Amir Saeed

With a growing pool of talented software engineers, Pakistan can become a hub of software development, offering premium products at affordable rates. Speaking to WealthPK, Anees Amin, Chairman of Gilgit Baltistan Software House Association (GBSHA), said Pakistan was a desirable destination for software development outsourcing because of its large pool of highly qualified professionals and its ability to provide high-quality solutions at a lesser cost. He pointed out that the significant challenge facing the tech industry in leveraging the skilled workforce was the lack of business management skills among the software house leaders, which hindered their ability to scale up and grow their businesses. They focus on short-term goals instead of prioritizing long-term growth over short-term gains. He suggested that in establishing Pakistan as a low-cost software development hub, the government and private sector must work together to create a business-friendly atmosphere. This includes investing in infrastructure, such as high-speed internet, modern offices, and reliable power supply.

“The industry must offer training and development opportunities to ensure that the developers stay relevant to the latest technology and trends,’’ he stressed. He said initiatives like the IT parks and IT cities were the right steps but they often fail to yield significant and sustainable progress. A more effective approach would be to partner with the global tech leaders to set up operations in Pakistan. The collaboration would not only upskill local talent but also establish Pakistan as a hub of cost-effective software development, driving long-term growth and prosperity. By tapping into the expertise and resources of international tech giants, Pakistan can bridge the skill gap and become a competitive player in the global tech industry. Talking to WealthPK, Ehsan Ullah Baig, Co-founder of GilgitApp, a product of uConnect Technologies, a software company, said Pakistani software engineers frequently looked for work in the Western countries owing to improved job prospects and greater pay. The pace of career growth is also faster in these countries, making them more attractive to skilled workers.

Developed countries also have access to cutting-edge resources, tools, and technology, which allows software engineers to stay relevant and work on challenging projects. He explained that the education system and training opportunities in Pakistan were limited compared to the developed countries. Pakistan faces challenges in providing quality education, and the curriculum often fails to keep pace with the latest technologies and industry trends. He opined that tech companies in Pakistan could enhance their growth by forming strategic alliances with large local businesses. Achieving this requires a visionary leadership that embraces risk-taking and forward-thinking, changing conventional mindsets, and fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation. He suggested that organizations like the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and relevant authorities should offer joint ventures or advisory services to the companies, enabling them to enhance their business growth and contribute to the country’s economy through increased foreign exchange inflows.

Credit: INP-WealthPk