By: Syeda Shehrbano Kazim
Pakistan is becoming a global tech powerhouse, with a strong talent pool, strategic access to Asia, and a favorable time zone. Excelling in software solutions and outsourcing, it is advancing in AI, Metaverse, blockchain, and cloud computing, offering unique opportunities for global investors.
This year, Pakistan has been recognized as the ‘Tech Destination of the Year 2024’ by GITEX Global, creating an unparalleled opportunity for Pakistani companies to engage with global tech leaders, investors, and potential collaborators. With IT/ITeS companies exporting to 170 countries, Pakistan offers an exceptional value proposition, delivering services at up to 70% lower operational costs compared to North America.
Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that Pakistan’s emergence as a global technology hub was solidified as the country was named “Tech Destination of the Year” at GITEX. The minister in her congratulatory message extended congratulations to all the participants, delegates and companies which represented Pakistan at GITEX Global 2024 held in Dubai. She said, “Your dedication and hard work have made this event a huge success for Pakistan, showcasing the remarkable potential of our IT industry on the global stage.”
Concurrently with Gitex Global, the SAMENA Telecommunications Council successfully held its second edition of the SAMENA Leadership and Excellence Awards in Digital-development (“SAMENA LEADs”). The SAMENA LEADs recognized telecom operators and regulators across South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia in the categories of Innovation Excellence, Business Leadership, User Experience Delivery, Fixed Wireless Access Success, and Regulatory Enablement, where the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) received the LEAD in Regulatory Enablement for the Commitment to Enabling Digital Safety of Children, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd. (PTCL) snared the prestigious Best Business Strategy & Expansion Award.
At the SAMENA LEAD Awards 2024, Richard Liu, President, ICT Marketing and Solution Sales, Huawei honored telecom pioneers and highlighted the crucial role of regional governments in advancing 5G, AI, and digital transformation. He reaffirmed Huawei’s commitment to collaborating with operators to boost Middle East’s global ICT standing. “The pioneering initiatives in 5G, AI, and digital transformation by the regional carriers are helping to boost the entire region’s economy and advancing the transformation goals,” said Liu.
Bocar BA, CEO & Board Member of SAMENA Council said, “SAMENA Leadership & Excellence Awards in Digital Development are designed to identify key strengths and showcase how a company’s greatness can be harnessed to achieve equally great milestones at the ecosystem level.”
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has taken several initiatives to protect children in the digital space and ensure their safety while using telecommunications and internet services, blocking inappropriate content, running cyber safety awareness campaigns, collaborating with law enforcement agencies, and developing and maintaining regulations and frameworks for child protection.
The PTCL Group has taken significant strategic initiatives to strengthen Pakistan’s telecom and digital ecosystem. Mr. Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO PTCL, said, “The vision is to take PTCL Group beyond connectivity and a telecom-only company. We aspire to be a key technology player in Pakistan, a true digital enabler. We believe that the role of telecommunications is evolving towards being an enabler for societies, for people and for governments as it transforms and accelerates the economy to fulfil the vision of the government and communities at large.”
He further added, “The aspiration to be on the map of the global digital eco-system is only possible when you have a robust digital infrastructure. Hence, we are improving and investing in our core infrastructure, which includes mobile network, fixed broadband, Data Centres and other key technologies that will further strengthen our presence in the digital era. We are open to new avenues, partnerships and modern technology that will propel us to be industry leaders.”
