According to the UNICEF, Pakistan has one of the largest population of ‘young people’ in the world, with about 35% of the population being 15 years or younger. This can spell massive potential or a devastating catastrophe for the country, depending on how resources are channeled toward the development of these young minds to become assets to the country.

Thankfully, Pakistan’s technology sector is one such area that is not only channeling its resources to allow young people to learn valuable skills but also become pioneers across the world. Here are just a few of the many things that you can look forward to in Pakistan’s tech sector becoming a global leader of change:

Brilliant ideas that are being turned into reality

Pakistanis, given the opportunity, can turn simple ideas into breakthrough inventions. For example, did you know that it is a Pakistani fertilizer company that has invented the first fertilizer that cannot be used in the making of explosives? Or that a Pakistani engineer in Texas, USA has developed a tool to aid early detection of cancer? Imagine how many lives can be saved from the arduous battle against a disease like cancer.

Source: spectrum.mit.edu

Not just these, Pakistanis are working day and night, all over the globe, to make a mark. Thanks to the proliferation of internet and the growth of the tech industry, this has become even more easier.

Mentors that are leading by example

Source: Tech in Asia

People like Dr. Umar Saif, who is the Chairman of the Punjab IT Board and a leading figure in the technology sector of Pakistan, Mr. Khurram Zafar, the Executive Director of LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship, and Ms. Jehan Ara, President of Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT and ITES(P@SHA) are leaders not just for the Pakistani tech industry but are figures of repute the world over for their skills in the field and their pioneering abilities.

With folks like these as your mentors in a robust industry, you are bound to become a success. And the figures speak for themselves, Pakistan’s IT sales are more than $3 billion annually, and they are just growing.

Networking opportunities like no other

Alongside a growing network of tech incubators, accelerators and co-working spaces in cities like Lahore and Karachi there are a plethora of networking events and opportunities to mingle with like-minded individuals, leaders in the industry and employers.

Source: SOFTEC

One such event is the annual SOFTEC, an event for IT enthusiasts and young techies from around the country, organized at the FAST-NU Lahore campus. You can participate in robotics based competitions, gaming tournaments and a lot more, apart from meeting big names in the tech world of Pakistan.

Geniuses to work alongside

Pakistani technology sector is home to many brilliant minds who are not only great at their technical skills but are also fantastic marketers and sellers of their skills. We have the proud honor being home to the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional, 6 year old Muhammad Humza Shahzad.

Source: Phone World

Pakistani companies are also run by geniuses, like Zeeshan Ali Khan, the CEO and co-founder of property portal Zameen.com, who has not only raised eye-popping figures worth of funding for his company, he has also made inroads into the international real estate market with another similar web portal for the UAE. Another Pakistani venture, PakWheels, recently raised what they claim as the largest disclosed round of funding worth $3.5 million. With amazing opportunities to work alongside companies and people like these, some of that genius is sure rub off on anyone 😉

Cool companies to work for

via: Pro Pakistani

There are thousands of startups popping up in every major city of Pakistan that are comprised of young, forward thinking, fun individuals who make going to work fun. These teams are built on values of mutual respect, trust and support therefore you can also build lasting friendships from these companies. Also, you’ve seen Google’s famous offices, Pakistani startup offices are on their way to that level of gimmicks as well. Not bad, eh?

Entrepreneurial opportunities aplenty

Source: lce.lums.edu.pk

With 25,000 registered IT companies, 20,000 Computer Science majors entering the market every year and one of the largest community of freelancers, in the whole world, Pakistan is a land of opportunities if you’re in technology industry. Now, what matters is how you make use of all these opportunities to carve a niche for yourself, maybe make a mark on the global IT sector and of course, earn some of those beautiful green notes.

This article is brought to you in collaboration with SOFTEC. Having established SOFTEC regionally as an I.T. event of exceptional standing, appealing to people of all age-groups and breaking a barrier of 1,000+ participants in any event organized by the students of Pakistan, SOFTEC16 will attempt to expand its activities to focus on aspects of I.T.