Gilgit hosted the HBL P@SHA CXO Meetup, bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and tech entrepreneurs for an in-depth discussion on the region’s growing information technology ecosystem. The event focused on the intersection of talent, technology, and collaboration as drivers of Gilgit-Baltistan’s emerging digital economy. Moderated by Laraib Farhat, Manager Policy & Government Affairs at P@SHA, the session aimed to highlight strategies for accelerating regional IT development and creating opportunities for youth and businesses alike.
The panel featured distinguished voices including Riaz Ahmed, Secretary IT Gilgit-Baltistan; Brigadier Syed Nadir Hussain Shah, Project Director for IT & Telecom at the Special Investment Facilitation Council; Muhammad Zohaib Khan, CEO A2Z Creatorz and former Chairman P@SHA; and Nadia Iqbal, P@SHA CEC Member and CEO/Co-Founder of Tech ALPHAlogix. Discussions emphasized the importance of leveraging local talent, encouraging startup growth, and facilitating partnerships between the public and private sectors to strengthen the region’s tech ecosystem.
Panelists explored the challenges and opportunities unique to Gilgit-Baltistan, stressing the potential of digital infrastructure, government support, and investment in human capital. Topics included scaling digital services, improving connectivity, and empowering entrepreneurs to compete in national and international markets. Experts also shared insights into how collaborative efforts between industry leaders and government bodies can create sustainable frameworks for long-term economic growth.
Attendees engaged in interactive sessions addressing practical pathways for youth engagement, talent development programs, and the introduction of innovative technologies to local businesses. The meetup underscored the region’s readiness to participate in Pakistan’s broader digital economy, highlighting real-world applications of technology in education, trade, and service delivery. With strong participation from both private and public stakeholders, the event reinforced Gilgit-Baltistan’s potential as a hub for emerging IT ventures, setting the stage for future initiatives that connect local startups with national and global markets.
The HBL P@SHA CXO Meetup in Gilgit provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and networking, positioning the region as an increasingly significant player in Pakistan’s technology landscape. The event concluded with a commitment to continue fostering digital innovation and collaboration, ensuring that Gilgit-Baltistan remains aligned with the country’s national tech ambitions.
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