As the baton for P@SHA’s Chair passes on, a continued look at Muhammad Zohaib Khan’s legacy as Chairman P@SHA, part two of an exclusive interview feature with CWPakistan. Here’s a look back at his contributions and the forward-thinking leadership he has provided, influencing not just the trajectory of Pakistan’s technology industry but also shaping its policies and global reputation.During his time as Chairman, Khan demonstrated a profound understanding of the complexities and dynamics of the IT landscape.
He navigated the sector through economic fluctuations and policy challenges with a clear vision and steady hand. His leadership was marked by significant achievements, including substantial growth in IT exports, which hit a remarkable $3.2 billion in 2024. This growth was not just in numbers but also in the strength and diversity of Pakistan’s IT offerings on the global stage.
Under his leadership, P@SHA did not just advocate for better policies but also implemented practical solutions that bridged the gap between local capabilities and global opportunities. As his tenure comes to an end, the industry looks forward to maintaining the momentum he has created. Khan’s legacy is not just the growth achieved during his time but also the robust foundation he has built for future leaders.
Read Part 1 of the interview with Muhammad Zohaib Khan here
The future outlook he envisions for P@SHA and the broader IT industry in Pakistan is optimistic, aiming for continued innovation and expansion. This interview article will explore the key aspects of his tenure, celebrating his achievements, and discussing the strategic direction for the future of Pakistan’s IT sector under new leadership.
Driving Global Competitiveness in Pakistan’s IT Sector
Muhammad Zohaib Khan’s leadership period at P@SHA has significantly enhanced the global competitiveness of Pakistan’s IT sector. Reflecting on his term, Khan shares, “It’s been an amazing journey. I have had the opportunity to work with great teams in the private sector and the public sector.” This broad engagement has facilitated a well-rounded approach to tackling industry challenges and leveraging opportunities for growth.
Khan’s approach was holistic; he focused on three critical pillars: branding and marketing Pakistan’s IT sector, enhancing skills within the workforce, and improving policy frameworks to support technological advancements. He championed initiatives that brought Pakistani IT to the forefront of international markets, such as actively participating in global tech events and creating platforms for local IT companies to shine internationally.
The impact of these strategic pillars was profound. By prioritizing branding and marketing, Khan was able to position Pakistan as a promising destination for IT outsourcing and innovation. This was not just about showcasing Pakistan’s capabilities at international platforms but also about creating a narrative that Pakistan is open for business and capable of competing on a global scale. These efforts culminated in significant accomplishments in terms of financial metrics and sectoral growth. June 2024, the reported numbers are Pakistan’s IT exports at USD 3.2bn,” Khan proudly states.
Khan’s approach to enhancing skills within the workforce also contributed greatly to the sector’s achievements. By improving the skill set of IT professionals in Pakistan, P@SHA ensured that the workforce could meet international standards and demands, thereby attracting more business and fostering an environment of innovation. Dedicated committees under the CEC, to champion these causes, have led to high impact in the industry and beyond.
Strategic Diplomacy and Policy Innovations: Overcoming Challenges in the IT Sector
In the last two years, Pakistan’s IT sector faced numerous challenges, ranging from fluctuating global economic conditions to the need for consistent policy frameworks. Recognizing the complexities of these challenges, Khan emphasized the importance of transforming the sector’s reliance on traditional economic models to a more knowledge-centric economy.
Khan’s term, the first two-year term for any Chairman and CEC, was marked by a proactive approach to international engagement and policy reform. Understanding the global nature of the IT industry, he sought to elevate Pakistan’s presence on the world stage through strategic diplomacy and by establishing meaningful partnerships with international stakeholders. A key achievement in this regard was the initiation of the Connections Lounge at GITEX Dubai, followed by hosting similar events on several global delegations led by P@SHA and PSEB. This initiative proved to be a significant milestone, enhancing B2B interactions and opening new avenues for Pakistani IT companies.
PASHA Connect served as a dedicated platform for Pakistani enterprises to engage directly with multinational companies, fostering collaborations and showcasing the capabilities of Pakistan’s IT sector.
Additionally, Khan’s leadership was instrumental in navigating the sector through policy turbulence. He worked tirelessly with various government bodies to ensure that the IT industry’s needs were adequately represented and addressed in policy formulations. His efforts were pivotal during discussions on tax reforms, regulatory adjustments, and in advocating for better intellectual property protections, which collectively aimed to create a more conducive environment for IT businesses to thrive.
Furthermore, Khan’s focus on the knowledge economy involved significant investments in skills development and capacity building. He championed initiatives that aimed to enhance the technical skills of the workforce, thus preparing them for the demands of a digital economy. These programs were critical in ensuring that the local talent pool could compete on an international level, thereby attracting foreign investments and projects to Pakistan.
Building a Legacy and Paving the Way for the Future
He takes a moment to reflect on the legacy he is leaving behind and the future directions he envisions for the Association. His leadership has been characterized by significant engagement across various sectors of the IT industry, with a strong focus on comprehensive development and strategic integration.
“As I reflect on my time as P@SHA Chairman, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together. Every CEC member, be it Cybersecurity, Brand, Industry Engagement, Skills, Academia, FinTech or Made in Pakistan has contributed significantly to PASHA’s success. Their hard work and dedication have paid off.”
Khan also emphasized the importance of leadership continuity. “To maintain our momentum and effectively navigate the global IT landscape, we need stable leadership,” he explained. “The government should implement a system that ensures key leadership roles, particularly those involved in international partnerships, remain in place for at least three to four years.”
Khan’s tenure as P@SHA Chairman has been marked by significant achievements. He has been awarded the IT Industry Icon Award at the recently held silver jubilee of the ITCN Asia ‘24. His strategic leadership, international outreach, and visionary approach have positioned P@SHA as a key player in the global IT landscape. As he prepares to pass the baton, his legacy of growth and innovation, given the challenging circumstances and economic headwinds, will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of Pakistan’s IT industry. His efforts have laid a strong foundation for future leaders to build upon, ensuring that P@SHA remains at the forefront of technological advancements and continues to champion the potential of Pakistan’s IT sector on the global stage.
As he prepares to pass the baton, Khan’s focus remains on the accomplishments of his tenure as well as on setting the stage for future leaders. His dedication to creating a sustainable leadership pipeline is aimed at ensuring that the organization continues to thrive in an ever-changing technological landscape. The initiatives and strategies implemented under his guidance are designed to provide a robust platform for his successors to build upon.
