02/02/2025
Over the past week, As CEO MedioTech , I had the opportunity to embark on an insightful tour of Islamabad alongside 22 IT company founders from Gilgit-Baltistan. This tour was organized with the support of the Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) and the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA). Our itinerary included visits to some of Pakistan’s leading corporate offices, National Incubation Centers (NICs), PSEB and various technology-driven industries and institutions. These visits allowed us to closely observe the professional work environments, industry standards, and the latest advancements shaping the country's digital and entrepreneurial landscape.
Throughout the tour, we participated in a series of training sessions conducted by industry experts, where we gained firsthand knowledge of best practices in business development, startup scaling, and innovation. Additionally, we attended multiple Chief Experience Officer (CXO) meetups, which provided us with a rare opportunity to engage with top executives, investors, and thought leaders in Pakistan’s tech industry. These interactions gave us a deeper understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and strategies that drive success in the digital economy.
What we witnessed and experienced during this tour was truly eye-opening. The level of professionalism, innovation, and systematic approach to business development in these institutions was far beyond our expectations. It made us realize that the initiative we are running in Diamer under the name ‘Digital Diamer’ is still in its very early stages. In comparison to the ecosystem we observed, our efforts barely account for 0.0000000001% of what is required to truly create a thriving digital landscape in Diamer.
This realization was both humbling and motivating. It became clear that while we have taken the first steps towards digital empowerment in Diamer, there is still a long road ahead. The infrastructure, mentorship, investment opportunities, and industry linkages that drive the success of businesses in metropolitan cities are significantly lacking in our region. This tour not only exposed us to these gaps but also reinforced the need to work harder, think bigger, and strategize more effectively to bring meaningful digital transformation to Diamer.
Ultimately, this experience has broadened our perspective and strengthened our commitment to building a more robust digital ecosystem in our region. We now have a clearer vision of the steps we need to take—whether in terms of capacity building, networking, or fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth of Diamer. The journey ahead is challenging, but with the right strategies, collaborations, and persistence, we can gradually bridge the gap and position Diamer as an emerging player in Pakistan’s digital landscape.
