ComputerWorld Pakistan sat down with Muhammad Zohaib Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), at his office in August 2023 to discuss his vision for the IT industry. This is the first part of a two-part series, where we delve into his insights on Pakistan’s technology sector.
Muhammad Zohaib Khan, Chairman of P@SHA, sat down with us to share his journey and vision for Pakistan’s thriving IT industry. In this exclusive conversation with our Editorial team at CW Pakistan, he shares his insights on the growth of Pakistan’s IT industry, P@SHA’s initiatives, and his vision for the future.
As we began our conversation, Khan took us back to his early days in the tech sector, which started in 1998 with the development of his company A2Z Creatorz, a web development and IT Outsourcing Solutions company.
“I was driven by a passion to promote Pakistan’s tech image globally,” Khan recalls.
“There was no concept of mobile apps back then, but we knew we had to do something to put Pakistan on the tech map.”
With a passion for technology and a deep-rooted commitment to Pakistan’s development, Zohaib Khan has played a pivotal role in fostering innovation and growth within the sector. Khan’s involvement with P@SHA began around 10 years ago, and he has since been instrumental in shaping the organization’s focus areas. He took the seat as Chairman of the Association in September 2022, and has previously contributed to P@SHA under the CEC, particularly passionate about “Brand Pakistan”.
“At P@SHA, we have concentrated on four main verticals:
Skills Development, Brand Pakistan,
Policy Advocacy, and Global Participation”
Under Khan’s leadership, P@SHA has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting Pakistan’s IT industry. One notable example is the “Tech Destination Pakistan” slogan, which has become synonymous with the country’s tech sector. “We wanted to create a brand that would resonate globally,” Khan said. “We’re proud to say that it’s now recognized worldwide.”
P@SHA Connect is another brainchild of Khan’s, a platform designed for B2B networking and promoting Pakistani IT companies globally. “We’ve had tremendous success with P@SHA Connect,” Khan shared. “It’s helped us connect with potential buyers and investors, and we’re seeing tangible results.”
P@SHA has been actively involved in promoting Pakistan’s IT capabilities on the global stage. And not just in the West, or countries where Pakistani IT companies have already established a footprint in the last few decades. P@SHA has been instrumental in expanding Pakistan’s IT industry beyond traditional markets. By actively participating in international events and fostering collaborations with foreign partners, the association has successfully promoted Pakistan’s capabilities in emerging regions like the Middle East, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and other territories unfamiliar to the Pakistan IT industry.
The Middle East has emerged as a significant market for Pakistan’s IT services. P@SHA has actively engaged with regional players, exploring opportunities for collaboration in areas such as fintech, healthcare IT, and e-government. The association has participated in events like GITEX in Dubai and LEAP in Riyadh, Web Summit in Doha, to showcase Pakistani IT solutions and connect with potential clients and partners. By participating in international events, fostering collaborations with foreign partners, and showcasing success stories, P@SHA has helped to enhance Pakistan’s reputation as a destination for IT investment and talent.
APICTA, a global event of scale, was another milestone for P@SHA under Khan’s leadership. Zohaib Khan, during his tenure as Chairman of P@SHA, played a pivotal role in successfully hosting the Asia Pacific ICT Awards (APICTA) in Pakistan along with the CEC and leadership of P@SHA. This prestigious international event, which recognizes excellence in information and communications technology (ICT) across the Asia Pacific region, was a significant milestone for Pakistan’s IT industry. Hosting APICTA showcased the country’s growing capabilities and potential as a technology hub.
“Hosting APICTA not only boosted Pakistan’s international reputation but also provided a valuable platform for local IT companies to network with global peers and explore opportunities for collaboration. It was a game-changer for Pakistan’s image in the tech industry. We had over 170 foreign IT delegates attend, and it marked a turning point for our industry.”
Khan emphasized the importance of collaboration with government ministries, embassies, and trade commissioners to promote IT exports. “We need to work together to create a conducive business environment,” he stressed. “Continuity and consistency in policy-making are crucial for our growth.”
Talent Pipeline
As we discussed the challenges facing Pakistan’s IT industry, Khan highlighted the need for upskilling and reskilling programs.
“We have a vast pool of talent, but we need to ensure they’re equipped with the latest skills. We’re working on initiatives to address this, including boot camps and training programs including TechLift.”
P@SHA also has a countrywide program TechLift, aimed at capacity building. The program was launched under a partnership between P@SHA and PSEB, is a pioneering bootcamp program designed to equip young professionals in Pakistan with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the IT industry.
By offering a comprehensive curriculum, expert mentorship, career advisory, and job placement services, TechLift provides a holistic approach to developing talent. The program focuses on industry-relevant training, ensuring participants are well-prepared for the workforce. TechLift has had a significant impact on the lives of many young professionals, helping them launch successful careers and contributing to the growth of Pakistan’s IT ecosystem.
Looking to the future, Khan is optimistic about Pakistan’s potential to reach $10-15 billion in IT exports within five years. “We have the talent, and we have the drive,” he said. “With the right environment and support, we can achieve this goal.”
As our conversation drew to a close, Khan reflected on his journey and the progress made so far. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, but I know there’s still much work to be done,” he said. “I’m committed to continuing our efforts to promote Pakistan’s IT industry and create opportunities for our youth.”
With Khan at the helm, P@SHA is poised to drive Pakistan’s IT industry to new heights. His leadership and vision have already made a significant impact, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
