World CIO Summit & Awards 2025 Pakistan Edition Honors Top CIOs and Cybersecurity Leaders in Karachi

Staff Reporter

Karachi: The World CIO Summit & Awards 2025 – Pakistan Edition was held in Karachi to celebrate the achievements of Pakistan’s top-performing CIOs and cybersecurity professionals, bringing together more than 600 IT leaders under the theme “Dawn of a New Decade.”

Delivering a keynote address, Azfar Ahsan, former State Minister and Chairman Board of Investment, said that Pakistan’s global image is improving but the country must unlock its untapped human talent and natural resources. He urged stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for socio-economic growth, institutional reforms, and sustainable execution.

In his online address, Dr. Erdal Ozkaya, President CISO Global Forum, highlighted Pakistan’s tremendous progress in the IT ecosystem. He noted that ICT contributes nearly 45% of overall services exports, while broadband penetration continues to rise, reflecting the sector’s growth potential. He praised IT professionals for driving innovation and setting new export records.

Syed Abdul Qadir, Executive Director at A. F. Ferguson, emphasized the growing role of CIOs and cybersecurity experts across industries. He said the CIO 200 Summit and Awards serves as a platform to showcase Pakistan’s digital strength, promote collaboration, and honor excellence.

Muhammad Umair Nizam, Senior Vice Chairman PASHA and Vice President Ecommerce Gateway Pvt. Limited, applauded Pakistani digital leaders for making a mark globally. He stressed the need for competent IT leadership to inspire the youth to embrace technological trends and contribute to national development.

At the event, the services of 50 CIOs and cybersecurity experts from diverse sectors were recognized with awards, underscoring Pakistan’s rising profile in the global digital economy.