PM Imran Khan appoints former Silicon Valley , IBM Executive as Chairperson STZA

PM Imran Khan appoints former Silicon Valley , IBM Executive as Chairperson STZA
Amer Hashmi - File Photo

APP Digital SpecialPrime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday appointed a global strategist and IT executive Amer Ahmed Hashmi as Chairperson for the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA).

The new authority has been setup to focus on the growth of scientific and technological ecosystem in the country, primarily through fostering the development of technology zones and high-tech industrial parks.

It would contribute to the acceleration of evolution of a national system of innovation, according to the Ordinance promulgated for the establishment of Special Technology Zones Authority. The ordinance was signed by President Dr Arif Alvi on Dec 2 and the notification for appointment of Amer Ahmed Hashmi issued by the Cabinet Division on Dec 9.

To be headquartered in Islamabad the STZA – the federal body would help promote global competitiveness of the domestic technology sector, as well as provide institutional and legislative support for attracting foreign direct investments in the high-tech sector.  The Prime Minister of Pakistan would be the President of Board of Governors of the STZ Authority.

As a global strategist, IT executive, and entrepreneur, Amer Hashmi possesses diverse global experience in organizational leadership with companies like IBM and MCI System house.

He was the founding CEO of Si3 – Pakistan’s pioneering technology outsourcing firm that helped stimulate IT systems integration in public and private organizations in Pakistan. His work has been featured in Forbes Asia, Businessweek & Financial Times UK.

Hashmi spent the last 10 years building knowledge ecosystem in his capacity as Advisor and Chief Strategy Officer at National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST). He was also the Chairman of Executive Committee of NUST Science & Technology Park and founding President of the Global Think Tank Network (GTTN).

Hashmi is a graduate of York University, Toronto and has been trained in several technical and specialized programs including an executive leadership on ‘Innovation for Economic Development’ from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

By Shafek Koreshe

A Senior Journalist serving as Director Digital News for the Associated Press of Pakistan; with 30 years experience in covering major national, international news stories, well-traveled; covered summits, conflict zones and special assignments.

APP Services