The HBL P@SHA CXO Meetup in Karachi brought together senior industry executives, government officials and policymakers for direct consultations on accelerating IT exports and Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Ali Rashid, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh on Information Technology, said the provincial leadership views the IT sector as a core engine of economic growth and will prioritise resolving industry challenges. He underscored the government’s intent to work with P@SHA to drive digitization and e-governance across provincial departments while emphasising the need to adopt advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to remain competitive in global markets.
Faisal Jeddy, CEO of the Pakistan Software Export Board, spoke as keynote and outlined PSEB’s strategy to grow IT exports through closer industry engagement. He announced that foreign companies are now eligible to open Roshan Digital Accounts, a move expected to ease cross-border transactions and attract international clients. Jeddy said PSEB will support the construction of IT parks and provide world-class working infrastructure to help local software houses compete globally.
Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Chairman of P@SHA, warned that without investments in AI and 5G infrastructure Pakistan cannot keep pace in the global technology race. He pledged the industry’s advisory and technical support for government plans, including ambitious AI projects, but stressed that delivering true, competitive Ease of Doing Business remains essential to attract foreign clients and investment.
The Secretary of Information Technology for Sindh highlighted the importance of equipping youth with modern skills and technology training aligned to international market needs rather than relying solely on academic degrees. Muhammad Umair Nizam, Senior Vice Chairman of P@SHA, reviewed the association’s achievements over the past 18 months, while industry engagement co-chair Munaf Majeed urged sustained liaison with government to resolve sector issues. Khushnood Aftab called for the rapid completion of Special Technology Zones nationwide to accelerate the Made-in-Pakistan initiative.
Participants agreed that coordinated action by Sindh government, PSEB and P@SHA — combining regulatory reform, infrastructure such as IT parks and Special Technology Zones, updated skilling priorities and new facilities like Roshan Digital Accounts — can create the conditions needed to scale IT exports and secure Pakistan’s place in the global tech ecosystem.
