Dallas, 20 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has invited American technology companies, investors, and business leaders to explore Pakistan’s growing technological capabilities and capitalize on opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in information technology, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. The Ambassador made these remarks while addressing Pak–US Tech Connect 2026 in Dallas, Texas, which brought together leading Pakistani technology companies, American business executives, investors, and members of the Pakistani-American community to explore avenues for bilateral technology cooperation, investment, and strategic business partnerships. Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., the Consulate General of Pakistan in Houston, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and OPEN Global, the conference was part of a broader initiative to expand Pakistan’s presence in the US technology market and strengthen long-term commercial partnerships between the two countries.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Sheikh underscored the strategic importance of technology cooperation in Pakistan–US economic relations. He described the United States as a global centre of technological innovation and Pakistan’s largest market for IT exports, emphasizing the substantial opportunities for collaboration, particularly in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. He noted that Pakistan’s youthful population, with approximately 60 to 65 percent of its citizens below the age of 30, provided a significant demographic advantage and a strong foundation for participation in the evolving global knowledge-based economy. The Ambassador said the 2026 Tech Connect series had adopted a more focused and business-oriented approach, featuring approximately 13 to 14 established Pakistani technology companies with proven international experience and demonstrated capabilities. He emphasized that the objective was to move beyond showcasing Pakistan’s technology sector and demonstrate its ability to deliver world-class solutions and develop commercially viable partnerships. Highlighting Pakistan’s “potential, prowess, promise, and profitability,” Ambassador Sheikh encouraged American enterprises to explore the country’s expanding technological capabilities and competitive advantages. He also highlighted the important role of Pakistani-American technology professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in connecting Pakistan’s technology industry with American companies. He urged members of the diaspora to facilitate business linkages, promote Pakistan as a reliable and competitive technology partner, and contribute to strengthening the country’s international reputation.
The Ambassador reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to facilitating investment, supporting sustained technological cooperation, and promoting long-term commercial partnerships between Pakistan and the United States. Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Software Export Board Chief Executive Officer Faisal Jeddy highlighted the growth and international competitiveness of Pakistan’s IT industry. He stated that Pakistan produces approximately 70,000 IT and computer science graduates annually, while IT exports had recorded an average annual growth rate of around 21 percent over the preceding four years, reaching approximately US$435 million in September 2026. He noted that the United States accounted for approximately 57 percent of Pakistan’s IT exports, making it the country’s most important international market for technology services. Highlighting the growing capabilities of Pakistani companies in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, financial technology, and enterprise solutions, Jeddy encouraged Pakistani-American professionals to facilitate corporate introductions and establish business partnerships. He also reaffirmed PSEB’s commitment to supporting investors and addressing operational challenges in coordination with relevant institutions, including the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The conference featured presentations by leading Pakistani technology companies showcasing their international experience, innovative solutions, and successful engagements with global clients. Dedicated business-to-business meetings enabled Pakistani firms to interact with American corporate executives, investors, technology buyers, and potential strategic partners from Dallas–Fort Worth and other parts of Texas. Participants stressed the importance of converting these engagements into tangible commercial opportunities, technology partnerships, and sustained investment relationships. The Dallas conference was part of the multi-city Pak–US Tech Connect 2026 series, which included engagements in California and Dallas, with subsequent events scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., on October 21 and Chicago on October 23, 2026. The initiative reflects Pakistan’s continued efforts to position itself as a globally competitive technology destination and expand innovation-driven economic cooperation with the United States.