The Sindh government pledged support for technology training and startups at the World CIO 200 Summit & Awards 2026. Officials and industry leaders called for closer cooperation to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy and global competitiveness.
Ali Rashid, special assistant to the Sindh chief minister for science and information technology, addressed the Pakistan edition as chief guest. He urged government, businesses and technology leaders to work together on digital transformation and economic recovery.
Global CIO Forum organised the daylong event with ITCN Asia at a Karachi hotel. Around 1,000 IT leaders, cybersecurity specialists, entrepreneurs, innovators and corporate executives attended, including Pakistani-origin professionals working overseas.
Sindh promises skills and startup support
Rashid said the turnout demonstrated Pakistan’s substantial technology talent pool. He said Sindh had launched IT education and training programmes for college and university students to address emerging skills shortages.
“Learning the latest IT skills is no longer an option; it has become essential for fresh talent entering Pakistan’s economic, financial and industrial workforce if we are to turn around the country’s economy,” Rashid said.
He urged graduates to acquire contemporary skills as technology reshapes science, business and industry. Sindh would support advanced training while helping entrepreneurs innovate and build sustainable businesses, he added.
“The doors of my office are always open to emerging technology talent and technology leadership in Pakistan,” Rashid said.
He invited professionals and entrepreneurs to develop public-private partnerships with the government.
Industry leaders outline Pakistan’s potential
Syed Abdul Qadir, executive director at A.F. Ferguson (PwC Pakistan) and the summit’s global advisor, delivered the keynote address. He said participants could become the “architects and brains” behind Pakistan’s digital future.
Qadir identified three strengths: emerging talent, an aptitude for innovation and increasingly sophisticated technology infrastructure. Combining them effectively could transform Pakistan’s IT sector, he said. He described the summit as a platform connecting talent, leadership and innovation.
Global CISO Forum President Dr. Erdal Ozkaya said Pakistan’s technology workforce could compete with professionals in developed countries. He pledged continued recognition, support and development opportunities for emerging talent.
Ozkaya said the event formed part of the World CIO 200 Roadshow 2026, spanning more than 60 countries. The organiser’s website also lists responsible artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud systems and future workforce needs among this year’s themes.
Karachi hub ambitions and leadership awards
ITCN Asia CEO Muhammad Umair Nizam said Sindh, particularly Karachi, could become a regional IT hub through its talent and infrastructure.
He urged stronger government-industry cooperation. Universities should develop innovators, startup founders and technology leaders capable of building globally competitive products and businesses, he said.
Meezan Bank President and CEO Syed Amir Ali urged corporations to invest in training and professional development for young technology workers.
Around 50 senior technology and IT executives received the Tech Leader Excellence Award for their achievements and leadership.
The gathering enabled CIOs, CISOs, entrepreneurs and emerging professionals to exchange ideas and explore partnerships. Speakers stressed that sustained investment in skills, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and supportive policies would determine Pakistan’s technological progress.
