P@SHA has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Asian Development Bank to jointly accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation and build long-term economic resilience through tech-driven public policy and industry collaboration. This first-ever formal agreement between the two institutions marks a significant step in aligning multilateral development goals with the needs and capabilities of Pakistan’s fast-growing tech sector.
The MoU was signed by Syed Ali Abbas Hasani, Secretary General of P@SHA, and Nasruminallah Mian, Senior Programs Officer at ADB, laying the groundwork for an expansive, multi-layered partnership. The collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to scaling technology-led solutions, promoting inclusive digital growth, and establishing a robust foundation for innovation ecosystems that benefit government, industry, and society.
Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Chairman P@SHA, termed the partnership a vital milestone for digital sovereignty. He emphasized the role of innovation ecosystems in scaling local talent, promoting equity, and helping Pakistan transition into a resilient, future-ready digital economy. The strategic alignment between P@SHA’s national industry platform and ADB’s developmental mandate opens new channels for coordinated reform, research, and capacity development.
The agreement will facilitate joint initiatives that include research into emerging technologies and evidence-based digital public policy. It will also support a series of capacity-building programs designed to enhance technical and leadership skills through workshops and specialized training forums. Policy roundtables involving stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector are also on the agenda, aimed at informing effective and inclusive digital reform.
In addition, the partnership will enable recognition platforms such as national-level technology awards and innovation-driven initiatives designed to empower startups and foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. These programs aim to cultivate a dynamic tech landscape that is not only globally competitive but also inclusive of underrepresented voices and communities.
Senior leadership from both organizations attended the signing ceremony. From P@SHA, participants included Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed, CEC members Dr. Sonia Saleem and Salman Dar, Secretary General Syed Ali Abbas Hasani, Manager of Policy & Government Affairs Laraib Farhat, Government Affairs Lead Gulraiz Iqbal, and Khayam Abbasi. ADB was represented by key officials from its digital development and regional cooperation teams.
Representing over 1,000 member companies, P@SHA remains the primary industry voice advocating for the advancement of Pakistan’s IT and IT-enabled services sector. The association continues to push for strategic partnerships, progressive regulatory frameworks, and initiatives that position Pakistan as a serious player in the global digital economy.
This MoU is a demonstration of P@SHA’s ongoing mission to align industry objectives with global development strategies. Through its collaboration with ADB, P@SHA aims to unlock new pathways for innovation, investment, and institutional progress, cementing its role as a central driver of digital and economic transformation in Pakistan.
