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P@SHA PULSE Vol 32. August 2025 Edition
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Dear Members,
August has been a defining month for Pakistan’s tech ecosystem. We proudly hosted the largest-ever judging rounds of the HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2025, evaluating over 1,600 applications with the support of 100+ distinguished judges. This milestone reflects the depth of talent and innovation emerging from every corner of our industry.
On the global stage, P@SHA actively represented Pakistan at the APICTA EXCO Meeting in Taipei, strengthening regional collaboration and showcasing our country’s growing digital leadership. Adding to this momentum, we are thrilled to share a major achievement: our delegates for TechCrunch USA 2025 have successfully secured their visas, marking a breakthrough that will place Pakistan’s startups at the heart of one of the world’s most influential innovation platforms.
As we move ahead, the stage is set for the Grand Ceremony of the HBL P@SHA ICT Awards on September 19th in Lahore. Together, we will recognize, celebrate, and elevate the brightest innovators shaping Pakistan’s digital future.
P@SHA CEC
By the Members, For the Members
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Judging the Nation’s Top Tech Talent – P@SHA ICT Awards 2025
The heart of the P@SHA ICT Awards lies in its rigorous judging process – and this year was bigger than ever. Over the course of 8 intense days, held across Karachi (Phase A), Islamabad (Phase B), and Lahore (Phase C), the Awards hosted over 50 expert panels of industry leaders and specialists. Together, they evaluated a staggering 1000+ project pitches – split almost evenly between in-person and online presentations – making this the largest judging exercise in the history of the Awards.
From student innovators to established enterprises, every category was scrutinized with fairness, expertise, and transparency by over 100+ judges. With parallel sessions running smoothly, volunteer teams ensuring flawless coordination, and judges dedicating their time and insight, the process exemplified the scale and integrity that make the ICT Awards Pakistan’s most credible platform for tech excellence.
The judging rounds are not just a step in the process – they are the most crucial and central element of the Awards, setting the stage for who rises to the top at the Grand Finale.
Up next: technical evaluations for Cross and Tech categories will continue this week, taking the judging to the next level of depth and precision.
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Pakistan Shines at ASOCIO Awards 2025!
Out of a total of 10 award categories, P@SHA nominated Pakistani companies in 7 categories, and we are proud to share that Pakistan won all 7!
Winners by Category:
Outstanding Tech Company – EPL Private Limited
Outstanding Digital Transformation Organization – Techimplement
Talent Development – Rehan School
HealthTech – Nubit Software (Pvt) Ltd
Cybersecurity – Snskies Private Limited
Start-Up – Z Media Technologies
AI Service Provider – Phaedra Solutions
This achievement underscores the strength, innovation, and global competitiveness of Pakistan’s IT industry.
📍 Winners will be celebrated at the ASOCIO Digital Summit 2025 in Taipei (Nov 10–12, 2025).
Congratulations to all the winners for making Pakistan proud!
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August 12th, 2025
FBR–P@SHA Webinar on Electronic Invoicing & PRAL Integration
P@SHA, in collaboration with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), organized a webinar on August 12, 2025, to brief IT & ITeS companies on the recent directive mandating electronic integration for invoicing through licensed integrators or PRAL (Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited).
The session covered the scope of applicability for IT & ITeS, the registration and integration process, and featured a Q&A segment where FBR officials addressed member queries.
▶️ The full recording is available here: Watch Now
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August 23rd, 2025
P@SHA Member Growth Series - Lahore Workshop
The Lahore edition of the P@SHA Member Growth Series was a landmark gathering of Pakistan’s tech community. Entrepreneurs, professionals, and industry leaders came together for a full day of learning, collaboration, and inspiring conversations.
The presence of distinguished voices including Muhammad Gohar Shafique, Jamil Goheer, Ashar Samdani, Raheel Iqbal, Muhammad Haris Naseer, and Amer K. enriched the dialogue with valuable insights and perspectives on the future of our industry.
This successful edition was powered by the Industry Engagement Committee, with special appreciation for Abdul Wahab Ahmad, Muddassir Naeem Ch., Ahmed Muzammil, and Imad Malik, whose dedication and leadership brought this impactful workshop to life.
The Growth Series continues to strengthen Pakistan’s tech ecosystem, inspire future leaders, and build lasting momentum for innovation and collaboration.
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August 22nd - 24th 2025
P@SHA at the 86th APICTA EXCO Meeting – Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei
P@SHA is proudly representing Pakistan at the 86th APICTA EXCO Meeting (22–24 August 2025), hosted by the Taipei Computer Association. The meeting brings together representatives from across the Asia Pacific to discuss governance, judging, marketing strategies, and the future of the APICTA Awards.
Sajjad Syed, Chairman P@SHA & APICTA EXCO Member, along with Muhammad Zohaib Khan and Dr. Shoab Ahmed, both serving as APICTA EXCO Members, represented P@SHA at this important gathering.
This platform strengthens collaboration, showcases innovation, and builds stronger regional partnerships, highlighting Pakistan’s active role in shaping the digital economy of the Asia Pacific.
This year, the HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2025 will be hosted in Lahore, where Pakistan’s top innovators will be recognized. The winners will get a chance to represent Pakistan and their projects at the APICTA Awards 2025 in Chinese Taipei.
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August 25th, 2025
Collaboration for the HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2025 is being fortified.
On August 25th, P@SHA convened a strategic pre-event meeting with HBL to discuss the forthcoming HBL P@SHA ICT Awards and to explore strategies for advancing Pakistan's ICT sector. The discussion centered on collaborative initiatives, innovation, and opportunities to further enhance the industry through this esteemed platform.
The P@SHA delegation comprised Senior Vice Chairman Mr. Muhammad Umair Nizam, CEC Member Mr. Hassan Bin Rizwan, Director Brand & Global Outreach Ms. Kheezran Khan, and Industry Engagement Manager Mr. Zain Tariq. Representing HBL were Mr. Ali Habib, Mr. Babar Wasi, and Mr. Kashif, whose continued support is instrumental to the Awards' success.
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P@SHA Partners with Elevate 2025 for Exclusive B2B Meetings
P@SHA proudly partnered with Elevate 2025 – Pakistan’s Premier B2B Summit, held on 20–21 August 2025 at PC Hotel, Karachi. The summit offered P@SHA members exclusive access to pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with top decision-makers, alongside networking opportunities in a curated B2B environment.
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P@SHA Partners with World CIO/CISO Summit 2025
P@SHA joined as the Tech Industry Partner for the World CIO/CISO Summit & Awards 2025 – Pakistan Edition, held on 23 August 2025 at Pearl Continental Hotel (Grand Marquee), Karachi. The summit brought together top CIOs, CXOs, CDOs, and decision-makers from leading enterprises, public sector organizations, and global tech stakeholders. Through this partnership, P@SHA members had the exclusive opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders, explore collaborations, and strengthen connections between Pakistan’s IT industry and the corporate sector.
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August 18th, 2025
Launch Ceremony of URAAN AI Techathon 1.0
On August 18, 2025, the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives launched the URAAN AI Techathon 1.0. P@SHA was represented at the event by CEC Member Mr. Sheikh Abdul Qadir, Dr. Sonia Saleem, Secretary General Mr. Ali Hasani, and Policy & Govt. Affairs Lead, Mr. Gulraiz Iqbal, along with 20+ P@SHA member companies. The program aims to mobilize youth and professionals to develop AI solutions for real-world challenges. P@SHA has expressed its support for the government's mission to unlock Pakistan's AI potential and drive sustainable growth.
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August 20th, 2025
Meeting with ASOCIO on ESG Framework
On August 20, 2025, P@SHA, represented by Ms. Laraib Farhat, Manager Policy and Government Affairs, attended a meeting with ASOCIO to discuss the development of an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework for P@SHA as a responsible association. For this initiative, P@SHA is working in collaboration with Climate Finance Pakistan, drawing on reference frameworks from Korea and Malaysia. The framework is now in its final stages and will be shared publicly soon.
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August 21st, 2025
Meeting on National E-Commerce Policy (NECP)
On August 21, 2025, Secretary General, P@SHA, Ali Hasani and Research Lead Kashif Hussain attended a meeting with the Ministry of Commerce regarding the National E-Commerce Policy (NECP) 2025-30. P@SHA raised the critical issue of limited international financial instruments, highlighting the absence of global gateways like Stripe and PayPal as a major barrier for Pakistani exporters. P@SHA and the Ministry of Commerce affirmed their commitment to continue playing a key role in shaping the future E-Commerce Policy.
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Central Executive Committee
P@SHA Chairman at GSMA Digital Nation Summit 2025
On August 7th, P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed attended the GSMA Digital Nation Summit 2025 in Islamabad, along with key leaders like Minister of State for Finance and Railways Mr. Bilal Azhar Kayani and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General Hafeez Ur Rehman.
The summit brought together people from government, telecom, tech, finance, and sustainability to talk about how to build a better digital future for Pakistan. It included talks from top industry experts, panel discussions on topics like 5G, artificial intelligence, fraud prevention, rules and regulations, and sustainability, plus one-on-one chats with telecom leaders.
One of the main highlights was the launch of GSMA’s Spotlight Report on Pakistan, which shared new insights about the country’s digital progress. Chairman Sajjad Syed spoke in a panel session where he shared his thoughts on improving digital systems, supporting innovation, and the importance of working together across sectors.
The event was an important step toward building a smarter, more connected Pakistan!
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August 26th, 2025
P@SHA meeting with H.E. Dr. Dan Stoenescu
On August 19th, P@SHA CEC Members Mr. Salman Dar, Mr. Sheikh Abdul Qadir, and Secretary General Mr. Ali Hasani had a productive meeting with H.E. Dr. Dan Stoenescu, Ambassador of Romania, and Eduard-Robert Preda, Deputy Head of Mission & Minister Plenipotentiary, at the Romanian Embassy.
The discussion focused on potential collaboration between the Romanian and Pakistan's IT sectors, exploring opportunities to strengthen partnerships, share expertise, and promote innovation.
As part of this initiative, P@SHA will establish a forum in collaboration with the Romanian Embassy in Islamabad to facilitate its members in connecting with their Romanian counterparts. To facilitate this, a session will be arranged in the near future to bring together P@SHA and Romanian industry leaders for further discussion and collaboration.
This meeting represents an important step toward enhancing international ties and supporting the growth of Pakistan’s IT industry!
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August 30th, 2025
P@SHA CEC at Diplomatic Business Club’s Farewell Reception
P@SHA CEC Member Hassan bin Rizwan represented P@SHA at the Diplomatic Business Club’s Farewell Reception held on August 30, 2025, in Karachi, honoring H.E. Dr. Cemal Sangu, Consul General of Türkiye.
The evening brought together diplomats, business leaders, and community representatives to celebrate Dr. Sangu’s impactful three-and-a-half-year tenure in Pakistan and his role in fostering stronger Pakistan–Türkiye ties.
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Skills Committee
GIZ Kick-Off for Capacity Development of BIAs and IMCs
NAVTTC, in collaboration with the GIZ TVET Sector Support Programme, launched an initiative to strengthen the role of IMCs and BIAs in Pakistan’s TVET system. P@SHA Secretariat attended the Kick-Off-Cum-Consultation Meeting in Islamabad, held under the chairmanship of the Executive Director of NAVTTC.
This initiative is designed to enhance the capacity of these key stakeholders, enabling them to play an active role in driving TVET reforms, ensuring the alignment of training programs with labor market needs and promoting private sector collaboration to support the school-to-work transition for TVET graduates.
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August 27th, 2025
1st Meeting of Sub-Committee on National Training and Skill Development
P@SHA VC Raheel Iqbal and Syeda Safa Hassany from the Secretariat as part of the Sub-Committee of E-Pakistan on National Training and Skill Development, attended the inaugural meeting held under the chairpersonship of CEO PSEB to finalize the Terms of Reference (TORs) and agree on the way forward for the Sub-Committee.
The committee agreed on the integration of technical education with higher education, promotion of lifelong learning, and upskilling across sectors. Emphasis was placed on industry-academia collaboration to bridge the skills gap. Certification frameworks, standards and outreach programs were also discussed.
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Startups & Entrepreneurship Committee
P@SHA Members Explored Global Opportunities at Expand North Star 2025
P@SHA members joined the webinar and discovered how Expand North Star 2025, the world’s largest startup event, could be their gateway to global success.
Expand North Star 2025 took place in Dubai from 12–15 October, hosting top VCs, tech giants, accelerators, and game-changing founders from across the globe. Participants learned how their startups benefited from this dedicated global platform and became part of a thriving ecosystem built to elevate breakthrough ideas.
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August 12th, 2025
Empowering Tech Founders at National Incubation Center Karachi
P@SHA’s Startup & Entrepreneurship Committee, in collaboration with the National Incubation Center Karachi, hosted a Masterclass designed for aspiring and early-stage tech founders from within P@SHA’s member network.
The session kicked off with Sheikh Hammad Amjad, Business Coach at SHA Advisory, who guided founders through the essentials of getting their products ready for market. Participants learned how to validate their MVPs, assess product-market fit, and test ideas effectively using lean resources.
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Cyber Security Committee
P@SHA Partners for Cyber-Security Vision Pakistan 2047
P@SHA proudly joined hands with PISA-CERT and the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) as an Industry Partner for the Cyber-Security Vision Pakistan 2047 seminar held on August 12, 2025, in Islamabad.
The event brought together leaders from government, defense, academia, and industry to align on Pakistan’s long-term cybersecurity priorities. Highlights included a keynote address by China CERT, panel discussions on Critical Infrastructure Security and Cyber Warfare in Future Conflicts, and networking with senior decision-makers.
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| August 25th, 2025 |
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| Skills Survey Report 2025 |
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P@SHA is pleased to announce the launch of the Skills Report 2025, a comprehensive overview of the evolving skills landscape in Pakistan’s IT and ITeS industry.
Developed with industry input and market data, this report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, employers, academia, and aspiring professionals to better align with the needs of Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
The report highlights:
- Key trends in workforce capabilities
- In-demand technical and soft skills
- Insights into future talent requirements
Don’t miss out on your chance to get valuable insights of future proficiencies!
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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.
View Website
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| August 2nd, 2025 |
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| startup.exe by Design Peeps delivers Pakistan’s most focused founder bootcamp — to groom investment‑ready startups and fuel FDI growth |
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S2, Pakistan’s leading value-driven technology distributor, is proud to announce its partnership with Omnissa — formerly VMware’s End-User Computing business and a global leader in digital workspace and endpoint management solutions. With this strategic signing, S2 brings Omnissa’s industry-leading portfolio to Pakistan, enabling secure, seamless digital experiences across enterprises. The official launch events are now in motion, as S2 gears up to introduce Omnissa’s groundbreaking solutions.
View Website
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| August 5th, 2025 |
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| From Graduate to Game-Changer: How StrugbitsNEXT’25 Turns Fresh Grads into Industry Pros |
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At Strugbits, we believe young talent deserves more than coffee runs — that’s why StrugbitsNEXT’25 redefines early-career growth with real work, real clients, and real impact.
Why StrugbitsNEXT’25?
When a candidate graduates, they are full of knowledge and energy. At that time, they want a platform where they can not only polish their skillset but also gain real industry expertise. A ground where they can showcase their talent is needed, and this is exactly what StrugbitsNEXT’25 is all about!
View Website
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| 6th August, 2025 |
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| Avanza Pulse - Africa Edition (Unleashing Africa's Digital Pulse) |
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From visionary keynotes to groundbreaking insights, Avanza Pulse – Africa Edition brought together industry leaders, innovators, and C-level executives to explore how digital finance inclusion is transforming Africa’s economic landscape. The event celebrated innovation, collaboration, and a future powered by technology-driven transformation.
View Website
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| August 7th, 2025 |
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| Sybrid Featured in ACM Global Journal for Digital Health Innovation |
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Sybrid’s research on digital health innovation during COVID-19 has been published in the ACM Digital Government: Research and Practice Journal. Co-authored with faculty from LUMS, Rutgers and Sybrid’s CEO & VP, the paper highlights Sybrid’s tech-driven healthcare interventions as a sustainable model for pandemic management and future health challenges.
View Website
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| August 11th, 2025 |
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| Sybrid Powers AI Chatbot Launch for Pakistan Single Window (PSW) |
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Sybrid supported Pakistan Single Window (PSW) in launching Khizer, its first AI-powered chatbot. Developed in-house by Sybrid, Khizer provides real-time guidance on trade regulations, compliance, and documentation. Integrated into PSW’s website and Trade Information Portal, this milestone marks a key step in advancing Pakistan’s digital trade facilitation.
View Website
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| August 13th, 2025 |
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| Sybrid Partners with NADRA Technologies Limited to Drive AI, R&D, and Digital Innovation |
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Sybrid signed a landmark MoU with NADRA Technologies Limited (NTL) to collaborate on AI, R&D, software engineering, and BPO solutions. The partnership will co-create future-ready digital solutions, strengthen smart governance, and accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda.
View Website
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| August 18th, 2025 |
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| DigiTrends has been nominated for the Global Image Awards Middle East 2025. |
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Honored to be recognized on a global stage!
DigiTrends is proud to be nominated for the Global Image Awards Middle East 2025.
This milestone reflects our commitment to driving innovation, excellence, and digital transformation worldwide.
View Website
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| August 20th, 2025 |
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| DigiTrends' CEO Samad Saleem Joins The CxO Podcast: Talk of the Town |
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Proud moment as our CEO, Samad Saleem, joins the CxO Podcast | Talk of the Town by CxO Global Forum to share how DigiTrends is creating real opportunities through technology.
From uplifting talent in underserved communities to redefining what success looks like, it was a conversation about purpose-driven growth rooted in people, not just numbers.
View Website
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| August 20th, 2025 |
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| Sybrid Strengthens Industry-Academia Linkages Through Strategic Engagements |
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Sybrid continues to foster meaningful industry-academia linkages, driving innovation and talent development. The company recently met with CECOS University leadership in Peshawar to explore collaborative initiatives. At the Institute of Space Technology (IST), CEO Ather Imran delivered a talk on the role of Social Sciences in the age of AI. Additionally, Sybrid hosted NUST faculty for incubation and placement within its operations, offering professional growth and practical exposure.
View Website
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| August 23rd 2025 |
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| Omnissa Launches in Pakistan at World CIO 200 Summit; S2 Powers Region Entry as Official Distribution Partner for Digital Future. |
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Omnissa (former VMware EUC), made a debut at the World CIO 200 Summit – Pakistan Edition, powered by S2. As the official distribution partner, S2 – led by Salman Popatya and Syed Safdar Hussain – takes center stage in launching Omnissa’s VDI and MDM solutions, powered by its AI-driven Digital Work Platform. Asghar Reza, (Regional Lead, SEA, Omnissa) emphasized the impact Omnissa will have on enterprises—driving productivity, security, and future-ready workplaces.
View Website
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| wAI Industries Secures $10M Growth Round Led by sAi Capital |
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wAI Industries, a leading enterprise AI company pioneering swarm-based operating systems, has raised $10 million in growth funding, with sAi Capital contributing $1.5 million as a follow-on investment.
The funding will accelerate the development of alaraOS — wAI’s flagship operating system enabling swarm memory, reasoning, and distributed decision-making, and fuel research into self-evolving AI agents.
With deployments already covering 41.6% of Pakistan’s banking sector and collaborations with the Prime Minister’s Office and Stanford University, wAI is positioning itself as a global AI powerhouse.
sAi Capital’s continued partnership and the addition of global advisors Jimmy Nguyen and Kent Wakeford further strengthen wAI’s scale and international growth plans.
This milestone reinforces Pakistan’s role in shaping the future of enterprise AI.
View Website
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| Cyber Silo’s Threat Search TIP Now Free for Pakistan – Real-Time Threat Intelligence to Power Your Cyber Defense! |
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Free access to Cyber Silo’s Threat Search Threat Intelligence Platform (TIP), Real-time visibility into emerging cyber threats, automated remediation, fixes, and post-remediation recommendations. Actionable insights to strengthen SOC operations. No cost, no delay, just powerful intelligence when you need it most
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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September 24th-25th, 2025
AI & Big Data Expo Europe 2025
P@SHA is thrilled to announce its official delegation to the AI & Big Data Expo Europe 2025 in Amsterdam! This is your opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s capabilities in AI and big data on a global platform, connect with industry pioneers, explore international collaborations, and gain valuable insights from over 200 expert speakers and 6,000+ tech professionals from around the world.
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September 19th, 2025
HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2025
The HBL P@SHA ICT Awards 2025 are happening this September, bringing Pakistan’s top tech talent to the spotlight once again! This year marks a major milestone as P@SHA received a record-breaking 1,633 applications — the highest in the Awards’ history. Get ready to witness innovation, impact, and excellence like never before!
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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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| Secretariat |
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Daftarkhwan Alpha, Old Airport Rd, Chaklala Cantt., Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
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