CEO to Ex-CEO: PSEB Chief Steps Down After Transformative Year for Pakistan’s Tech Sector

The Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) has officially announced his decision to step down from the role at the end of November 2025, marking the close of what he described as one of the most meaningful chapters of his professional life.

The announcement came after he updated his LinkedIn profile, changing his designation from CEO, PSEB to Ex-CEO, PSEB, signaling the transition. In a reflective message, he expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve Pakistan at a critical time for its technology and digital economy.

Reflecting on his return to public service, he acknowledged that the decision was questioned by many. However, he said his belief in Pakistan — and more importantly, in its people — never wavered. Over the past year, he noted, that belief was reinforced by the talent, resilience, and determination shown by the country’s technology ecosystem.

During his tenure, PSEB achieved several milestones aimed at long-term impact rather than short-term optics. Pakistan hosted its first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum in collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Multiple youth upskilling initiatives were launched, alongside internal organizational restructuring to support sustainable growth.

Key initiatives such as MARKAZ, a 24/7 industry facilitation platform, GAIN, focused on global diaspora engagement, and INSPIRE, Pakistan’s first semiconductor training program, were introduced to prepare the next generation for emerging technologies.

Pakistan’s tech narrative was also taken to major global hubs, including Silicon Valley, London, Riyadh, Dubai, and Kuwait. Representing the country alongside industry leaders on these platforms, he said, remained one of the proudest moments of his tenure.

The momentum translated into measurable results, with record-breaking monthly IT export remittances achieved in three of the last four months — a sign, he emphasized, of sustainable growth.

He extended gratitude to the PSEB team, industry partners, stakeholders, and the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, particularly acknowledging the support of Shaza Khawaja and Zarrar Khan.

Stepping down for personal reasons, he reaffirmed his strong belief in Pakistan’s technology ecosystem, stating that the journey is far from over and that the sector’s momentum is only set to accelerate further.