Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), emphasized Pakistan’s impressive presence at GITEX Global 2024 in Dubai, marked by the inauguration of the Pakistan Pavilion and the eagerly awaited Pakistan Night, coordinated by P@SHA and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB).
Syed noted that these events highlighted Pakistan’s vibrant IT sector and elevated its recognition as the official Tech Destination of the Year by GITEX Global. The inauguration featured distinguished attendees, including Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE, officials from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Muhammad Umair Nizam, Senior Vice Chairman of P@SHA, Raheel Iqbal, Vice Chairman of P@SHA, and CEOs from leading Pakistani IT firms.
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The P@SHA Chairman remarked that being named Tech Destination of the Year on a global platform is transformative, setting the foundation for significant growth in Pakistan’s IT and ITeS exports, provided there is consistency in trade, taxation, SME, IT industry, and STZA-related policies.
Muhammad Umair Nizam explained that Pakistan Night facilitated exclusive networking among industry leaders, government representatives, and tech innovators, fostering discussions about business partnerships, investments, joint ventures, and bilateral collaborations, thereby strengthening the ties between Pakistan and the UAE across various tech sectors.
Haris Naseer, P@SHA Treasurer, underscored the association’s pivotal role in economic growth and human resource development. Dr. Sohail Munir elaborated on the IT sector’s significant contributions to the UAE’s digital transformation.
Raheel Iqbal shared that 80 Pakistani companies, representing IT, ITeS, high-tech sub-sectors, and supporting industries, participated in the event, fostering a tech ecosystem essential for the country’s socioeconomic advancement.
Ali Zaib Khan, Trade & Investment Counselor at the Pakistan Embassy in the UAE, stressed the need to enhance Pakistan-UAE tech relations. Zeeshan Rehman Khattak, Acting CEO of PSEB, provided insights into the milestones of Pakistan’s thriving IT industry.
Nadeem Malik, Secretary General of P@SHA, highlighted GITEX Global 2024 as a prime platform for Pakistan, generating contracts, MoUs, and B2B connections.
The event concluded with remarks from Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, reiterating the importance of bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies between Pakistan and the UAE, facilitated through B2B and government-to-government partnerships.