ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 – Pakistan has officially launched its national pavilion at Expand North Star 2025 in Dubai, where ten leading Pakistani startups are showcasing cutting-edge digital solutions and innovations at one of the world’s largest technology gatherings.

The event, being held at Dubai Harbour from October 12 to 15, brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders from over 100 countries. Pakistan’s participation this year, organized under Ignite – National Technology Fund, highlights the country’s growing footprint in the global innovation and digital economy. Ignite operates under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT).

The Pakistan Pavilion was inaugurated by Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s envoy to the UAE, alongside Rafique Ahmed Buriro, Additional Secretary of MoITT and CEO of Ignite, and other senior officials.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ambassador Tirmizi emphasized Pakistan’s expanding IT footprint in the UAE, noting that IT exports to the UAE surged to $376 million during the 2024–25 fiscal year. He added that Pakistan’s overall IT exports have crossed $3.76 billion, reflecting the nation’s strong performance in the global tech sector.

> “The participation of Pakistani startups at Expand North Star 2025 embodies our government’s vision to empower youth through innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship,” said Rafique Ahmed Buriro.

Buriro added that these startups act as digital ambassadors for Pakistan, driving the country toward a knowledge-based economy and sustainable growth. He reiterated MoITT’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s startup ecosystem to help local ventures compete effectively on the global stage.

He invited investors, entrepreneurs, and IT professionals to visit the Pakistan Pavilion (Hall 8, Stand No. H8-B180) to explore Pakistan’s emerging innovation landscape and potential opportunities for collaboration and investment.

According to MoITT officials, more than 40 independent Pakistani startups are participating at Expand North Star 2025, representing diverse sectors such as fintech, edtech, healthtech, and artificial intelligence.

Investor response at the Pakistan Pavilion has been described as “highly positive and energetic,” with international venture capital firms, accelerators, and corporate partners showing interest in funding Pakistani founders.

These interactions, officials noted, demonstrate growing global confidence in Pakistan’s capacity to develop scalable, investment-ready, and high-impact tech businesses.