Chairman PTA inaugurates P@SHA PKR. 20 million Social Innovation Fund

Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Dr. Mohammed Yaseen has inaugurated “Social Innovative Fund” of PKR. 20 millions of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) for IT & ITES. Inaugural ceremony of the event was held today at PTA Headquarters, Islamabad, which was attended by Member (Technical) PTA, Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar, Member Finance (acting), Mr. Shabbir Ahmed, Ms. Jehan Ara, President of P@SHA, Mr.Badar Khushnood, Country Consultant for Google, MD PSEB Mr.Zia Imran and other senior officers of the Authority.
During the address, Chairman PTA, Dr. Mohammed Yaseen congratulated P@SHA team on the announcement of “Social Innovation Fund”. Chairman said that “In modern theory, ‘Diffusion of Innovations’ is a key path to spread new technologies for the development of modern societies.  He said that, in our society Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs) can have a positive impact on markets, thus driving innovation. He said that the future of ICTs are likely to evolve twofold in the shape of internet, where everyday objects can make online communication for dynamically exchanging resources, applications, services and knowledge. Chairman said, I strongly believe that this fund will assist a lot in exploring the innovation in our society.” Objectives of this fund is a new beginning of reaping the associated business, entrepreneurship and social benefits of this exponential ICT infrastructure of Pakistan, Chairman further added.
Talking on the occasion, Ms. Jehan Ara, President of P@SHA. said that “We are certain that we will be able to get some creative juices flowing, spark the beginnings of a few unique solutions, finance some great ideas and provide mentoring to young people who have the passion, the talent and the motivation to make a social impact on our society”.
She said that Young people have innovative ideas and are able to identify and drive solutions that can tackle urgent social and community challenges. All they need is for someone to work with them to fine-tune and thrash out the ideas and a limited amount of capital to get the ideas off the ground. She said the initial seed money for this Fund has been provided to P@SHA by Google Inc in the form of a grant. As the Fund proves its worth, there is a likelihood of more organizations will add into it. She also appreciated the efforts of PTA in developing ICT market in Pakistan and providing support towards the launch of this fund.
Addressing the ceremony Badar Khushnood, Country Consultant for Google in Pakistan said that the grant was to support social entrepreneurship and innovation and was a natural follow-up to the US$1 million that Google had provided Pakistan as part of the flood relief effort.