Pakistan Digital Authority has announced the appointment of Dr. Sahibzada Ali Mahmud as its Chief Digital Public Infrastructure Officer, bringing one of Pakistan’s most experienced technology leaders into a role that sits at the heart of the authority’s mandate to build and govern the country’s digital public infrastructure. Dr. Mahmud joins PDA with over 22 years of leadership spanning digital transformation, artificial intelligence, innovation, policy, and technology strategy across government, academia, and the global technology industry.
His career profile is particularly well suited to the demands of the Chief Digital Public Infrastructure Officer role. At the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board, he led transformational digital initiatives that helped position one of Pakistan’s most challenging provinces as a meaningful participant in the national technology ecosystem. His work on digital governance frameworks demonstrated an ability to navigate the intersection of policy and technology implementation that public sector digital infrastructure projects require in abundance. At NETSOL Technologies, he drove artificial intelligence-led innovation within a globally operating technology firm, adding commercial and international dimensions to a career that has otherwise been deeply rooted in public service and national technology development.
Dr. Mahmud’s contributions to Pakistan’s digital landscape have earned recognition at both national and international levels, including honours from the President of Pakistan and recognition at the World Chief Information Officer 200 Summit. For Pakistan Digital Authority, which was established under the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025 to serve as the country’s central body for digital public infrastructure governance, the appointment signals an intent to bring senior leadership with proven delivery credentials into the organisation at a moment when PDA’s mandate is rapidly expanding. From overseeing artificial intelligence hiring across federal ministries to coordinating digital identity and public service delivery frameworks, the authority’s responsibilities have grown significantly since its establishment, and having a dedicated Chief Digital Public Infrastructure Officer with Dr. Mahmud’s depth of experience gives PDA the technical leadership profile its growing remit demands.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
