their training in Balochistan, Sindh, and Gilgit Baltistan. P@SHA is hoping to align the program execution with the industry demand to result in better employability of trainees.
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September 11th, 2025
Sub Committee meeting on National Training and Skill Development - Uraan Pakistan
VC P@SHA and skills chair Raheel Iqbal, along with the skills team, attended the subcommittee meeting to advise the way forward on the scope of the committee’s work and to guide the government departments in aligning upcoming programs such as training, Centralized exams, and other interventions.
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September 19th, 2025
Roundtable at the ICT Awards 2025
HBL P@SHA ICT Awards hosted the Skills Roundtable: Future Skills for the IT Industry, Insights & Emerging Technology Imperatives, sponsored by Contour Software.
The roundtable brought together experts from the industry, academia, government, and the development sector. Chairman P@SHA Sajjad Syed, Vice Chairman P@SHA Raheel Iqbal, Manager Skills Development Aleem Abbas, and Associate Skills Development Syeda Safa Hassany were also present to share their perspectives on the skills needed to succeed in the fast-changing IT sector.
The session also marked the launch of the Skills Survey Report 2025, providing valuable insights to guide the future of talent development in Pakistan’s tech sector!
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September 24th, 2025
Roundtable at the ITCN Asia 2025 Karachi
HBL P@SHA hosted the Skills Roundtable on “Future Skills for the IT Industry: Insights & Emerging Technology Imperatives” at ITCN Asia in Karachi. The session was led by P@SHA Vice Chairman Raheel Iqbal and Aleem Abbas and Syeda Safa Hassany from P@SHA Secretariat.
The roundtable was graced by the presence of experts from academia, government, the development sector and the industry and explored the following topics:
- How the IT skills landscape is evolving in Pakistan
- The impact of emerging technologies on the workforce
- Opportunities for upskilling and reskilling
- Practical ways to align talent with industry needs
This roundtable provided a powerful platform for collaboration, shaping the roadmap for future-ready skills in Pakistan’s tech industry!
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September 26th, 2025
6th Steering committee meeting for PSDP funded projects
The Skills chair and the team attended the steering committee meeting on September 26 to provide insights and recommendations on the next stage of the NAVTTC training initiative that includes training of 20,000 youth on in-demand IT courses, along with international certifications. The program was drafted on the basis of P@SHA’s recommendations, and it is now headed into its next phase with a good placement output.
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September 26th, 2025
National Curriculum Review Committee Discussion starting
P@SHA Skills Team presented the key outcomes and findings of the latest skills survey 2025 report at the NCRC meeting in Karachi, hosted by HEC and supported by the British Council. The activity is a 5-day-long exercise to carry out higher education reforms in order to meet the growing demand in the industry.
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Diversity & Inclusion Committee
The Diversity Equation and the Future of Tech at ITCN 2025
On 25th September, HBL P@SHA hosted a roundtable on “The Diversity Equation and the Future of Tech” at ITCN Asia in Karachi.
Led by Dr. Sonia Saleem (Chair, D&I Committee) and Nadia Iqbal (Co-Chair), and moderated by Zain Tariq (Manager, Industry Engagement), the session brought together voices from Malaysia, Pakistan, Korea, and Saudi Arabia. Notable participants included Stan Singh-JT (ASOCIO, Malaysia), Ivan A. Sandjaja (GEN, Korea), and Hamza Alraee (CEO, Banan, Saudi Arabia).
Discussions highlighted how diversity strengthens teams, how inclusion drives innovation, and practical steps to foster equal opportunities in tech.
The session created a collaborative platform to share global perspectives, underscoring the role of D&I in shaping the future of technology.
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Startups & Entrepreneurship Committee
From Services to Startups: Pakistan’s Global Shift” at ITCN 2025
On 25th September, HBL P@SHA hosted a Startup Roundtable on “From Services to Startups: Pakistan’s Global Shift” at ITCN Asia in Karachi.
Led by Usman Akbar (P@SHA CEC Member) and moderated by Zain Tariq (Manager, Industry Engagement), the session brought together startup founders, investors, and industry leaders for a dynamic exchange of ideas.
Discussions focused on Pakistan’s transition from IT services to globally competitive startups, opportunities for innovation and growth, challenges in scaling, and steps to strengthen the local ecosystem.
The roundtable provided a collaborative platform, underscoring how Pakistan’s startups are poised to emerge as global success stories.
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| September 12th, 2025 |
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| Policy Paper, AgriTech Frontiers: Scaling Smart Farming in Gilgit-Baltistan |
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P@SHA is pleased to announce the launch of its latest policy paper, AgriTech Frontiers: Scaling Smart Farming in Gilgit-Baltistan, developed to advance inclusive innovation and regional development through technology.
The policy paper highlights:
- Key challenges in Gilgit-Baltistan’s agriculture sector.
- Five strategic pillars for agricultural transformation.
- Case studies, investment opportunities, and stepwise action plans.
- Pathways to boost farm incomes, reduce losses, and improve food security.
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| HBL is empowering Pakistan’s IT exporters and freelancers |
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HBL is empowering Pakistan’s IT exporters and freelancers with tailored solutions — from digital account opening and Payoneer linking to ESFCA retention, USD debit cards, and dedicated support. These offerings ensure seamless international transactions and growth opportunities for the IT industry.
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| September 4th, 2025 |
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| About Digital Seals MoU at Pak–China B2B Conference, Driving Strategic Tech Partnerships for a Smarter Future |
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About Digital signed an MoU with leading Chinese companies at the Pak–China B2B Conference, aiming to foster technological collaboration, strengthen bilateral partnerships, and open new avenues for digital innovation and growth.
View Website
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| September 1st, 2025 |
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| Sybrid Joins Knowledge Future as Consortium Partner for AI-First Development Workshop |
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As a Consortium Partner of Knowledge Future, Sybrid is proud to support a 2-day AI-first development workshop for senior engineering leaders. The exclusive session aims to help developers adopt AI-driven workflows, enhance productivity, and future-proof their teams. This initiative reflects Sybrid’s commitment to advancing AI adoption and equipping Pakistan’s tech talent with cutting-edge skills for the digital era.
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| September 1st, 2025 |
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| Our CEO, Samad Saleem, has been honored with the Global Healthcare Innovation Award at the Global Image Awards Middle East |
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We are proud to share that our CEO, Samad Saleem, has been awarded the Global Healthcare Innovation Award at the prestigious Global Image Awards Middle East. This internationally recognized event, which has made headlines across borders, celebrates groundbreaking innovations and the visionary leaders driving them forward.
We look forward to continuing to represent transformative innovation from our region on the world stage.
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| September 4th, 2025 |
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| Sybrid at Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference 2025 to Strengthen ICT & Digital Ties |
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Sybrid’s Managing Director, Shamoon Haider represented the company at the 2nd Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Beijing. Bringing together 850 enterprises across nine sectors, the event fostered dialogue on joint ventures, technology transfer, and investment opportunities. With Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif delivering the keynote, Sybrid reaffirmed its role in building bilateral ties, exploring impactful collaborations, and driving digital transformation across borders.
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| September 4th, 2025 |
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| Sybrid & K-Electric Strengthen Partnership to Enhance 118 Call Center Customer Experience |
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Sybrid is proud to continue its five-year partnership with K-Electric for managing the 118 Call Center, serving millions of Karachi residents. The collaboration ensures efficient handling of emergencies, technical complaints, billing queries, new connections, and net metering requests. With a shared focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, this partnership reflects both organizations’ commitment to seamless, reliable service delivery.
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| September 5th, 2025 |
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| DigiTrends' Leadership Meets with ICC Pakistan |
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Our CEO, Samad Saleem, and Strategic Advisor, Retired Air Commodore Tasaddaq B., had the privilege of meeting with the Chairman of Rangoonwala Group of Companies and ICC Pakistan, Mr. Tariq Rangoonwala, along with the Secretary General of ICC Pakistan, Mr. Javaid Basini.
As a proud member of ICC Pakistan, DigiTrends places great value on the exchange of insights and collaborative opportunities focused on leveraging technology to empower Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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| September 7th, 2025 |
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| Qatar Engineering & Construction (QCON) has partnered with ExD to accelerate their digital transformation through RISE with SAP S/4HANA! |
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Qatar Engineering & Construction (QCON) has partnered with ExD to accelerate their digital transformation through RISE with SAP S/4HANA!
As Qatar’s leading industrial contracting company, QCON has delivered major projects across oil and gas, petrochemicals, power, and infrastructure, continuing to drive growth and development in the region.
Through this collaboration, ExD will equip QCON with advanced digital capabilities to unlock efficiency and drive business excellence.
View Website
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| September 8th, 2025 |
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| Avanza Solutions proudly announces its official partnership with Salesforce, the world’s #1 CRM platform |
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The official partner launch event took place at Avanza Solutions’ Head Office and was attended by senior executives from both organizations.
This collaboration marks a defining milestone in Avanza’s mission to accelerate digital transformation across industries. The partnership combines Avanza’s proven strength in CRM solutions with Salesforce’s global capabilities, enabling organizations to build stronger customer connections, adopt smarter solutions, and lead with next-gen innovation.
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| September 9th, 2025 |
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| Pepsi Naubahar Bottling Company goes live with SAP–Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) e-Invoicing, powered by Excellence Delivered and Haball! |
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Pepsi Naubahar Bottling Company goes live with SAP–Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) e-Invoicing, powered by Excellence Delivered and Haball!
The deployment enables NBC to automate compliance processes, minimize manual effort, gain real-time transaction visibility, and strengthen audit readiness. This achievement underscores NBC’s forward-looking vision and ExD’s expertise in delivering seamless SAP integrations that drive efficiency and compliance at scale.
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| September 10th, 2025 |
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| BYD Pakistan (Mega Motor Company) signs licensing and implementation services with ExD for RISE with SAP S/4HANA and Digital Manufacturing Cloud! |
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BYD Pakistan (Mega Motor Company) signs licensing and implementation services with ExD for RISE with SAP S/4HANA and DMC!
As a global leader in electric vehicles and clean energy solutions, BYD continues to pioneer sustainable transportation worldwide. To support this vision in Pakistan, BYD (MMC) partnered with ExD — a trusted SAP Platinum Partner with proven expertise in the automotive sector.
With ExD and SAP, BYD (MMC) is set to drive innovation and digital transformation in Pakistan.
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| Books Meet Tech: A Creative Evening at LumenSoft |
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LumenSoft Technologies hosted the Lahore Book Club’s monthly meet-up. By opening our space to creative pursuits, we aim to remind the tech world that while code keeps us logical, books inspire us to imagine, reflect, and connect. The evening brought lively discussion, fresh ideas, and the reveal of next month’s book—showing how stories and technology can thrive together.
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| September 19th, 2025 |
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| Sybrid Participates in National IT Industry Consultative Meetup on Future Tech Talent |
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Sybrid joined the National IT Industry Consultative Meetup organized by HEC, MoITT, and the British Council. The session focused on strengthening Pakistan’s IT talent pipeline by reforming Final Year Projects, introducing a centralized ICT Graduate Test, and revising computing curricula. Sybrid’s participation highlights its commitment to shaping future-ready graduates and contributing to the country’s digital workforce development.
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| September 23rd, 2025 |
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| Sybrid at ITCN Asia 2025 Showcasing AI and Digital Innovation |
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Sybrid participated in ITCN Asia 2025, a vibrant platform that brought together technology leaders and innovators from across the region. The event was filled with groundbreaking ideas, strategic partnerships, and engaging discussions. Returning from the expo, Sybrid carries fresh insights and renewed energy to contribute toward driving digital progress and shaping the future of technology.
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| September 25th, 2025 |
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| Digital Hyperlinks Demonstrated Excellence at the 26ᵗʰ ITCN Asia 2025 |
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Digital Hyperlinks (Pvt) Ltd. participated in the 26ᵗʰ ITCN Asia 2025 exhibition in Karachi, held from 23ʳᵈ–25ᵗʰ September.
The company highlighted its portfolio of products and services, with emphasis on EZ Books and Custom Software Development. EZ Books, designed to streamline accounting and financial management, attracted strong interest from business owners attending the event. Digital Hyperlinks’ participation underscored its role in providing practical solutions tailored for enterprises.
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| September 26th, 2025 |
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| NexGen Auto, part of the Nishat Group, has partnered with ExD to power its next chapter of growth with SAP S/4HANA! |
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NexGen Auto, part of the Nishat Group, has partnered with ExD to power its next chapter of growth with SAP S/4HANA!
Guided by a vision for continuous growth, NexGen is embracing digital transformation to strengthen operations and unlock new opportunities in the market.
Through this collaboration, SAP S/4HANA and ExD’s expertise will enable NexGen to establish a future-ready digital foundation that drives efficiency, innovation, and long-term success.
View Website
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| WELCOME TO P@SHA COMMUNITY |
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We proudly welcome the newest members of the PASHA community. Together let's forge a path for industry growth, success, and a better economic future powered by IT.
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October 13th-17th, 2025
GITEX Global Dubai
One of the world’s largest and most influential tech events is happening in Dubai - GITEX Global, bringing together the most innovative minds, emerging startups, and global investors in the heart of the Middle East. This is your chance to position your company on a global stage, connect with key decision-makers, and explore new business opportunities.
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October 20th-24th, 2025
Oslo Innovation Week
Oslo Innovation Week is a prominent annual event in Europe, attracting a diverse array of innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders from various sectors. This innovation festival serves as an excellent platform for exploring and promoting cutting-edge technologies, entrepreneurship, and innovative solutions.
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October 27th-29th, 2025
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Oslo Innovation Week is a prominent annual event in Europe, attracting a diverse array of innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders from various sectors. This innovation festival serves as an excellent platform for exploring and promoting cutting-edge technologies, entrepreneurship, and innovative solutions.
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| Secretariat |
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Daftarkhwan Alpha, Old Airport Rd, Chaklala Cantt., Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
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