ISLAMABAD: A women-in-tech networking and dialogue forum bringing together professionals from Pakistan’s private, public, and development sectors was held in Islamabad on Wednesday, aiming to address gender gaps in technology leadership and create structured opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and career development in the digital sector.
The session, organized by Pathfinder Citadel, convened women working across technology, corporate innovation, government, and development organisations to share their experiences and explore pathways for greater female representation in technical and decision-making roles.
Speakers at the forum emphasized that Pakistan’s growing technology sector must be matched with stronger mentorship structures, leadership pathways, and cross-sector networks for women.
Organizers said the initiative is intended to serve as the foundation for a sustained women-in-tech community in Islamabad, aimed at fostering collaboration and strengthening women’s role in Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Air Cdre (Retd) Farhan Ahmed, Project Director at Citadel Pakistan, said the platform goes beyond training and focuses on startup incubation and international visibility.
Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, he said Pathfinder Citadel has supported startups through structured mentorship and global showcasing opportunities, adding that eight startups from its ecosystem were presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, marking a key milestone for the initiative.
Cynia Ejaz, Head of Corporate Innovation at Telenor, told Pakistan TV Digital that the forum was timely and highlighted the need to expand women’s leadership roles in Pakistan’s technology and innovation sectors.
She said greater inclusion of women in leadership positions is critical for driving innovation and strengthening the digital economy.
Meanwhile, social entrepreneur Lamia Khan said a major gap in her entrepreneurial journey was the absence of access to experienced women mentors who could provide guidance based on shared experiences.
She said such platforms help bridge that gap by enabling women entrepreneurs to validate ideas, build confidence, and learn from established professionals. She also noted gradual improvements in policy support and increasing emphasis on inclusive economic frameworks.
Chairperson of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission, Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, told Pakistan TV Digital that such initiatives are important for building professional communities and strengthening indigenous leadership pipelines.
She expressed optimism about Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, saying more local startups are expected to gain international visibility, including at the 2027 Davos pavilion.
She added that government policy is increasingly focused on inclusion, skills development, and women’s economic empowerment, with several pilot initiatives already showing results.
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