COMSATS Software Society - Innovate. Build. Transform. Lead

Published: 11 January 2023

Summary:

COMSATS Software Society convened national tech and policy leaders for an in-depth discussion on how artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, and automation can reshape Pakistan’s public sector. The panel featured Dr Umar Saif, Jehan Ara, and Ahsan Sharif, offering students firsthand exposure to the country’s foremost voices in digital transformation.

Event Overview

The COMSATS Software Society organised a high-level conference titled “Technology and Latest Trends in Pakistan’s Public Sector”, reflecting the university’s mission to bridge academic learning with real-world innovation.

Held at the COMSATS Islamabad campus auditorium, the event attracted a full house of students, faculty, and visiting professionals. Discussions centred on how emerging digital tools—particularly AI, machine learning, and data analytics—can improve transparency, decision-making, and efficiency across public institutions.

For COMSATS students, the conference provided an unparalleled opportunity to learn from industry leaders and understand the evolving intersection of AI, fintech, and governance. The event reaffirmed the COMSATS Software Society’s commitment to fostering dialogue between academia and the technology ecosystem, nurturing a new generation of professionals capable of driving Pakistan’s digital future.

Distinguished Speakers

Dr Umar Saif – Computer Scientist, Entrepreneur, Policymaker

Founder of the Information Technology University (ITU) and architect of Punjab’s digital governance initiatives, Dr Saif shared insights on using data-driven citizen services to rebuild public trust. He highlighted that sustained innovation requires continuity of leadership and strong institutional frameworks.

Jehan Ara – Founder, Katalyst Labs / Former President, P@SHA

Ms Ara spoke on the human-capital dimension of public-sector reform. She urged governments to adopt startup-style agility, empowering young professionals to innovate within bureaucratic systems rather than being constrained by them.

Ahsan Sharif – Finance & Technology Strategist

Known for leading AI-driven transformation projects across manufacturing and education sectors, Mr Sharif presented a business-centric perspective on digital governance. He demonstrated how predictive dashboards and automated financial workflows initially developed for industry,can modernise fiscal planning, project tracking, and service delivery in government institutions. His insights linked technical innovation to tangible efficiency gains, providing students with a model for practical, impact-driven leadership.