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The Sindh government has pledged full support for developing Pakistan’s technology talent, strengthening digital skills and creating a business-friendly environment for IT entrepreneurs and startups.
Special Assistant to the Sindh Chief Minister for Science and Information Technology Ali Rashid made the commitment while addressing the Pakistan edition of the World CIO 200 Summit & Awards 2026 in Karachi.
Rashid, who attended the event as chief guest, called for closer cooperation between the government, private sector and technology leaders. He said stronger partnerships could help accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation and support economic growth.
The daylong summit was organised by the Global CIO Forum in partnership with ITCN Asia at a Karachi hotel. Around 1,000 senior IT leaders, cybersecurity experts, technology entrepreneurs, innovators and corporate executives attended the event.
Pakistani technology professionals working abroad also participated in the summit.
Rashid said the large turnout reflected Pakistan’s growing pool of skilled and aspiring technology professionals.
He said the Sindh government has launched IT education and training programmes for college and university students. The programmes aim to address the growing skills gap in advanced and emerging technology fields.
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“Learning the latest IT skills is no longer an option; it has become essential for fresh talent entering Pakistan’s economic, financial and industrial workforce,” Rashid said.
He stressed that university graduates must develop modern technology skills to remain competitive as technology continues to transform science, business and the wider economy.
The special assistant said the Sindh government also wants to create opportunities for technology entrepreneurs to innovate and build sustainable businesses.
He invited IT professionals, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to work with the government on meaningful public-private partnerships.
“The doors of my office are always open to emerging technology talent and technology leadership in Pakistan,” Rashid said.
Syed Abdul Qadir, Executive Director at A.F. Ferguson (PwC Pakistan) and Global Advisor to the summit, said Pakistan’s technology professionals could play a central role in shaping the country’s digital future.
He said Pakistan’s IT sector has reached a defining stage. The country has a large pool of emerging talent alongside increasingly sophisticated technology infrastructure, he added.
Qadir identified three key strengths: a growing technology workforce, a strong aptitude for innovation and modern technology infrastructure.
He said combining these strengths could help transform Pakistan’s IT ecosystem and strengthen its position in the global technology economy.
According to Qadir, the summit also provided a platform to connect talent, leadership, innovation and technology from Pakistan and abroad.
Dr Erdal Ozkaya, President of the Global CISO Forum, said the participation of senior technology leaders and young professionals showed the depth of Pakistan’s technology workforce.
He said Pakistani technology professionals have the potential to compete with talent from developed economies.
Ozkaya added that the World CIO Summit would continue recognising and supporting emerging IT talent through professional development and industry opportunities.
He said the Karachi event was part of the World CIO 200 Roadshow 2026, a global initiative involving technology and business leaders from more than 60 countries.
He also highlighted the importance of connecting Pakistan’s technology sector with the international ecosystem.
Muhammad Umair Nizam, CEO of ITCN Asia, said Sindh, particularly Karachi, has the potential to become a major regional technology hub.
He pointed to the city’s large pool of young technology talent and growing digital infrastructure.
Nizam called for closer cooperation between the government, private sector, technology entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
He also stressed the role of universities in developing future technology leaders.
Universities, he said, should focus beyond producing graduates. They should also help develop innovators, startup founders and entrepreneurs capable of creating globally competitive products and businesses.
Syed Amir Ali, CEO and President of Meezan Bank, urged Pakistan’s corporate sector to invest more actively in technology talent.
He said companies should support young technology professionals through training and professional development opportunities.
Greater corporate investment, he added, could help accelerate innovation and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global technology sector.
The summit also recognised senior technology professionals for their contributions to the industry.
Around 50 senior technology and IT executives received the Tech Leader Excellence Award for their professional achievements and leadership.
The event brought CIOs, CISOs, technology executives, cybersecurity specialists, entrepreneurs, innovators and emerging IT professionals together under one platform.
Speakers agreed that Pakistan’s technology future will depend on connecting young talent with advanced skills, modern infrastructure and entrepreneurial opportunities.
They also stressed the importance of corporate investment and supportive government policies.
The summit highlighted a growing consensus within Pakistan’s technology ecosystem. The country has significant human capital and technological potential.
However, speakers said turning that potential into global leadership will require sustained investment in skills, innovation, infrastructure and entrepreneurship. Stronger cooperation between government, industry, academia and the technology community will also remain essential.
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