ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top IT bodies have teamed up to host a Pakistan x Saudi Business Forum networking event ahead of the LEAP Tech Conference being held in Riyadh from Feb. 9-12, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) said in a press release on Thursday.
This is the fourth edition of LEAP, recognized as Saudi Arabia’s award-winning global technology event for which entrepreneurs, investors and startups will converge in Riyadh to present their products to an anticipated audience of over 170,000 visitors. The platform offers cutting-edge technology showcases, B2B networking opportunities and expert-led conferences.
While Pakistan recorded the highest-ever monthly IT exports of $348 million, up by 15 percent year-on-year and 12 percent month-on-month, in December 2024, its IT sector growth is overshadowed by concerns over slowing Internet speed and a government-led digital crackdown, which authorities deny.
“P@SHA and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) will be collaboratively hosting an exclusive networking dinner, Pakistan x Saudi Business Forum, curated to connect leaders from the top tiers of government and industry,” P@SHA said in a press release on Thursday.
The event will provide a platform for “for key stakeholders to foster collaboration, explore business opportunities and strengthen ties within the vibrant Saudi market” and showcase Pakistan’s “diverse and thriving IT services exports, covering areas such as software development, AI, blockchain, health, FinTech, gaming and robotics.”
LEAP 2025 will for the first time introduce Tech Arena, a new platform for emerging innovations that will feature a ‘Live TV’ platform, offering real-time demonstrations and discussions hosted by BBC Click’s Lara Lewington and Spencer Kelly. Visitors will engage with innovations in AI, mixed reality, fashion technology, and brain-computer interfaces.
A key highlight will be Anouk Wipprecht’s Tech Couture exhibit, where robotic dress collections will integrate engineering with fashion. Adobe’s ‘Project Primrose’ will present digital dress technology, introducing dynamic textiles with adaptive designs.
The Tech Arena will also showcase medical technology advancements, including Aramco-backed Terra Drone’s long-range medical delivery system, which aims to improve health care access in remote areas. Aramco will also introduce SARA (Saudi Aramco Robotics Assistant), an AI-driven assistant designed to enhance decision-making and streamline operations.
US-based Engine VR will present its Golden Gloves VR platform, which uses virtual reality for immersive boxing training. UFC fighter Andrew Sanchez will conduct live demonstrations, giving attendees the opportunity to experience the platform.
Alwaleed Philanthropies will present Atlai, an AI tool designed to monitor deforestation and support global conservation efforts. XPANCEO will showcase smart contact lenses that integrate computing power into a lightweight wearable device, offering new ways to interact with digital information.
The Tech Arena is one of two new segments introduced at LEAP 2025, alongside the SportsTech stage. These additions support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of fostering innovation and technological growth.
Pakistan’s top IT bodies to host business forum event ahead of LEAP 2025 in Riyadh
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Pakistan’s top IT bodies to host business forum event ahead of LEAP 2025 in Riyadh
- P@SHA and PSEB will host networking dinner showcasing Pakistan’s tech innovations
- This is fourth edition of LEAP, recognized as Saudi Arabia’s award-winning global tech event
Pakistan urges concessional finance for developing nations to boost clean energy security
- Pakistan has emerged as one of world’s fastest growing solar markets, with 12GWs of off-grid and 6GWs of net-metered capacity in 2025
- PM’s aide says Islamabad remains committed to Paris Agreement, looks for continued support in building a resilient and low-carbon future
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has urged international partners to scale up concessional financing for developing countries, the country’s Press Information Department (PID) said on Sunday, citing an aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The call was made by Sharif’s coordinator on climate change, Romina Khurshid Alam, while delivering Pakistan’s national statement at the 16th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi.
Pakistan has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing solar markets, with 12 gigawatts (GWs) of off-grid and over 6GWs of net-metered solar capacity by the end of 2025. Last fiscal year, renewables accounted for a historic 53 percent of total electricity generation, according to Alam.
The prime minister’s aide stressed that affordable funding for developing nations is critical to accelerating their transition to clean energy and strengthening energy security amid rising climate and economic challenges.
“Alam reaffirmed Pakistan’s target of achieving 60 percent renewables in the power mix by 2030,” the PID said in a statement.
“In her call to action, she urged IRENA and Member States to increase concessional finance for developing nations, treat technologies such as energy storage and green hydrogen as global public goods, and strengthen regional cooperation for shared energy security.”
IRENA is a global intergovernmental agency for energy transformation that serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, supports countries in their energy transition, and provides state of the art data and analyzes on technology, innovation, policy, finance and investment. Its membership comprises 170 countries and the European Union (EU).
The 16th session of the IRENA Assembly is taking place on Jan. 10-12 in Abu Dhabi and focuses on the theme of “Powering Humanity: Renewable Energy for Shared Prosperity.” The session has gathered global leaders and energy decision-makers to discuss strategies and underline necessary actions for the acceleration of renewable energy across countries, regions, and the world, driving economic inclusion, equity, and human well-being.
Alam shared that Pakistan is taking action against energy poverty through initiatives like the Punjab Solar Panel Scheme 2026, which provides free or subsidized systems to low-income households.
She highlighted how distributed solar kits have restored power and livelihoods in flood-affected communities and offer a replicable model for climate-resilient recovery.
“Pakistan remains fully committed to the Paris Agreement and looks to IRENA for continued technical and financial support in building a resilient, inclusive, and low-carbon future,” Alam said.
Adopted in 2015 to combat climate change, the Paris Agreement binds nations to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.”
