IT and Telecom Industry Welcomes Dr. Umar Saif as Caretaker Minister

The IT industry has expressed a warm reception to the appointment of Dr. Umar Saif as the Caretaker Minister for IT and Telecommunication.

A statement released by the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA) extends a hearty welcome to the designation of Dr. Umar Saif as the Federal Minister of IT & Telecom within the Caretaker Government. According to PASHA, Dr. Umar Saif’s appointment is highly merited.

PASHA Chairman Muhammad Zohaib Khan commented,

“Dr. Umar Saif is internationally acclaimed and celebrated as an IT expert, computer scientist, educator, accomplished academic administrator, tech researcher, artificial intelligence entrepreneur, venture capitalist, angel investor, and expert in digital governance and transformation.”

PASHA remains hopeful that Dr. Umar Saif’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the world of technology will serve as a significant source of inspiration. The IT industry conveys its best wishes for his success in his new role.

Zohaib Khan expressed his complete support on behalf of P@SHA, the premier trade and industry platform for IT companies in Pakistan. He aims to initiate a consultative process to ensure the continuity and consistency of policies, foster an enabling environment for IT service exports, and maintain ongoing major IT initiatives – including attracting investments into Pakistan’s IT industry through the Special Investment Facilitative Council (SIFC).

Muhammad Zohaib Khan also emphasized Dr. Umar Saif’s inclusion in the MIT Technology Review’s TR35, which recognizes young innovators under 35 for their contributions to technology-related fields worldwide. “The key point is that he is one of our own,” he added.

According to a notification from the Cabinet Division, Dr. Umar Saif has been entrusted with the responsibilities of the Ministries of IT and Telecom, as well as Science and Technology.

In a recent tweet, Dr. Umar Saif shared,

“After declining a government position for many years, today I took oath as the Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecom in the caretaker government. Thank you for your love, support and prayers. It is a huge privilege to serve the country at this critical time. IT holds the key to turn around the economy of Pakistan, digitise systems and processes, minimise corruption and facilitate citizens. I hope to resume from where I left off at PITB several years ago. Please share your suggestions for the short time I have in the caretaker government.”

Dr. Umar Saif, the caretaker IT minister, brings extensive experience in academia, management, consulting, and entrepreneurship within the IT sector. He has held numerous significant positions in Pakistan’s IT sector, including Chairman of the Punjab Information Technology Board and Vice Chancellor of the Information Technology University. In 2014, he was honored with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (SI), one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards, in recognition of his contributions to the nation.