Day 1 of GITEX Global 2025 marked an exciting beginning for Pakistan’s participation at one of the world’s most prestigious technology events. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Pakistan inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at Dubai World Trade Centre, highlighting the nation’s growing digital strength and global ambitions. The Pavilion serves as a unified platform for government organizations, entrepreneurs, and innovators to present Pakistan’s digital transformation journey and its evolving role in the global technology ecosystem. This year, ten emerging startups are representing Pakistan, showcasing their innovative solutions across multiple sectors and reflecting the country’s expanding entrepreneurial potential.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Khawaja led Pakistan’s delegation and delivered a keynote on “AI and Connectivity: A Model for Emerging Economies,” where she outlined the government’s National AI Policy. Her address emphasized responsible AI development, ethical governance, and public–private collaboration as core principles for inclusive technological advancement. During her visit, she met with H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of AI, to discuss cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The Minister also held discussions with Massimo Falcioni, Chief Competitiveness Officer at Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Muneeb Anjum, CEO at AHAD, and senior representatives from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, focusing on investment, cybersecurity, and innovation partnerships.
The day also featured significant activity at the Pakistan Pavilion, where the inauguration was attended by Federal Minister Shaza Khawaja, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE H.E. Faisal Tirmizi, P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Syed, Senior Vice Chairman Muhammad Umair Nizam, CEC Members Sheikh Abdul Qadir and Usman Akbar, Director Brand and Global Outreach Kheezran Khan, and former Chairman Muhammad Zohaib Khan. Following the inauguration, the delegation toured various booths, engaging directly with startup representatives and appreciating the innovative solutions being presented.
Throughout the day, networking and strategic meetings continued among Pakistani delegates and global tech leaders. Sajjad Syed, Muhammad Umair Nizam, Sheikh Abdul Qadir, and Usman Akbar met with representatives from HBL to discuss future collaborations that could strengthen Pakistan’s technology ecosystem. Kheezran Khan engaged with international visitors to explore branding and outreach opportunities, while Muhammad Zohaib Khan connected with industry executives to foster potential knowledge exchange and investment prospects. The P@SHA team also attended the GITEX Power Summit and visited various international pavilions, including Bahrain’s, further expanding connections with regional counterparts.
The opening day concluded on a high note with strong participation, vibrant networking, and positive engagements that set the tone for the rest of the event. Pakistan’s active presence at GITEX Global 2025 reflects its continued drive to promote innovation, build international partnerships, and strengthen its standing in the global technology arena.
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