On 23rd August 2025, the Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi became the center of attention for the IT world as it hosted the CIO 200 Summit 2025. With the theme “Dawn of a New Decade,” the summit brought together top CIOs, global technology leaders, policymakers, CEOs, and entrepreneurs.
TechX Pakistan partnered as the Official Digital Media Partner, ensuring that every important moment was highlighted and shared with a wider audience.
Opening With Pride and Inspiration
The event started with Qirat and the National Anthem, creating an atmosphere of respect and unity. Soon after, the World CIO Pakistan Edition was officially unveiled a symbolic moment that showed Pakistan’s strong presence in the global CIO community.
The opening session featured powerful speeches from international and local leaders:
- Dr. Erdal Ozkaya, President – Global CISO Forum, spoke on the importance of global collaboration.
- Syed Abdul Qadir, Executive Director – PwC Pakistan, highlighted the changing role of CIOs.
- Muhammad Umair Nizam, Director of ITCN Asia & World CIO Summit Pakistan, shared the vision for technology events in the region.
- Chief Guest Zarrar Hasham Khan, Federal Secretary – Ministry of IT & Telecom, explained government’s commitment to digital growth.
These speeches built excitement and set the direction for the rest of the day.
Celebrating Pakistan’s Tech Champions
The summit also served as a stage to honor the top technology and cybersecurity leaders of Pakistan. In different award sessions held during the day, professionals and companies were recognized for their outstanding work.
These awards were not just trophies; they were a recognition of years of hard work, innovation, and resilience. The winners represented Pakistan’s best minds in cybersecurity, digital transformation, and technology leadership.
Knowledge and Insights From Experts
The summit featured several sessions where renowned experts shared their ideas and experiences.
- Dr. Haider Abbas, Director General of nCERT, spoke about how Pakistan is preparing to protect its cyberspace.
- Umair Azam, CEO of Integration Xperts, explained strategies for digital innovation.
- Asghar Reza, Regional Lead of Omnissa, introduced new business solutions.
- Saad Kaliya from PwC Pakistan, discussed the future of business transformation.
- Ahrar Naqvi, CEO of Ebryx, and Mehwish Salman Ali, CEO of Data Vault, presented success stories from the local tech industry.
- Najam Khan, CEO of Softech Microsystems, and Ahmar Azam, CEO of TriFit Fitness Clubs, spoke about how both technology and fitness play an important role in leadership.
Even the Re-Energize segment by TriFit Fitness Clubs gave participants a refreshing break, reminding them that physical energy and fitness are also essential for high-performing leaders.
The Future of AI – A Premium Discussion
The most awaited part of the summit was the panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI), moderated by Ijlal Jafri, Group CIO – Martin Dow Group.
The panel included top names such as:
- Mehzad Sahar, Group CISO – Engro Corporation
- Azhar Nawaz, CIO – Fauji Fertilizer Company
- Mohtashim Jangda, Director – TMC (MENA & USA)
- Rehan Ahmad, CBO – Trillium Infosec
- Jehan Ara, CEO – Katalyst Labs
- Amim Muhammad Khan, CEO – AboutXtreme
Together, they discussed how AI is not only changing businesses but also shaping the future of economies. The discussion covered everything from efficiency to innovation, making it clear that AI is going to be the backbone of modern business growth.
Closing Moments Full of Energy
As the event came to an end, Muhammad Munaf Majeed (CEC P@SHA) and Amjid Ali (Global CIO Ambassador – Oman) delivered the vote of thanks. Their words highlighted the importance of such platforms in building a stronger digital Pakistan.
The event ended with the Group Photo Competition, where all leaders and participants joined in. It wasn’t just a photograph it was a historic moment capturing unity, ambition, and pride in Pakistan’s digital journey.
More Than an Event – A New Beginning
The CIO 200 Summit 2025 was more than a conference. It was a VIP gathering of visionaries, leaders, and change-makers who are shaping Pakistan’s future. With its mix of knowledge sessions, awards, and global participation, the summit proved that Pakistan is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the new digital decade.
