The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has officially endorsed the federal government’s comprehensive strategic framework for artificial intelligence, cementing the IT industry’s commitment to the structural digital transformation outlined at the inaugural Indus AI Summit 2026.
Ms. Sahaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for IT & Telecom (MoITT), attended the HBL P@SHA CXO Networking Dinner as the Chief Guest during Indus AI Week; and, appreciated the dynamism and export performance of the IT industry – which has bludgeoned in the first half of FY26 (July-Dec 2025) to hit $2.2 billion, representing a 20% year-on-year growth.
It is pertinent to note that the mega event has been sponsored by the IT industry; 25 major national and international tech companies as prominent exhibitors; 100,000 participants across numerous engagements and the Innovation, Learning, and Engagement Arena hosted over 40 specialized tech events – drawing thousands of students, founders, investors, researchers and developers.
Concurrently, the National AI Training Bootcamp delivered intensive technical upskilling to more than 1,900 participants over just two days, while the Indus eSports Championship further incentivized youth engagement with a competitive prize pool of PKR 4.5 million, highlighting a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to digital ecosystem building.
Welcoming Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s landmark announcement of a $1 billion national investment in AI by 2030, P@SHA reiterated that the private sector will serve as the primary engine for this tech-driven economic overhaul. The association expressed strong support for the newly unveiled Islamabad Declaration, particularly its focus on establishing a private-sector-led, sovereign AI ecosystem.
P@SHA has highlighted the sheer scale of Indus AI Week and the national momentum behind this digital pivot as, beyond the headline commitment of a $1 billion, the summit established quantifiable targets for human capital development – including, the funding of 1,000 PhD scholarships in artificial intelligence and a sweeping federal mandate to train one million non-IT professionals in advanced tech skills.
Participating actively alongside the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), P@SHA’s leadership marked its presence as a central pillar in shifting Pakistan’s AI ambitions from theoretical policy to tangible implementation. The summit, held at the Jinnah Convention Center, served as the strategic anchor for the ongoing Indus AI Week (Feb 9–15).
During the summit’s critical closing panel, “Next Steps: Impact of the Week,” P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Syed joined Secretary IT Zarrar Khan and global technology experts to outline the roadmap for immediate industry adoption.
“The IT sector is no longer merely a participant in Pakistan’s economy; it is the fundamental engine of our future growth,” stated Sajjad Syed, Chairman of P@SHA. “The commitments made at the Indus AI Summit provide a much-needed, evidence-based structural framework. P@SHA, representing the collective strength of Pakistan’s software and tech enterprises, stands fully prepared to translate this policy into export-driven, practical realities. The integration of AI is no longer optional; it is a matter of global survival and economic sovereignty.”
The nationwide rollout of Indus AI Week, featuring decentralized events at universities, tech hubs, and the Innovation Arena at the Islamabad Sports Complex, marks a departure from traditional, isolated tech conferences. P@SHA commended this inclusive, nationwide approach, noting that true digital empowerment must reach beyond the federal capital to grassroots innovators across all provinces.
As Indus AI Week continues, P@SHA urges all member companies, tech founders, and IT professionals to actively participate in the scheduled expos, skill-building sessions, and sectoral showcases to solidify Pakistan’s position as a credible participant in the global AI landscape.
