Islamabad – June 3, 2025: In a landmark development poised to propel Pakistan’s digital transformation, the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This pioneering collaboration marks the first formal partnership between the two institutions, laying the groundwork for a robust public-private alliance focused on technology-led growth and sustainable economic progress.
The MoU was signed by Nasruminallah Mian, Senior Programs Officer at ADB, and Syed Ali Abbas Hasani, Secretary General of P@SHA, in the presence of senior representatives from both organizations. The ceremony was attended by Sajjad Mustafa Syed (Chairman, P@SHA), Dr. Sonia Saleem and Salman Dar (CEC Members), Laraib Farhat (Manager, Policy & Government Affairs), Gulraiz Iqbal (Government Affairs Lead), Khayam Abbasi, and distinguished ADB delegates.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman P@SHA, Sajjad Mustafa Syed, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership:
“This partnership is a catalyst for digital sovereignty. With ADB, we’re co-architecting innovation ecosystems that scale talent, embed equity, and power Pakistan’s leap into a resilient digital future.”
The MoU establishes a multi-faceted framework of cooperation between P@SHA and ADB. Key areas of collaboration include:
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Research on emerging technologies and digital public policy
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Capacity-building programs such as workshops, advanced skills training, and leadership forums
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Policy roundtables bringing together government, industry, and academia
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Innovation recognition platforms, including national tech awards and startup empowerment initiatives
This strategic alliance aims to leverage ADB’s development expertise and P@SHA’s vast industry network to shape a future-ready digital economy in Pakistan. With over 1,000 member companies, P@SHA is the only nationally recognized IT industry body in the country, working to promote enabling policy frameworks, foster cross-border tech diplomacy, and champion strategic public-private cooperation.
The MoU is a testament to both organizations’ shared vision to drive analytics-led policymaking and inclusive growth in Pakistan’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. By bridging industry insight with multilateral development goals, the partnership seeks to position Pakistan’s technology sector as a key player in regional innovation and economic resilience.
