The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) hosted the prestigious HBL-P@SHA ICT Awards 2024 in Islamabad, honoring exceptional service and innovation within Pakistan’s IT industry. The event, held on Monday at a local hotel, celebrated the theme of “Made in Pakistan” by recognizing the most innovative companies in the sector.
Ms. Shaza Fatima Khwaja, Minister of State for Information Technology & Telecommunication, graced the event as Chief Guest, alongside diplomats, industry representatives, startups, and officials.
The awards, which drew over 1,198 applications, presented 33 Gold Awards and 47 Merit Awards across categories such as Consumer, Business Services, Inclusion & Community, and Student Innovation. The judging panel, made up of industry veterans, rigorously evaluated the submissions over 15 judging cycles to identify the country’s top talent.
During her address, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khwaja praised P@SHA and HBL for organizing the event and promoting Pakistan’s IT industry. “The HBL-P@SHA ICT Awards highlight the creativity and excellence of our software and service companies, providing local, regional, and international visibility,” she said, adding that these awards empower innovators, startups, and students to showcase their talents on the global stage, including at the Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards.
She emphasized the critical role P@SHA plays in shaping Pakistan’s digital future and congratulated all the nominees and winners for setting new standards in technology. “Together, we are building a brighter, more innovative future for Pakistan’s IT sector,” she noted.
P@SHA Chairman Muhammad Zohaib Khan highlighted the organization’s role in advancing Pakistan’s digital economy, creating employment, and driving record-breaking IT exports, which reached $3.22 billion this year. “Today, we celebrate the best of Pakistan’s IT industry, promoting growth and the ‘Made in Pakistan’ brand,” he said.
HBL’s Chief Innovation & Financial Inclusion Officer, Abrar Ahmed Mir, praised the partnership between HBL and P@SHA for nurturing local talent and providing global exposure for Pakistani IT companies. “The HBL-P@SHA ICT Awards stand as a testament to the exceptional innovation and dedication of our industry,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a musical performance by renowned singer Aima Baig. The award-winning companies will now represent Pakistan at the Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards later this year in Brunei Darussalam.
