P@SHA PULSE Vol 39. April 2026 Edition |
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Dear Members,
April 2026 reflected strong momentum across Pakistan’s IT & ITeS ecosystem, driven by collaboration, global engagement, and policy advocacy. From high-impact industry events and international delegations to strategic partnerships and government engagement, P@SHA continued to play a pivotal role in strengthening the sector.
Key highlights included active participation at LeadsCon Las Vegas, the HBL P@SHA CXO Meetup in Karachi, and meaningful dialogues with government and financial stakeholders to enhance industry growth and enablement. Progress was also made on critical fronts such as skills development through the National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) and the CXO Mentorship Program, alongside policy recommendations for the Federal Budget 2026–27.
Through continued collaboration with industry, academia, and government, P@SHA remains committed to advancing Pakistan’s digital economy, fostering innovation, and positioning the country as a competitive global technology hub.
P@SHA CEC
By the Members, For the Members |
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April 17th, 2026
P@SHA x HBL | Strengthening Collaboration
On 17th April, P@SHA leadership had a productive meeting with HBL to discuss opportunities for collaboration and growth in Pakistan’s technology and financial ecosystem.
From P@SHA, the meeting was attended by Sajjad Syed (Chairman, P@SHA), Muhammad Umair Nizam (Senior Vice Chairman, P@SHA), and Kheezran Khan (Director Brand & Global Outreach, P@SHA). Representing HBL were Syed Jafar Raza (Head Home & Emerging Business Remittances, HBL), Farhan Talib (Head International Banking, HBL), and Umar Zia Khan (Head of Emerging Business Remittances, HBL).
The discussion focused on the existing three-year partnership between P@SHA and HBL and how it can be further strengthened in the future, along with exploring new avenues for supporting the tech industry and enhancing global opportunities for Pakistan businesses.
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April 17th, 2026
HBL P@SHA CXO Meetup - Karachi 2026
The HBL P@SHA CXO Meetup Karachi was held on 17th April, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and technology professionals for an evening of meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and networking.
The meetup was attended by P@SHA leadership & CEC Members, including Sajjad Syed (Chairman, P@SHA), Muhammad Umair Nizam (Senior Vice Chairman, P@SHA), Raheel Iqbal (Vice Chairman, P@SHA), Mohammad Munaf Majeed (CEC Member, P@SHA), Kheezran Khan (Director Brand & Global Outreach, P@SHA), and the P@SHA Secretariat Team.
The evening was also graced by Ali Rashid (Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh for Science, Information & Technology), Faisal Jeddy (CEO, Pakistan Software Export Board), Brig. Syed Nadir Hussain (Project Director, Special Investment Facilitation Council) Jehan Ara (CEO, Katalyst Labs), and Muhammad Zohaib Khan (Former P@SHA Chairman), along with other distinguished guests.
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April 22nd - 24th, 2026
P@SHA Delegation to LeadsCon 2026
Over the three days at LeadsCon Las Vegas 2026, the P@SHA delegation maintained an active presence across networking, exhibitions, and conference sessions at the MGM Grand.
Led by Abdul Wahab (CEC Member, P@SHA) and Kheezran Khan (Director Brand & Global Outreach), the delegation engaged with global partners, including the ReSecurity team, industry professionals, and a wide range of attendees from the performance marketing and tech ecosystem.
Day 1 centered around the HBL P@SHA Konnect Networking Dinner, which set the tone for collaboration and relationship-building through meaningful conversations and industry connections. Day 2 focused on booth visits, exhibitor engagement, and networking sessions, allowing deeper interaction with global stakeholders and exploration of emerging trends. On Day 3, the delegation participated in panel discussions and expert-led sessions, gaining valuable insights while continuing to strengthen international connections.
Overall, the three days highlighted strong collaboration, knowledge exchange, and Pakistan’s growing visibility in the global digital and performance marketing space, reinforcing its position as an emerging hub in the tech ecosystem.
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April 22nd , 2026
P@SHA Hosts High-Level Webinar with Federal Minister for IT & Telecom
On 22nd April, P@SHA successfully hosted an engaging and insightful webinar with the Honourable Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, bringing together key stakeholders from Pakistan’s IT industry for a meaningful discussion on the sector.
The webinar was attended by 100+ industry members, along with Zarrar Hasham Khan (Secretary IT & Telecommunication) and Faisal Jeddy (CEO, Pakistan Software Export Board), providing a valuable platform for participants to engage directly with the Federal Minister on key industry challenges and opportunities. The session facilitated an open exchange of views on strengthening Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Key discussion areas included: • Pakistan’s digital and IT sector growth • Emerging opportunities for the industry • Strengthening public-private collaboration • Addressing industry concerns and challenges
P@SHA acknowledges and appreciates the active participation of its members and their valuable contributions to the discussion, which reflects the collective commitment to advancing Pakistan’s IT industry.
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April 30th , 2026
P@SHA Hosts Informative Webinar with Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)
On 30th April 2026, P@SHA, in collaboration with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), hosted a webinar on capital-raising opportunities through PSX.
The session featured Syed Ahmad Abbas (Head of Business Development & Listing, PSX) and was attended by P@SHA CEC Members Sheikh Abdul Qadir and Salman Dar, along with industry participants.
Key discussions covered listing opportunities on the GEM and Main Boards, eligibility criteria, the listing process, and the benefits of raising capital through PSX.
P@SHA thanks all participants for their engagement, reflecting growing interest in capital market opportunities within Pakistan’s IT sector.
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April 17th, 2026
P@SHA X Risk Associates
On 17th April, P@SHA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Risk Associates, marking a significant step towards strengthening cybersecurity within Pakistan’s technology sector.
The MoU was signed by Sajjad Syed (Chairman, P@SHA) and Kashif Hassan (Director, Risk Associates).
This collaboration aims to promote cybersecurity awareness, enhance compliance capabilities, and provide P@SHA member organizations with improved access to cybersecurity services and solutions. It will also focus on training initiatives, and alignment with globally recognized security standards to support a more secure and resilient technology sector.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing cybersecurity and building a stronger digital future for Pakistan.
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April 29th, 2026
P@SHA X IMSciences
On 29th April, P@SHA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences), Peshawar, marking an important step towards strengthening skills development and industry-academia collaboration in Pakistan’s technology sector.
The MoU was signed by Ali Hasani (Secretary General, P@SHA) and Usman Ghani (Director, Institute of Management Sciences), in the presence of Syeda Safa Hassany (Skills Development Associate, P@SHA) and representatives from IMSciences.
The collaboration focuses on advancing digital and high-tech skills and promoting industry-relevant training. It is further supported through the launch of the Center of Excellence in Digital & Hi-Tech Skills at IMSciences, established under Team Europe’s TVET Sector Support Programme with the support of the British Council.
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April 28th, 2026
P@SHA at SBP Vision 2028 DFS Workshop: Advancing Sovereign AI, Inclusive Finance, and Cross-Border Digital Innovation
On April 28 2026, at SBP’s Vision 2028 DFS workshop, CEC member Mr. Haris Naseer and ex-CEC member Shehzad Shahid represented P@SHA and highlighted the tech sector’s perspective on building a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready financial ecosystem. P@SHA emphasized a phased approach to vernacular AI adoption in BFSI – moving from automation to agentic, voice-first financial services in local languages, while advocating for “sovereign AI” to ensure citizen data remains within national infrastructure. He also outlined the potential of cross-border digital payments through shared DLT-based systems enabling instant, low-cost settlements. It was further stated that there is a need for stronger public-private collaboration through a national council integrating regulated and non-regulated stakeholders, alongside initiatives like hackathons and a formal SBP-P@SHA engagement framework to accelerate innovation, capacity building, and inclusive digital transformation.
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Central Executive Committee
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April 2nd, 2026
P@SHA CEC Members – Judges at Citadel Startup Challenge 2026
Dr. Sonia Saleem and Salman Dar were recognized as judges at the Citadel Jeddah KSA Startup Challenge 2026. The final round was held at the COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad under the leadership of Ikram Sehgal. Both Dr. Sonia Saleem and Salman Dar received shields in recognition of their role as esteemed judges.
The energy, creativity, and problem-solving mindset demonstrated by the participating entrepreneurs truly reflect the strength and future of our innovation ecosystem.
We look forward to seeing these ventures scale and create meaningful impact on a global level.
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April 10th, 2026
P@SHA CEC Members Attends National Finale of PIXS 2026.
On 10th April, Sajjad Syed (Chairman, P@SHA), Raheel Iqbal (CEO of The Game Storm Studios (Private) Limited), Usman Akbar (Founder & CEO, PureLogics), Muhammad Haris Naseer (COO, InfoTech Group), and Kheezran Khan (Director Brand & Global Outreach, P@SHA) attended the National Finale of PIXS 2026.
The evaluation process featured Muhammad Haris Naseer as a jury member, assessing some of Pakistan’s most promising export-ready digital ventures. Sajjad Syed served as an observer jury member, alongside other distinguished industry representatives, contributing valuable insights and depth to the evaluation process. He also delivered a keynote address, sharing perspectives on strengthening Pakistan’s digital exports and supporting high-potential technology ventures.
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April 24th, 2026
P@SHA Chairman Meets Advisor to the Chief Minister on AI & Special Initiatives
On 24th April, Chairman P@SHA Sajjad Syed had a productive meeting with the Advisor to the Chief Minister on AI & Special Initiatives, Ali Dar, to explore avenues for strengthening collaboration between P@SHA and the Office of AI.
The discussion focused on mobilizing Pakistan’s tech youth, expanding AI-focused training initiatives, and enhancing skill development to improve employability across the province.
This reflects a shared commitment to advancing AI capabilities and building a future-ready digital workforce in Pakistan.
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April 27th, 2026
P@SHA × Labour Department × Science & IT Department, Government of Sindh 3rd Tripartite Meeting
On 27th April 2026, a productive meeting was held at the Science & Information Technology Department, Government of Sindh, bringing together key government stakeholders and P@SHA to review progress and address compliance challenges faced by Sindh’s IT industry.
The P@SHA delegation, led by Mohammad Munaf (Co-Chair, Industry Engagement Committee), engaged with Mr. Zulfikar Ali Nizamani (Secretary Science & IT Department) and Mr. Nazeer Soomro (DG Labour & Human Resource Department) to discuss key regulatory and operational issues impacting the sector.
The discussion focused on making compliance more streamlined, transparent, and industry-friendly, with practical steps agreed upon for better facilitation of the IT sector.
P@SHA appreciates the Science & Information Technology Department, Government of Sindh, for their open, solution-oriented approach and commitment to working closely with the industry. This collaboration marks an important step towards creating a more enabling environment for IT sector growth in Sindh.
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April 4th - 5th, 2026
The National Skill Competency Test (NSCT)
The National Skill Competency Test (NSCT), held on 4–5 April, marked a key step toward bridging the industry–academia skills gap in computing education. The initiative was led by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in collaboration with the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication (MoITT), P@SHA, and PSEB, with competency areas defined through a Technical Committee comprising industry, academia, and accreditation bodies.
The Virtual University of Pakistan conducted the computer-based test, while coordination and facilitation were managed by the National Computing Education Accreditation Council (NCEAC) Secretariat under the oversight of HEC, MoITT, PSEB, and P@SHA.
The assessment was actively monitored by P@SHA Vice Chairman Raheel Iqbal, Syeda Safa Hasany (P@SHA), Faisal Jeddy (CEO, PSEB), along with representatives from HEC and MoITT, ensuring credibility and alignment with improving graduate employability.
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April, 2026
CXO Mentorship Program 2026
We’re pleased to share that mentor applications for the P@SHA CXO Mentorship Program 2026 have been received and shortlisted.
The program connects experienced industry leaders with emerging CXOs to foster leadership development, knowledge sharing, and industry collaboration within Pakistan’s IT & ITeS sector.
As a mentor, participants will guide young CXOs, share insights and best practices, and contribute to building stronger industry connections.
Program Structure:
A structured mentorship commitment of approximately 12–15 hours, with flexible engagement formats (virtual and/or in-person).
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April, 2026
AKEPB x P@SHA SkillSprint- Deadline extended
P@SHA is sharing an RFP on behalf of the Silver Jubilee Development Agency (SJDA) for the SkillSprint Skills Development Initiative. The program aims to train 150 participants in Karachi and Islamabad across high-demand tech domains.
Selected partners will deliver end-to-end training, including curriculum, execution, assessment, and employability support.
Deadline: May 15, 2026
Submission: irfan.amir@sjdap.org (electronic)
🔗 Download RFP: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u1k1kHmN-zMHVhwiF5R1fvUDu8JyGQqH/view
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April 18th, 2026
Training Session Highlights: Scaling Through Systems and Sales Funnels
P@SHA’s Startups & Entrepreneurship Committee successfully conducted a high-impact training session on Scaling Companies with Systems & Sales Funnels, led by Ateeb Hilal, Founder & CEO of Humantek.
The session focused on building scalable systems, reducing founder dependency, and creating predictable growth through optimized sales funnels. Participants gained practical frameworks and real-world insights on aligning marketing and sales, and scaling both service and product-based businesses.
The session was attended by Usman Akbar, Chair P@SHA Startups & Entrepreneurship Committee, further reinforcing the committee’s commitment to enabling founder growth and industry development.
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| April 21st, 2026 |
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| Federal Budget 2026–27 Policy Recommendations |
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P@SHA has released its Federal Budget 2026–27 policy recommendations to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy and boost IT exports.
Despite IT & ITeS exports crossing $3.8B, further growth depends on a supportive policy framework. Key proposals include extending the 0.25% Final Tax Regime, fixing workforce tax issues, enabling venture capital, investing in digital skills, promoting “Made in Pakistan” IT procurement, and simplifying domestic taxation.
These reforms aim to increase foreign exchange earnings, create high-value jobs, and position Pakistan as a global digital services hub.
P@SHA thanks its leadership, CEC, Government Relations Committee members, and contributors for their efforts in developing and finalizing the recommendations. |
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| April 1st, 2026 |
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| Asad Ur Rehman Wins Most Influential CEO 2026 Asia at APAC Insider Awards |
Asad Ur Rehman has been recognized as Most Influential Technology Leader CEO of the Year 2026 Asia, while Cubic Solutions Inc. received the Global Software Delivery Excellence Award 2026 by APAC Insider. These honors reflect outstanding leadership and the company’s commitment to innovation, scalable solutions, and delivering world class digital services, reinforcing a strong presence in the global technology landscape.
View Website |
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| April 16th, 2026 |
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| MarsHub Rises Four Spots to #75 in Nimdzi 100 Global Rankings |
MarsHub has climbed four positions in the prestigious Nimdzi 100, rising from #79 to #75 among the world's largest language service providers. The advancement reflects the company's continued growth in translation, localization, interpreting, and language technology solutions. With core strengths in media localization, language testing, and AI-driven services, MarsHub continues to expand its global footprint in the competitive language services industry.
View Website |
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May 18th - 19th, 2026
TechEx North America 2026
P@SHA is taking a delegation to TechEx North America 2026, taking place at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, California, USA, from May 18–19, 2026.
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June 8th – 12th, 2026
London Tech Week 2026
London Tech Week 2026 will be held from 8–12 June 2026 in London, United Kingdom. It is one of Europe’s most prominent technology events, bringing together innovators, investors, enterprises, and policymakers from across the global tech ecosystem.
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August 23rd – 25th, 2026
Contact.io
Explore new opportunities in the global contact center and performance marketing ecosystem at Contact.io 2026, scheduled to take place from August 23 to 25, 2026 in Denver.
Contact.io is a highly focused, deal-driven conference that brings together leaders from call-based marketing, BPOs, lead generation firms, and customer engagement technology providers. The event is designed for businesses that generate revenue through inbound and outbound customer interactions, making it particularly relevant for Pakistan’s growing BPO and CX sector.
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August 31st – September 3rd, 2026
Leap 2026
We are pleased to inform you that P@SHA will be taking a delegation to LEAP 2026, scheduled to take place from August 31st – September 3rd, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
LEAP is one of the world’s largest and most influential technology events, bringing together global technology leaders, startups, investors, and policymakers from across the globe.
We invite our members to express their interest in joining the P@SHA delegation and representing Pakistan’s dynamic technology sector at this premier international platform.
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| Secretariat |
Daftarkhwan Alpha, Old Airport Rd, Chaklala Cantt., Rawalpindi, Pakistan. |
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