5 IT Leaders Who Shaped Pakistan’s Digital Economy

Thanks to visionary IT leaders like Burhan Mirza, Asif Peer Jehan Ara and others, Pakistan’s digital economy expects to hit its planned target. Read more to find out

Lahore (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jun, 2025) Pakistan’s digital economy has grown rapidly in recent years, thanks to visionary IT leaders whose innovation, investment, and leadership have propelled the industry forward. These trailblazers have built successful companies, nurtured startups, and opened international markets for Pakistan’s tech talent. Here’s a list of key figures who have significantly shaped Pakistan’s digital landscape.

1. Burhan Mirza — IT Tycoon, Investor, and Entrepreneur

Burhan Mirza is a prominent IT tycoon and investor known for his strategic vision and entrepreneurial acumen. As co-founder of The Coach360, a platform focused on mindset, growth, and leadership development, he’s invested in over 15 startups with a combined market cap exceeding $100 million. Burhan’s impactful work at TradeKey, Pakistan’s leading B2B platform on the verge of becoming the country’s first unicorn, helped open global doors for local IT firms. His leadership continues to fuel Pakistan’s digital economy through investments and mentorship.

2. Jehan Ara — Leading Through Innovation & Inclusion

Jehan Ara is a prominent name in Pakistan’s digital and entrepreneurial ecosystem, known for championing innovation, inclusion, and youth empowerment. As the former President of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), she played a pivotal role in advocating for the tech industry’s growth and bridging gaps between government, academia, and private sector.

Jehan founded The Nest I/O, a groundbreaking tech incubator in Karachi that nurtured hundreds of startups and gave aspiring entrepreneurs the tools, mentorship, and global exposure to scale their ideas.

Beyond entrepreneurship, she has been a powerful voice for digital rights, women’s participation in tech, and inclusive digital policy. Her visionary leadership continues to shape Pakistan’s digital future.

3. Asif Peer — CEO of Systems Limited

Asif Peer serves as the CEO of Systems Limited, Pakistan’s pioneering IT services company with a strong global presence. His leadership has driven innovation and international growth, transforming Systems Limited into a trusted partner for software development and IT consulting worldwide. Asif’s work has helped position Pakistan as a competitive outsourcing destination.

4. Salim Ghori — Founder and CEO of NetSol Technologies

Salim Ghori is the founder and CEO of NetSol Technologies, a global IT company specializing in enterprise software solutions, particularly for the automotive and finance industries. Under his vision, NetSol has gained international acclaim, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s IT export revenues and reputation for delivering complex software solutions.

5. Imran Aftab — CEO of 10Pearls

Imran Aftab leads 10Pearls, a digital transformation company that provides cutting-edge technology solutions globally. With a focus on sectors such as healthcare, fintech, and education, Imran’s leadership has expanded 10Pearls’ footprint and demonstrated the capability of Pakistani IT firms to deliver innovative, large-scale digital services.