Islamabad, Mar 7, 2025: The Ignite National Technology Fund, operating under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, has been facing prolonged stagnation due to the absence of a permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the failure to convene a board meeting.
For over 14 months, Ignite has functioned without a permanent leader, while the board has remained inactive since September of the previous year.
Despite his appointment as the board chairman, the newly inducted Secretary of IT and Telecom, Zarrar Hasham Khan, has yet to initiate a meeting. Khan, who took charge in September 2024 as the first private-sector secretary, has not taken steps to restore the board’s functionality, resulting in significant project delays.
The board’s inactivity has stalled multiple projects worth billions of rupees, leaving them in uncertainty.
These initiatives, crucial for expanding Pakistan’s IT sector, directly support Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s goal of reaching $25 billion in IT exports.
Even with the necessary funding available, project approvals have stalled, posing a substantial risk to Pakistan’s technology export aspirations.
Among the halted projects are the Ignite CODISKILLS program, the Center of Excellence in Gaming and Animation, the Ignite Virtual Production Studio, and the DigiSkills initiative.
CODISKILLS was designed to train 10,000 youth in programming, particularly coding, to bolster the country’s tech talent.
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Additionally, the government planned to establish two Centers of Excellence in Gaming and Animation in Karachi and Lahore to enhance Pakistan’s presence in the global gaming and animation industry.
The Ignite Virtual Production Studio has also suffered due to delays in acquiring essential equipment.
Additionally, the DigiSkills initiative, a vital online training program offering free digital skills education to young individuals, has remained inactive due to the board’s inability to meet.
The lack of board meetings has also hindered the appointment of a permanent CEO for Ignite. Sources reveal that interviews for the position were conducted, and a shortlist of candidates was finalized.
However, the final appointment remains stalled, awaiting board approval.
This leadership void has exacerbated inefficiencies and stalled operations within the organization.
In September 2024, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT) confirmed that the Human Resource Governance Committee (HRGC) had completed the candidate screening process.
Interviews took place in August 2024, with HRGC’s recommendations awaiting board ratification.
Yet, with no board meeting convened since September, the hiring process remains unresolved.
The CEO position has been vacant since January 17, 2024, following the expiration of Asim Shahryar Husain’s tenure. Despite re-advertisement of the role, the recruitment process remains incomplete.
In the interim, Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, General Manager of Corporate Affairs, will also serve as CEO.
However, his temporary status lacks the executive authority necessary to propel key projects forward.
