Mr. Abdul Wahab Ahmad, Convener of the Standing Committee on IT Infrastructure Development and Trainings at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industries, organized the First LCCI IT Freelancing Award 2024 ceremony where Governor Punjab Muhammad Bligh-ur-Rehman was the chief guest while President LCCI Kashif Anwar, Senior Vice President Zafar Mahmood Chaudhry, Vice President Adnan Khalid Butt, and others from the IT industry participated in the event at Pearl Continental, Lahore.
Governor of Punjab Muhammad Baligh ur Rahman expressed satisfaction at the commencement of commendable initiatives, likening the journey to progress to a series of small steps. Emphasizing the indispensability of IT in contemporary society, he highlighted its transformative impact on job dynamics and its role as a beacon for others to follow. Reflecting on global economic models that have successfully fostered growth through business and private sector support, he underscored the pivotal role of IT in facilitating seamless communication and global connectivity. Governor Rahman lauded Pakistan’s strides in the IT realm, drawing parallels with India’s advancements and advocating for policy analyses grounded in data to unlock the sector’s untapped potential.
Governor of the Punjab, who also serves as the chancellor of universities, outlined initiatives like e-Rozgar aimed at empowering students and enhancing transparency in resource allocation, citing past successes in improving educational standards and fostering freelance opportunities. He lauded efforts to introduce secure payment platforms like PayPal, spearheaded by Umar Saif, underscoring the pivotal role of young freelancers in driving innovation and economic growth through their contributions to the burgeoning IT sector.
The President of LCCI, Kashif Anwar emphasized the significance of technological advancement in the 21st century, noting that digitalization has transformed various aspects of life globally. He highlighted the Lahore Chamber’s longstanding commitment to nurturing the IT industry, evidenced by its annual IT Awards aimed at recognizing outstanding performance within the sector. Anwar underscored Pakistan’s growing role in the global digital economy, citing statistics indicating the country’s burgeoning IT sector, which includes over 20 companies and more than 500,000 IT professionals. He lauded government initiatives such as facilitating PayPal payments for freelancers and introducing dollar retention accounts for IT firms, which have resulted in a notable surge in IT exports. Anwar outlined further government efforts, including IT training for students and the establishment of e-employment centers, aimed at fostering a conducive environment for IT growth. He commended the significant contributions of IT freelancers, whose efforts are poised to significantly bolster Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings, akin to India’s substantial gains from IT exports. Anwar stressed the importance of prioritizing and facilitating sectors like IT with vast potential for economic growth, affirming the Lahore Chamber’s commitment to guiding its members through awareness campaigns and training sessions in modern IT practices. He concluded by congratulating the winners of the Lahore Chamber IT Freelancing Awards and reiterated the need for sustained support and investment in the IT sector to unlock its full economic potential.
The Senior Vice President Zafar Mahmood Chaudhary highlighted the Lahore Chamber’s significant contributions to exports and industry and underscored its emerging role in the IT sector, noting the substantial foreign exchange earnings of neighboring countries through IT. He urged companies and freelancers in Pakistan to increase their exports and repatriate foreign exchange. Vice President Adnan Khalid Butt hailed the inaugural IT Freelancing Award as a milestone and expressed hope that awardees would continue their impactful contributions. Convener Standing Committee Abdul Wahab emphasized the crucial role of the Lahore Chamber in promoting IT, noting the historic significance of the event as the first of its kind in Pakistan, organized by the Chamber. He highlighted the importance of the Selection and Implementation Facilitation Committee (SIFC) in this context, noting that awardees from across Pakistan had collectively earned $5 million in foreign exchange over the past year.
The Convener, Mr. Abdul Wahab Ahmad expressed sincere gratitude to the esteemed Chief Guest, the Governor of Punjab, for gracing the occasion with his presence and recognized the invaluable support provided by the Governor in fostering a conducive environment for IT growth and innovation within the province. He emphasized the gathering’s purpose of celebrating the exceptional talent within Pakistan’s freelancing community, attributing their significant contributions to the nation’s economic advancement. Mr. Abdul Wahab Ahmad underscored the historic significance of the event, uniting IT stakeholders and the business community from LCCI, and foreseeing increased local investment in IT and its integration into traditional business practices to enhance efficiency and productivity. He highlighted the event’s role in nurturing an environment conducive to innovation, entrepreneurship, and the flourishing of freelancing as a viable career path, extending gratitude to sponsors, partners, and collaborators for their contributions to the event’s success.
In the last of the event Governor Punjab Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman, along with LCCI President Kashif Anwar, and Convener Abdul Wahab Ahmad distributed the awards to the winners of the First LCCI Freelancing Award and sponsor shields. The Governor presented special appreciation awards to LCCI President Kashif Anwar, Senior Vice President Zafar Mahmood Chaudhry, Vice President Adnan Khalid Butt, and Convener LCCI Standing Committee on IT Infrastructure Development and Training Mr. Abdul Wahab Ahmad.
