It is no secret that Pakistan's IT industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. The country's IT sector is known for its strong human capital, competitive cost advantage, and a growing ecosystem of startups and tech companies. Moreover, the government of Pakistan has taken several initiatives to promote and support the IT sector. This includes establishing special technology parks and zones to provide a conducive environment for IT companies to conduct operations.
As a result, these initiatives have not only encouraged investments in the industry but also facilitated the growth of various startups. This created a gateway for the country's IT experts to demonstrate their ability to cultivate innovative solutions and disruptive technologies, gaining recognition worldwide. To highlight the efforts and achievements in the tech sector in Pakistan, here are some of the most influential leaders in the country who have helped shape the landscape.
Jehan Ara | Founder & President, P@SHA
Jehan Ara is a trailblazer in the Pakistani IT industry, renowned for her contributions to the startup ecosystem. As the Founder and President of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), she has been instrumental in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration within the industry.
Jehan Ara's efforts have led to the establishment of numerous incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces that have nurtured the growth of startups in Pakistan. Her relentless advocacy for the IT sector has created a conducive environment for tech companies to thrive and has positioned Pakistan as a hub for innovation and talent.
Jehan Ara's role as President of the industry association (P@SHA) has shown unrelenting passion for improving this industry. She is also working on an initiative known as the Women’s Virtual Network which will connect educated women with potential employers, mentors and peers remotely, thus bringing more women into the economic fold and creating a community that will evolve into a support network for professional women.
Currently, Jehan Ara is collaborating on an initiative called Take Back the Tech which is meant to create awareness on how technology can be harnessed to end Violence against Women and girls. She is also advocating for Cyber Crime, Privacy and Data Protection legislation. She is also a member of the World Bank’s gender advisory council, where she advocates for women in tech, and advises the government of Pakistan’s largest province, Punjab, on IT.
Salim Ghauri | CEO, Netsol Technologies
Salim Ghauri is a highly esteemed entrepreneur and founder of Netsol Technologies, global software solutions, and IT services provider. With a vision to establish Pakistan as a technology powerhouse, Salim Ghauri founded Netsol in 1995 and successfully led the company to become a leading player in the global IT industry. He has been cited as the ‘Bill Gates of Pakistan’, a reference to his incredible achievements as an IT entrepreneur.
Under his leadership, Netsol has achieved remarkable milestones, delivering cutting-edge software products and services to clients across the globe. Salim Ghauri's strategic insight and business understanding have been quite useful in expanding Netsol's operations and driving its international growth.
His unswerving pursuit of excellence, commitment to innovation, and focus on delivering value to customers have earned him numerous accolades and recognition as one of the most influential leaders in Pakistan's IT sector. Salim Ghauri's entrepreneurial journey continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and serves as a testament to the limitless potential of Pakistan's IT industry.
Asif Peer | CEO, Systems Limited
Asif Peer is a visionary leader who has made significant contributions to the IT industry in Pakistan. As the CEO of Systems Limited, one of the country's largest IT services and consulting companies, he has contributed greatly to driving digital transformation and innovation. Under his leadership, Systems Limited has achieved remarkable growth and has become a trusted partner for global clients. Asif Peer's strategic insights and ability to anticipate market trends have positioned the company at the forefront of technological advancements.
His commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has earned Systems Limited a reputation for delivering nothing but the best solutions. Asif Peer was recently conferred with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz award for his 19-year contribution to the IT sector.
He is also on the board of E-Processing Systems Pvt Ltd. and President for The American Business Council of Pakistan, Member of Pakistan Software Houses Association, Member of Young Presidents' Organization (Pakistan) and Director & Member at SUS Joint Venture (Pvt.) Ltd.
With Systems Limited, Mr. Peer has also collaborated with Ali Institute IT Training for IT skills development of the youth and to empower them to make it big in their careers. He believes that Systems Limited is no less than an institution and it’s their Corporate Social Responsibility to help and grow all associated sectors of IT.
Burhan Mirza | Angel Investor & Growth Consultant
Burhan Mirza is a dynamic leader, an IT tycoon, an angle investor and growth consultant for various prominent techno-innovative companies in Pakistan. With a strong and profound understanding of the IT industry, Burhan has demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership in steering multiple tech startups to new horizons of success. Under his guidance, various companies have flourished and expanded to offering innovative software solutions and cutting-edge technology services to clients both domestically and internationally.
Burhan's strategic insights, creative practices, and commitment to excellence have driven growth and established the reputation as trusted technology partners for numerous local companies. With a focus on fostering a culture of innovation, leveraging technology to solve complex business challenges, and delivering exceptional customer experiences, Burhan Mirza’s strategic vision and ability to adapt to rapidly changing market trends assists his tech clientele to propel to new heights.
Burhan is a firm believer of giving back to the society and supports development and enhancement of the community. For this purpose, he has also founded Coach360; a platform for mentoring and counseling the upcoming talent where aspiring entrepreneurs and even students can book a one on one session with him for career guidance, personal mentoring and business consulation.
Monis Rahman | Founder & CEO, Rozee.pk
Monis Rahman is known for revolutionizing Pakistan's IT industry and its online job market. As the founder and CEO of Rozee.pk, Pakistan's leading job portal, Monis, has transformed how job seekers and employers connect. Monis Rahman's vision and unwavering pursuit of excellence have made Rozee.pk a trusted job search and recruitment platform. His innovative solutions have not only provided employment opportunities but also contributed to the overall growth of Pakistan's economy. His entrepreneurial journey exemplifies the potential of the IT industry in driving socioeconomic development.
He currently serves as the President and Member Board of Governors of TiE Lahore, the Lahore chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs, the world’s largest non-for-profit organization of entrepreneurs. He serves on the Advisory Board of Acumen Fund Pakistan and Board of Directors of Kashf Microfinance Bank. He has also served on the Central Executive Committee of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA). He is the recipient of International Data Group CIO Pakistan Pioneer in Innovation 2008 award. Mr. Rahman is frequently invited to speak on entrepreneurship and Internet marketing at some of the world’s top business schools and conferences.
These influential leaders in Pakistan's IT industry, amongst others, have made significant contributions to the sector and have become role models for aspiring professionals. Their visionary leadership, innovation, mentorship, and dedication has helped to improve the country’s economy. It is because of these IT pioneers that Pakistan has global recognition amongst the list of fastest-growing countries in the IT industry.
