Pakistan has made a significant impact at LEAP 2025, one of the world’s premier technology and innovation events held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from February 9 to 12, 2025. Leading the delegation, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, highlighted Pakistan’s burgeoning IT sector and its commitment to fostering international collaborations.
In her address at the Pakistan-Saudi Business Forum, Minister Khawaja emphasized the country’s impressive growth in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. She noted a 28% increase in ICT exports during the first half of the fiscal year 2024-25, reaching $1.86 billion. This surge underscores Pakistan’s rapid digital transformation and its emergence as a key player in the global tech arena. The minister also showcased Pakistan’s largest-ever participation at LEAP, with over 100 tech companies and more than 1,000 delegates presenting innovative solutions across various domains, including software development, artificial intelligence, blockchain, fintech, gaming, and robotics. This robust presence reflects the nation’s dedication to advancing its digital economy and strengthening ties with international partners.
Minister Khawaja extended an invitation to Saudi investors, encouraging them to explore opportunities within Pakistan’s fintech, cybersecurity, and cloud computing sectors. She emphasized the mutual benefits of such collaborations, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which focuses on innovation and technological growth. High-level discussions at the Pak-Saudi Business Forum further solidified the commitment to enhancing digital and economic partnerships between the two nations. The event featured distinguished attendees, including Deema Al Yahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), and other key Saudi government and business representatives, highlighting the significance of this growing alliance.
Minister Khawaja also announced plans for Pakistan to host a Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Forum in Islamabad, aiming to attract global investors and further bolster the country’s tech sector. She reaffirmed that under the Pakistan-Saudi Vision 2030, both countries are committed to strengthening ties in emerging technologies. The government’s comprehensive strategy to drive digital economic growth, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is evident in these initiatives. The Digital Nation Act 2025 was highlighted as a transformative step towards strengthening Pakistan’s tech and innovation landscape.
Pakistan’s active participation in LEAP 2025 underscores its dedication to becoming a global hub for technology and innovation, fostering partnerships that promise a prosperous digital future for the nation and its international allies. Tech companies participating in LEAP 2025 are optimistic about securing business deals worth $50 million, leveraging the platform to collaborate with stakeholders, explore business opportunities, and showcase Pakistan’s diverse IT exports.
