Pakistan to Host World CIO Summit and Awards 2025

Recognition of Excellence in Pakistan's IT Leadership

Pakistan recently hosted the World CIO Summit and Awards 2025 - Pakistan Edition, an event aimed at honoring the country’s top-performing Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and cybersecurity professionals. The summit took place at a local hotel and featured discussions on the critical role of technology in driving national progress.

Azfar Ahsan, former state minister and chairman of the Board of Investment, delivered a keynote address highlighting Pakistan’s growing global reputation. He emphasized that while the country is gaining international recognition, there remains a wealth of untapped potential in its human resources and natural assets. Ahsan called for a unified strategy involving all stakeholders to foster sustainable socio-economic development. He urged public and private sector entities to implement institutional reforms, structural changes, and collaborative efforts to enhance efficiency and drive growth.

Dr. Erdal Ozkaya, president of the CISO Global Forum, praised Pakistan’s rapid advancements in the IT ecosystem. He noted that the country has achieved remarkable success in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, with exports consistently setting new records each year. According to Ozkaya, ICT contributes nearly 45% to overall services exports, and the number of broadband users continues to rise monthly. He commended the efforts of IT professionals who have played a vital role in propelling the sector forward through innovation and growth.

A. F. Ferguson Syed Abdul Qadir, executive director, highlighted the increasing presence of CIOs and cybersecurity experts in Pakistan. He pointed out that these professionals are making significant contributions across various sectors and deserve recognition on both national and global platforms. The CIO 200 Summit and Awards, he said, serves as a crucial platform for IT leaders to showcase their achievements, exchange ideas, and form strategic collaborations.

The summit celebrated the accomplishments of over 600 professionals, bringing them together under one roof to share insights and celebrate excellence. The theme of the event, 'Dawn of a New Decade,' underscored the transformative potential of technology in shaping Pakistan’s future.

Muhammad Umair Nizam, senior vice chairman of PASHA and vice president of Ecommerce Gateway Pvt. Limited, emphasized the impact of Pakistan’s digital leaders. He stated that these leaders are not only influencing the domestic landscape but also making their mark globally through innovation and talent. Nizam stressed the importance of competent and dedicated IT leadership in inspiring the youth to embrace technological trends and contribute to the nation’s development.

The event also recognized the efforts of 50 CIOs and cybersecurity professionals from different sectors, acknowledging their pivotal roles in advancing the IT industry. Their work reflects the growing influence of technology in driving economic growth and fostering innovation across the country.

As Pakistan continues to build a robust digital infrastructure, events like the World CIO Summit and Awards play a crucial role in highlighting the achievements of IT leaders and reinforcing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning in achieving long-term success.