Pakistan’s growing prominence in the global technology sector was on full display at the LEAP 2025 tech conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with over 100 Pakistani IT companies participating in the event.
Shaza Fatima, State Minister for IT and Telecommunication, inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at the conference, underscoring the government’s support for the tech sector’s global expansion. She also joined a panel discussion on ‘Shaping the Future of Ethical AI: Multilateral Perspectives on Governance and Risk Management’ alongside Deemah AlYahya, Secretary General of of Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), and Estonia’s Minister of Justice and Digital Liisa-Ly Pakosta on February 9.
LEAP 2025, held in Riyadh from February 9-12, attracted thousands of experts, 680 startups and 1,800+ tech brands from all over the world.
LEAP 2025 is focused on expanding business networking and investment opportunities within the tech sector. Entrepreneurs, investors, and startups have gathered in Saudi Arabia to showcase their products to an expected audience of over 170,000 visitors. This year’s conference builds on the success of LEAP 2024, which set a record with $13.4 billion in investments and project commitments.
Record-breaking participation of Pakistani IT firms at LEAP 2025
More than 100 Pakistani IT companies, along with more than 1,000 delegates, are making waves at LEAP 2025, the world-renowned technology trade fair in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This year’s participation marks the largest-ever presence by Pakistan at the event and aims to boost the country’s profile in the rapidly expanding Middle Eastern and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tech markets.
“The participation of over 100 Pakistani IT companies at LEAP 2025 is a testament to Pakistan’s growing strength in the global technology sector,” Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq said. “Pakistani IT industry offers cutting-edge solutions in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software development, positioning the country as a key player in the global digital transformation.”
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) revealed that Pakistani IT companies are attracting substantial attention from foreign firms at the trade fair. According to P@SHA, the number of companies attending this year has grown significantly, and the deals already signed suggest a bright future for Pakistan’s digital sector.
“Pakistani IT companies witnessed a 100 percent increase in IT exports during the last financial year, and we are on track to achieve another record this year driven by new business deals at both public and private levels,” said Muhammad Umair Nizam, Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA).
Highlighting the immense potential of LEAP 2025 for Pakistani IT firms, he added that “Pakistani IT companies are attracting numerous foreign firms from various sectors at LEAP 2025.”
The Pakistani delegation, which includes top-tier firms like Systems Limited, Abacus, and Excellence Delivered, showcased cutting-edge solutions in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software development, while also engaging in strategic networking and business deal-making.
Systems Limited, Pakistan’s largest IT exporter, is a key representative at LEAP 2025. As a Bronze Sponsor, the company is showcasing its expertise in enterprise solutions, fintech, and AI. Asif Peer, Group CEO & MD of Systems Limited, is also featured as a speaker at the Fintech Stage, where he will address the evolving world of financial technology.
Ignite, the National Technology Fund, operating under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, facilitated the participation of 10 of Pakistan’s most innovative startups at LEAP 2025. These startups, representing sectors like AgriTech, FinTech, AI, SaaS, AR/VR, and CleanTech, highlight Pakistan’s dedication to driving technological progress and fostering entrepreneurship. “These startups are tackling real-world challenges with cutting-edge technology, and their presence at LEAP 2025 will open doors to international collaboration and investment,” said Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO of Ignite.
Pakistan IT industry key facts
Here are the key facts about Pakistan‘s IT industry:
- Industry Growth: IT exports reached $1.53 billion in H1 FY 2024-25, with projections to surpass $4 billion by FY 2025.
- Talent Pool: Pakistan has a skilled workforce of over 600,000 IT professionals and 75,000 new IT graduates annually.
- Startup Ecosystem: Pakistan’s vibrant startup scene has attracted over $800 million in venture capital, particularly in edtech, AI, and gaming.
- AI & Fintech: Companies are excelling in AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, driving sectoral innovations.
- IT Exports: Pakistan’s IT exports have soared to $3.2 billion in the fiscal year 2024, marking a robust 24% year-on-year increase from the previous fiscal’s $2.59 billion.
- Global Players: Leading companies like Systems Limited, Abacus, NetSol, 10Pearls, Folio3 and Arpatech are showcasing Pakistan’s tech expertise globally.
- Regional Expansion: Pakistani firms are targeting the GCC, especially Saudi Arabia, driven by demand for digital solutions aligned with Vision 2030.
- Investor-Friendly Policies: Policies promoting tech startups, special tech zones, and incentives are fueling the industry’s growth.
Pakistan’s expanding Tech presence in Saudi Arabia & GCC
Pakistan’s participation at LEAP 2025 is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its ties with Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom is rapidly emerging as a hub for digital transformation, and Pakistani IT firms are positioning themselves to contribute to major projects, from cybersecurity to smart city solutions.
Pakistan’s business ties with Saudi Arabia are underpinned by a growing number of companies already operating in the Kingdom. The Saudi Ministry of Investment (MISA) has established a help desk to facilitate the registration of Pakistani firms in Saudi Arabia, further streamlining the process for expanding operations in the region.
Experts attribute the success of Pakistani IT companies at LEAP 2025 to collaborative efforts by various government bodies and industry associations, including the Ministry of IT and Telecom, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and P@SHA. These organizations have worked together to create a favorable environment for Pakistan’s IT companies, making it easier for them to expand into new markets, particularly in the GCC region, they say.
The success of Pakistani IT companies at LEAP 2025 is a reflection of the sector’s impressive growth. According to P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Pakistani companies are optimistic about securing over $50 million in business deals during the conference. This marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s efforts to enhance its global tech footprint.
The four-day LEAP 2025 event, attended by over 170,000 visitors, continues to serve as a key platform for international tech firms to network, collaborate, and explore new business opportunities. For Pakistan, it represents a unique opportunity to showcase its growing capabilities in emerging technologies and strengthen its position as a key player in the global tech ecosystem.