Lahore, Jan 17 — Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Friday inaugurated ITCN Asia 2026 at the Lahore Expo Centre, reaffirming the government’s commitment to accelerating digital growth, boosting IT exports and positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global technology economy.
Addressing the opening ceremony, the Minister said Pakistan’s technology sector is earning increasing international recognition due to its resilience and consistent improvement in global digital rankings under the Digital Pakistan initiative. She stressed that policy reforms and an enabling regulatory environment are central to sustaining this momentum, while acknowledging the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in improving the ease of doing business and attracting local and foreign investment into the IT sector.
She informed participants that preparations for Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction are progressing, alongside initiatives aimed at strengthening advanced digital infrastructure, promoting the adoption of artificial intelligence, and encouraging local manufacturing of technology and hardware solutions. Emphasising the importance of youth engagement, the Minister urged young professionals to responsibly harness emerging technologies, noting that those who understand and adapt to digital transformation will shape the future of work.
A major highlight of ITCN Asia 2026 is the Global CISO Summit, which has further cemented its status as a key pillar of Pakistan’s cybersecurity ecosystem. With participation from more than 50 countries, the summit once again brought together global cybersecurity leadership to promote digital resilience and international collaboration. The Lahore edition was led by Dr Erdal Ozkaya, President of the Global CISO Forum, who travelled from the United States under his global patronage, along with Advisor Syed Abdul Qadir. The forum convened over 500 senior technology and cybersecurity leaders, including CISOs, CxOs, policymakers, solution providers, and more than 100 overseas Pakistani executives, strengthening links between global best practices and local expertise.
Speaking on the occasion, Umair Nizam, Group Director of Ecommerce Gateway Group, said ITCN Asia has evolved from a conventional exhibition into a strategic national platform driving digital growth, investment, and international engagement. He noted that the scale and diversity of participation reflect growing global confidence in Pakistan’s technology sector and its potential as a regional innovation hub.
The 27th edition of ITCN Asia is organised by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan, with Tech Destination Pakistan as the presenting partner. The event is being held under the patronage of SIFC, with strategic support from the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA). Featuring more than 800 booths and participation from over 3,500 global and regional brands, the exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors, including policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and foreign delegations, and generate over USD 750 million in business opportunities.
Covering key sectors such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech, government technology, and startups, ITCN Asia 2026 provides a major platform for product launches, partnerships, investment, and business networking. A series of multi-track conferences and forums running alongside the exhibition are facilitating dialogue on emerging technologies, digital governance, export readiness, and investment prospects, contributing to the strengthening of Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem and global competitiveness.
With a legacy spanning more than two decades, ITCN Asia continues to play a pivotal role in positioning Pakistan as an emerging hub for technology, innovation, and digital trade, with the 2026 edition aimed at deepening global engagement and reinforcing investor confidence in the country’s digital future.
