By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Chairman P@SHA Muhammad Zohaib Khan has been conferred the first IT Icon Award by Ecommerce Gateway for his valuable services to the local industry. State Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima presented him the award at the inaugural session of the 25th ITCN Asia.
Zohaib Khan has been serving the IT association for the past 15 years in different capacities, including chairman, vice chairman, and member of the central executive committee.
During his tenure as the chairman, the country achieved the highest ever export earnings of over $3.2 billion in FY24 and hosted the APICTA Awards for the first time in 2023 in the region. He led the IT industry to achieve various milestones, such as IT export awards, tax incentives at the federal and provincial levels, 50% retention of foreign exchange facilities in bank accounts, and the formation of Tech Destination Pakistan in collaboration with policymakers and a private bank. He revamped the secretariat of P@SHA and its research and development unit.
Zohaib also led various Pakistani IT companies to expand their footprint in different countries, including GCC and European states.
At present, he is playing an active role in the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), aiming to enhance IT exports to a record $10 billion in the next few years.
State Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima said the role of stakeholders is very important for the economic prosperity of the country. The leadership of P@SHA under the chairman has done an exceptional job in achieving historical milestones for Pakistan. The government is looking forward to more collaboration and involvement of P@SHA leadership in the future, she added.
Project Director ITCN Umair Nizam said the launch of the IT Icon Awards is to appreciate the services of individuals who served the IT and tech industry with immense dedication and unwavering efforts. We have to honor the endeavors, achievements, and vision of the leadership at local and global platforms to encourage more leaders to serve the industry and the country, he further said.
