WASHINGTON: Pakistani technology companies are seeking to expand their business with American clients by offering specialised services and products, as changing US immigration policies complicate the movement of foreign professionals.
The opportunities were discussed at Pakistan-US Tech Connect 2026, a day-long business networking event hosted by the Pakistani embassy on Wednesday. Sixteen Pakistani technology companies met American business representatives and industry experts to explore partnerships and develop lasting commercial relationships.
Organised with Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and OPEN Global, the event featured companies working in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics, financial technology and healthcare technology.
Participants stressed that Pakistani firms needed to move beyond routine IT services and competition based mainly on labour costs. Developing proprietary intellectual property, scalable products and specialised expertise would help them capture more value in international markets.
Sofyan Yusufi, senior vice-president at Oracle, emphasised the importance of understanding American business culture, strengthening technical skills and building teams that reflected US market expectations.
“If you survive in the Pakistani market, you can survive anywhere,” he said, according to notes from the discussion.
Mr Yusufi also stressed the importance of including women in technology teams seeking American business, suggesting that an exclusively male team could indicate a limited understanding of the US market.
Imran Aftab of 10Pearls highlighted the need to improve Pakistan’s education system and prepare younger generations for changes in technology, business and employment.
Rebecka Zavaleta, co-founder and chief executive of PAISMO, described entrepreneurship as “a relationship with fear”. She also emphasised the need for businesses to adapt as global events unfold rather than wait for crises to end.
Participants discussed the importance of tailoring products and services to customer requirements, citing demand for customised suits as an example of Pakistan’s potential to provide specialised solutions rather than compete solely on price.
PSEB Chief Executive Faisal Jeddy said North America was critical to Pakistan’s IT industry. Of the $4.6 billion in IT exports recorded during the period cited at the event, 80 per cent came from North America, he said.
Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2026
