LAHORE (MNN); Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja inaugurated ITCN Asia 2026 at the Lahore Expo Centre, reiterating the governmentās commitment to boosting IT exports, strengthening next-generation connectivity, and establishing Pakistan as a strong contender in the global digital economy.
Addressing the opening ceremony, the Minister said Pakistanās technology sector was receiving increasing international recognition due to its resilience, noting steady improvement in global technology rankings under the Digital Pakistan initiative.
She said supportive policies and reforms had played a key role in this progress and highlighted the contribution of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in improving the business climate and attracting domestic and foreign investment in the IT sector.
She informed the audience that preparations for the countryās upcoming 5G spectrum auction were under way, alongside efforts to expand advanced digital infrastructure, promote artificial intelligence, and encourage local production of technology and hardware.
Emphasising the role of youth, she said those who effectively and responsibly utilise emerging technologies would define the future workforce, urging young professionals to make the most of digital opportunities.
One of the major highlights of ITCN Asia 2026 was the Global CISO Summit, which further strengthened its status as a central pillar of Pakistanās cybersecurity landscape and an important forum for international collaboration. With participation from more than 50 countries, the summit once again provided a global platform for cybersecurity leadership and dialogue.
The Lahore session was led by Global CISO Forum President Dr Erdal Ozkaya, who travelled from the United States, along with Advisor Syed Abdul Qadir. More than 500 senior technology and cybersecurity leaders, including CISOs, CxOs, policymakers, solution providers and over 100 overseas Pakistani executives, attended the forum, linking global best practices with local expertise.
Speaking on the occasion, Ecommerce Gateway Group Director Umair Nizam said ITCN Asia had transformed from a conventional exhibition into a strategic national platform promoting digital expansion, investment and international engagement. He added that the scale and diversity of participation reflected growing confidence in Pakistanās technology sector and its potential as a regional innovation hub.
The 27th edition of ITCN Asia is being organised by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan, with Tech Destination Pakistan as the presenting partner, under the patronage of SIFC and with strategic support from the Special Technology Zones Authority.
The exhibition features more than 800 booths and participation from over 3,500 global and regional brands. Thousands of visitors, including policymakers, investors, industry leaders and foreign delegations, are attending the event, which is expected to generate business opportunities exceeding 750 million dollars.
Covering areas 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 networking across the digital value chain.
Alongside the exhibition, multiple conferences and forums are being held, bringing together policymakers and global experts to discuss emerging technologies, digital governance, export readiness and investment prospects.
With more than two decades of history, ITCN Asia continues to play a vital role in projecting Pakistan as an emerging hub for technology, innovation and digital trade. The current edition aims to expand global engagement, boost investor confidence and lay the groundwork for a resilient and future-ready technology ecosystem in the country.
