The 24th edition of the Asian Forum’s Information Technology Commerce Network (ITCN Asia) kicked off at the Expo Centre in Lahore on April 18, highlighting Pakistan’s Tech innovations and investment prospects.
The latest edition of ITCN Asia, themed “Declaring Pakistan as the Regional ICT Hub,” attracted a diverse delegation of international investors from twelve countries, pledging a significant investment of $500 million.
More than 600 IT companies, over 55,000 participants and around 100 international delegates are participating in the event. With over 700 stalls, the event showcases the latest innovations and technologies from international and national tech companies.
The 3-day (April 18–20) event “24th ITCN Asia in Lahore 2024” was jointly supported by the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MoITT), SIFC, PSEB, P@SHA, Tech Destination Pakistan and e-commerce gateway Pakistan.
In her inaugural address, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting investments in information and communication technologies (ICTs).
“The government is keen on fostering an ecosystem conducive to foreign and local IT companies and investors through policymaking, legislation, skill development, and infrastructure development to harness the multitude of opportunities in Pakistan,” she said.
She highlighted key flagship projects such as Special Technology Zones (STZs) and the national fiberisation plan. The minister also emphasized initiatives aimed at ensuring affordable access to high-speed broadband internet and smart digital devices for the masses.
Minister Khawaja highlighted initiatives to enhance women’s participation in the economy through increased opportunities in education and IT sectors. She announced the establishment of the National Digital Commission to advance the country’s digital ecosystem, focusing on the economy, governance, and society. Expressing optimism, she noted the potential for IT firms to leverage government support and position Pakistan as a leading tech hub regionally and globally.
Praising ITCN Asia for its valuable contributions over the past 24 years, Minister Khawaja commended the platform for bringing together public sector institutions, local and multinational IT companies, foreign investors, and delegates to shape the direction of the IT and telecom sector.
Pakistan’s membership in the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) reflects its commitment to being a leading partner in the global IT ecosystem. The country aims to add $5.9 billion to its economy by 2030 through these efforts.
Deemah Al-Yahya, Secretary General of DCO, lauded Pakistan’s proactive approach to harnessing digital transformation to bolster its economy. She commended Pakistan’s efforts to create a conducive environment for investors and tech giants, highlighting its attractiveness for freelancers in the global gig economy.
“Pakistan plays a crucial role in its region and beyond, offering the right framework for collaboration and digital transformation,” she stated.
Aisha Humera Moriani, Additional Secretary IT and Acting CEO of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) emphasized Pakistan’s potential to serve as a digital corridor connecting regions. She highlighted the cost-saving opportunities that Pakistan offers to multinational companies, reinforcing its position as a promising destination for digital innovation and investment.
Zohaib Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), described ITCN Asia as one of Pakistan’s flagship tech events.
The event featured diverse knowledge and conference sessions including AI Summit, Global Security Symposium, Gaming Roundtable, Skills Roundtable, Investor Summit, Digital Health, Proptech, Freelancer Summit, and Made in Pakistan Roundtable.
10Pearls organizes AI summit at ITCN Asia
Exciting discussions filled the halls of the AI Summit 2024 as industry leaders, visionaries, and enthusiasts gathered to explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors.
Global IT firm 10Pearls organized a two-day AI summit on April 18–19, as part of the 23rd ITCN Asia Conference and Exhibition at the Expo Center in Lahore. The summit featured eminent national-level thought leaders and AI experts who engaged in sessions, workshops, and panel discussions exploring the growing impact of AI on both national and global fronts.
The summit spotlighted exclusive sessions such as “Demystifying GenAI,” led by Asim Ghaffar, VP of Engineering at 10Pearls, and “Accelerating Digital Transformation Through AI Innovations,” presented by Muhammad Aamir Yaqub, Senior Director of Engineering at 10Pearls.
Day 1 kicked off with fervor, featuring insightful panel talks, tech showcases, and engaging presentations that underscored AI’s profound impact on healthcare, business, and innovation.
One of the standout panel discussions titled “Deciphering AI’s Innovative Role in HealthTech” delved into AI’s influence on the healthcare industry. Esteemed experts shared their perspectives on how AI is revolutionizing wellness approaches, and enhancing healthcare accessibility, precision, and outcomes. The audience was treated to a riveting exchange of ideas, illuminating the potential of AI to reshape healthcare paradigms.
Simultaneously, another panel titled “Leveraging AI for Strategic Business Advancement” brought together leading minds to explore how AI technologies are reshaping traditional business models. From optimizing processes to enhancing decision-making, AI was hailed as a tool for providing businesses with a competitive edge in today’s dynamic landscape.
Featured Speakers at AI Summit 2024:
- Adnan Yousuf Kazi, Chief Operating Officer at TenX
- Awais Vohra, Chief Technology & Information Officer at Telenor
- Maheen Alavi, Associate Director at 10Pearls
- Ahsan Jamil, Managing General Partner at sAi Venture Capital
- Muhammad Irfan, Founder & CEO of Xeven Solutions LLC
- Namra Nasyr, Corporate Trainer and Consultant
- Osama Janjua, Growth Officer at MedIQ
- Adnan Zaidi, Chief AI Officer at PROXIMA.PK
- Jareer Hushaam, Chief Architect AI Solutions at Arbisoft
Additionally, AI Summit 2024 provided a platform for top AI startups to showcase their innovative ideas and product solutions. Out of 50 nationwide entries, six startups, namely Talkative Buddy, Hseih, Misgenie, Virtual School Board, Xylexa, and Inlights, were selected to present their groundbreaking concepts during the dedicated session.
This marked the inaugural AI Summit in Lahore, having previously been hosted in Karachi and Islamabad as part of various editions of ITCN Asia.
