The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and TelenorPakistan have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate innovation,promote digital inclusion, and advance youth empowerment across Pakistan. This strategic partnershipaims to strengthen the country’s technology sector by nurturing young talent, supporting localtechnologycompanies,andenhancingPakistan’sdigitalinfrastructureinlinewithSTZA’smandate.
The MoU was signed by Mr. Aamer Saleemi, Executive Director Zones & Zones Developer/Member atSTZA and Ms. Areej Khan, Chief People Officer at Telenor Pakistan, during a ceremony attended bykeyleadersfrombothorganizations,includingKhurrumAshfaque,CEOofTelenorPakistan;Mr.
Hamza Saeed Orakzai, Chief Market Development Officer at STZA; Ms. Iqra Musaddaq, Chief LegalOfficer at STZA; Ms. Cynia Ejaz, Head of Corporate Innovation at Telenor Pakistan; Mr. ImranBhanbro, Director Zone Developer Enablement at STZA; Ms. Farah Samuel, Manager of CorporateInnovation at Telenor Pakistan; Mr. Usamah Naveed, Associate of Strategy & Partnerships at STZA;Ms.HumairaParveen,ManagerofMarketingOperationsatSTZA.
Through this MoU, STZA will work with stakeholders to expand youth initiatives within STZs, advocatefor policy development in emerging technologies such agritech, edtech, fintech, promote youth skilldevelopment initiatives, and connect local innovators with global networks. Telenor Pakistan in Parallelwill utilize its Telenor Velocity platform to support technology companies while launching youthdevelopment initiatives, including innovation challenges and hackathons. These programs aim to nurturethenextgenerationofdigitalleaders.
Mr. Aamer Saleemi, Executive Director at STZA, remarked: “This MoU represents an importantmilestone in strengthening Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. By collaborating with Telenor Pakistan, we aimto provide valuable opportunities for startups and tech companies while nurturing the leaders oftomorrow through youth-focused programs. Together, we strive to bridge the gap between local andglobalinnovation,establishingPakistanasathrivingcenterfortechnologyandinnovation.”
Khurrum Ashfaque, CEO at Telenor Pakistan, commented, “This collaboration underscores our commitment to empower local technology innovators and promote a culture of innovation in Pakistan. Together with STZA, we can create meaningful opportunities for our youth’s development, advance emerging technologies and position Pakistan as a prominent technology hub. This partnership marks a significant step towards a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future for the nation.”
Mr.HamzaSaeedOrakzai,ChiefMarketDevelopmentOfficeratSTZA,emphasized:”ThispartnershipwithTelenorPakistanalignswithourmissiontocreatearobusttechnologyecosystem.By integrating global expertise with local talent, we aim to catalyze growth, foster innovation, andempowerthenextgenerationoftechleaders.ThisismorethanjustanMoU;it’sasharedcommitmenttoshapingPakistan’sdigitalfuture.”
With this MoU, STZA and Telenor Pakistan reaffirm their commitment to advancing technologicalinnovation, empowering youth, and fostering growth in Pakistan’s technology sector. This partnershipsolidifies both organizations’ roles as key enablers of a dynamic digital ecosystem, paving the way forsustainabledevelopmentandafuture-readyPakistan.
