On the second day of LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, Pakistan’s Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, engaged in pivotal discussions to bolster the nation’s digital transformation. In a significant meeting with Barry Xu, Vice President for Middle East & Central Asia Cloud at Huawei, both parties explored collaborative opportunities in cloud technology and digital advancement. This dialogue underscored a mutual dedication to enhancing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure through strategic alliances.
Furthering her commitment to technological progress, Minister Khawaja conferred with Ibrahim Neyaz, CEO of the National Technology Development Program (NTDP). Their conversation centered on joint efforts in technology development and digital transformation, highlighting a shared resolve to foster innovation and strengthen strategic partnerships within Pakistan’s IT sector. In her address at the conference, Minister Khawaja emphasized the importance of ethical governance in artificial intelligence. She advocated for multilateral cooperation and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, benefiting all segments of society.
The day’s events also featured the inauguration of the Pakistan Pavilion by Minister Khawaja, marking the country’s largest-ever participation at LEAP. With over 100 Pakistani IT companies and more than 1,000 delegates in attendance, the pavilion showcased the nation’s burgeoning tech industry. Pakistani firms actively engaged in strategic networking, forming partnerships and joint ventures with global tech leaders, thereby underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to boosting IT exports and attracting foreign investments. LEAP 2025’s second day was marked by the announcement of over $7.5 billion in investments in data centers, submarine and fiber-optic cable networks, and other technological advancements. These substantial investments aim to strengthen the global tech ecosystem, presenting new opportunities for countries like Pakistan to integrate and collaborate on large-scale projects.
The Pakistan Pavilion buzzed with activity as companies such as Funavry Technologies, Iciltek, Inbox Business Technologies, Maanz AI, Pakistan Telecom Cables Limited (PTCL Cables), Abacus, TMC – TallyMarks Consulting, and Confiz showcased their innovative solutions. Their presentations attracted significant attention from international investors and industry leaders, reflecting the global community’s growing interest in Pakistan’s tech potential. As the day concluded, it was evident that Pakistan had solidified its position as a rising force in the global tech landscape. The strategic engagements and collaborations initiated on Day 2 of LEAP 2025 set a promising trajectory for the nation’s digital future, aligning with its vision of becoming a leading tech destination.
