Islamabad: The prestigious HBL-P@SHA ICT Awards 2024 took place at a local hotel in Islamabad on Monday, recognizing and celebrating outstanding contributions in the IT sector by various Pakistani companies. Organized by the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and sponsored by Habib Bank Limited (HBL), the event saw participation from key government officials, industry leaders, and innovators, all gathered to honor the achievements of the IT community.
According to Habib Bank Limited, “The awards ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khwaja, and highlighted the innovative prowess of Pakistan’s IT sector across several categories.” A total of 33 Gold and 47 Merit Awards were presented to the best in Consumer, Business Services, Inclusion and Community, and Student Innovation sectors, selected from over 1,198 entries by a panel of industry veterans through 15 rigorous judging cycles.
Ms. Shaza Fatima Khwaja, in her keynote address, emphasized the importance of the IT sector as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic and technological development. She commended P@SHA and HBL for their role in fostering a supportive environment for innovators, startups, and students, enabling them to gain not only national but also international recognition, including the upcoming participation at the Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards.
P@SHA Chairman, Muhammad Zohaib Khan, reflected on the association’s efforts to advocate for the IT industry’s needs with the government, contributing to a significant increase in IT exports, which reached $3.22 billion this year. Abrar Ahmed Mir, Chief Innovation and Financial Inclusion Officer at HBL, also spoke highly of the partnership’s impact on the local IT landscape, providing a platform for Pakistani talent on the global stage.
The event concluded with a musical performance by renowned singer Aima Baig, adding a cultural flourish to the evening of achievements and advancements. The award-winning companies will represent Pakistan at the APICTA Awards in Brunei Darussalam later this year, showcasing their global caliber and the country’s growing influence in the technology sector.