In a landmark move set to redefine the trajectory of Pakistan’s digital development, the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA) has formalized a strategic partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement signals a new era of cooperation between the country’s leading tech body and a major multilateral development institution, aimed at accelerating innovation-led growth and policy modernization.
Signed by Nasruminallah Mian, Senior Programs Officer at ADB, and Syed Ali Abbas Hasani, Secretary General of P@SHA, the MoU represents the first-ever formal collaboration between the two organizations. The alliance is positioned to bring about tangible progress in digital policy, talent development, and industry advancement. It unites ADB’s development-driven digital agenda with P@SHA’s industry leadership to create a more competitive and inclusive digital economy for Pakistan.
Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Chairman of P@SHA, described the partnership as transformative for the nation’s digital future. He emphasized that this collaboration is about creating ecosystems that enable innovation at scale, empower youth through skills development, and champion equity in digital access. His remarks reflect the broader vision shared by both entities—building a resilient digital Pakistan capable of leading in regional innovation and global competitiveness.
As part of the agreement, P@SHA and ADB will co-launch initiatives in a number of vital areas. These include research projects focused on emerging technologies and data-driven digital public policy; national capacity-building programs designed to equip professionals and leaders with advanced digital skills; high-level policy roundtables to engage government, academia, and private sector voices in reform discussions; and innovation recognition platforms to spotlight startups and pioneering tech solutions. Each initiative is designed to not only elevate Pakistan’s IT sector, but also to bridge critical gaps in infrastructure, talent, and investment.
The MoU signing ceremony brought together senior leadership from both organizations. Representing P@SHA were Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Dr. Sonia Saleem, Salman Dar, Secretary General Syed Ali Abbas Hasani, Laraib Farhat, Gulraiz Iqbal, and Khayam Abbasi. The ADB delegation included key stakeholders who echoed the importance of building robust public-private collaborations to achieve development impact through technology.
P@SHA, the sole nationally recognized body for Pakistan’s IT industry, represents over 1,000 member organizations and serves as a vital bridge between the government and the country’s growing tech ecosystem. With a focus on strategic partnerships, cross-border tech diplomacy, and advocacy for forward-looking policy, the organization has steadily positioned Pakistan as an emerging digital hub.
This new alliance with ADB demonstrates P@SHA’s commitment to not only strengthening Pakistan’s internal digital capacity but also enhancing its visibility and influence in regional and global tech conversations. By aligning development finance with industry needs, this partnership promises to unlock new opportunities for innovation, employment, and sustainable economic growth.
As both organizations embark on this shared mission, the MoU stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping a future-ready digital economy. The road ahead is paved with ambition and action, and Pakistan’s tech sector is poised to take a leading role in the region’s digital transformation.