RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President Saboor Malik on Monday said information technology (IT) sector in Pakistan had become an industry.

“The IT sector contributes $3 billion to national economy,” he said.

Talking to media persons at the conclusion of second smart technology exhibition held at a local hotel, he said the exhibition was held to highlight the problems faced by IT companies and find their solution.

Saboor Malik said: “We have made recommendations which will be communicated to the government. Our key demands include tax rebates for software exports, opening an account for freelancers and setting up an IT park and university in Rawalpindi.”

He said the exhibition was also aimed at bringing awareness among business community about the latest trends and the use of modern technology to promote trade.

A large number of citizens, members of academia, and people participated and took a keen interest in robots, drones, digital products, medical equipment and IT products put on display by various companies.

The RCCI president said that it was an honour for RCCI that Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, Punjab Board of Investment Chairman Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan, IT Secretary Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui visited the exhibition and appreciated the businessmen’s efforts for promoting IT sector.

Representatives of Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) officials, institutes and top companies including PTCL, Nust, Capital University, and Modern Engineering had stalls in the exhibition.

Former RCCI president Sohail Altaf said Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce always took the lead in bringing forward the sectors like IT.

Convener Expo Raja Omar Iqbal said the conference and the exhibition would bring awareness of IT products and help us addressing future challenges.

The purpose of the exhibition was to raise awareness and encourage Pakistani IT companies.

Senior Vice President Nowsherwan Khalil Khan, Vice President Hamza Sarosh, former presidents, deputy convener retired Colonel Aziz Ahmed and representatives of the traders association were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2020