By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: The 28th ITCN Asia opened today at Karachi Expo Centre with the support of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). Chief Guest Muhammad Ali Rashid, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh for Science and Information Technology, inaugurated the three-day exhibition, bringing together technology companies, government leaders, international delegates, investors and entrepreneurs.
Organized by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., ITCN Asia 2026 is supported by SIFC as Strategic Supporter, with the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and the Science & IT Department, Government of Sindh, as Strategic Partners, and Ignite–National Technology Fund as National Innovation Partner. Running through September 24, the event provides a platform for technology showcases, business partnerships, investment engagement and discussions on Pakistan’s digital future.
Featuring 850+ booths and 3,500+ global brands, the exhibition is expected to attract 75,000+ trade visitors, including 18,500+ CxOs and decision-makers, alongside 350+ international delegates and investors and 850+ government leaders over three days. International participation includes Azerbaijan, China, South Korea, Australia, Türkiye, Egypt, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
The inaugural programme featured Muhammad Ali Rashid, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh for Science and Information Technology; H.E. Deemah Al-Yahya, Secretary-General, Digital Cooperation Organization; Baybars Altuntas, Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum; Zohaib Khan, CEO, A2Z Creator; Areiel Wolanow, Managing Director, Finserv Experts; Dr. Wael Bedda, Secretary-General, SKSEED; Daniel Gautsch, Implementation Manager, EU–Talent Partnership Pakistan, GIZ Pakistan; Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, CEO, ICCD Holding Company; Zeba Qureshi, Senior Strategist; Brig. Syed Nadir Hussain Shah, Project Director–IT & Telecom, SIFC; Azfar Manzoor, Chairman, STZA; Maj. Gen. (R) Ali Farhan, HI (M), Managing Director, National Telecommunication Corporation; Mohammad J. Sear, Vice Chairperson, Pakistan Digital Authority; Muhammad Bilal Abbasi, CEO, Ignite–National Technology Fund; Faisal Jeddy, CEO, Pakistan Software Export Board; Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed, CEO, Universal Service Fund; Hamza Saeed Orakzai, Chief Market Development Officer, STZA; and Muhammad Umair Nizam, CEO, ITCN Asia and Senior Vice Chairman, P@SHA.
Muhammad Umair Nizam said, “ITCN Asia brings Pakistan’s technology capabilities into direct conversation with international markets and investors. With SIFC’s support, our focus is on helping businesses build partnerships, expand export opportunities and create pathways for startups and innovators to grow.”
Across five exhibition halls, dedicated pavilions cover Robotics, Azerbaijan, China, Gilgit-Baltistan, SBP Banking, Digital Sindh, Diplomatic, STZA, Startup and CIO/CISO participation. Technology demonstrations and B2B meetings provide opportunities for exhibitors and visitors to explore commercial partnerships.
The three-day programme includes the 13th Pakistan Investor Summit 2026 on the opening day. September 23 features STZA’s “Pakistan’s AI Imperative,” NTC’s “Connected Nation: Leadership Roundtable,” the Future Leaders Awards and a programme on Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem. September 24 includes Ignite’s “Cyber Crisis Command: Executive Tabletop Exercise,” Best of Entrepreneurship Asia and TABADLAB’s “Workforce 2.0: Building Pakistan’s AI-Ready Economy.”
ITCN Asia 2026 continues at Karachi Expo Centre until September 24, bringing Pakistan’s technology industry and international stakeholders together for business, investment and knowledge exchange.
rafiq@biztoday.news
