Pakistan Pavilion Inaugurated at Expand North Star 2025, Showcasing the Country’s Top Start-ups
Dubai, UAE – The Pakistan Pavilion at Expand North Star 2025 was officially inaugurated today at Dubai Harbour, highlighting the country’s growing innovation and entrepreneurial landscape. The inauguration was led by Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Envoy to the UAE, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of IT and Telecom and Ignite – National Technology Fund.
Ambassador Tirmizi was joined by Rafique Ahmed Buriro, Additional Secretary, Ministry of IT & Telecom and CEO of Ignite; Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai; Ali Zeb Khan, Trade Counsellor; Muhammad Saleh, Press Counsellor; and Bilal Abbasi, General Manager (Projects) at Ignite. Khurram Schehzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister, was also in attendance.
The pavilion, featuring 10 leading Pakistani start-ups under Ignite, is part of one of the world’s largest gatherings for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. The event, running from 12 to 15 October, serves as a gateway for Pakistan’s emerging digital ventures to showcase their technological solutions across diverse sectors.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ambassador Tirmizi commended the rapid growth of Pakistan’s IT sector, noting that the country’s IT exports to the UAE had reached USD 376 million in the fiscal year 2024–25. He added that global IT exports had crossed USD 3.76 billion, underscoring Pakistan’s expanding presence in the global technology market.
Buriro emphasized that Pakistan’s participation in Expand North Star 2025 reflects the government’s commitment to empowering youth through technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
“These startups are not only ambassadors of Pakistan’s digital potential but also vital contributors to our national goal of achieving sustainable economic growth through the knowledge economy,” he said.
He invited investors and entrepreneurs to visit the Pakistan Pavilion (Hall 8, Stand No. H8-B180) to explore potential partnerships and investment opportunities.
In addition to Ignite’s cohort, more than 40 independent Pakistani start-ups are participating in the event this year, signaling the country’s rising strength in technology and entrepreneurship. Investor engagement at the pavilion has been notably vibrant, with several international venture capitalists, accelerators, and corporate partners expressing interest in collaborating with Pakistani founders.
The strong participation underscores growing global confidence in Pakistan’s ability to deliver scalable, investment-ready, and impactful business solutions.
Expand North Star 2025 continues until 15 October at Dubai Harbour, bringing together global leaders, investors, and innovators to explore the next frontier of digital transformation and start-up growth.