Jattala’s Learnings & Gratitudes: 2024 Reflections
اوّل حمد ثنا الہٰی, جو مالک ہر ہر دا
اُس دا نام چتارن والا, ہر میدان نہ ہردا
حُکم اوہدے بِن ککھ نہ ہِلدا ،واہ قُدرت دا والی
جِیا جُون نِگاہ اوہدی وِچ، ہر پتر ہر ڈالی
حضرت میاں محمد بخشFirst, all praise and glory to the Almighty, the Master of all
The one who remembers His name, never fails in any field at all
Without His command, not even a speck can move — oh, what a Creator divine
Every living being is in His sight, every leaf on every branch aligns
— Hazrat Mian Muhammad Bakhsh
As Year 2024 draws to a close — I find myself standing at the crossroads of reflection and anticipation — a year filled with challenges that forged resilience, triumphs that inspired gratitude, and lessons that illuminated the path forward. Here’s my journey of celebrating these moments, the people who made them extraordinary, and the wisdom they’ve left behind.
Year 2024 — started with the launch of 5th NASTP in Khariyan. NASTP (National Aerospace Science & Technology Park) is Pakistan’s premier nationwide network of Science & Technology Parks: dedicated for advancing Aerospace and Emerging technologies.
In Jan 2024 myself & AVM Asad Ikram travelled to Saudi Arabia to attend Ignite NTF DCO Pakistani Startups Showcase and World Defense Show WDS 2024 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Ignite — National Technology Fund, MoIT&T, Govt of Pakistan in-partnership with Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) organized a spectacular 2-days Learning, Networking & Ecosystem Tour event for Pakistani Startups Showcase in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦. Ten amazing startups and NICAT Pakistan leadership represented Pakistan 🇵🇰 at the event. Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and Investors of the Mediterranean had organized a roller coaster ride of Innovation & Entrepreneurship with Investors & Mentors from across the World!
Having the privilege of attending the World Defense Show, WDS 04–08th Feb 2024 in Riyadh, I left thoroughly impressed by the scale and significance of this globally crucial event in the defense sector. Representing NICAT: Pakistan’s 🇵🇰 Premier Aerospace ✈️ and DeepTech📡 Incubation Center at WDS 2024 was an honor. NICAT is Pakistan’s First vertical Incubation Center for Aerospace & DeepTech. NICAT is joint venture between Ignite, Ministry of IT, and NASTP. National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP), is a nationwide network of S&T Parks across Pakistan 🇵🇰 including Karachi, Lahore & Islamabad.
We were blessed with the profound opportunity to perform Umrah and pay our heartfelt homage to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — a journey of faith, gratitude, and spiritual renewal that will forever remain etched in our hearts.
الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ “Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Universe.”
لَبَّيْكَ ٱللَّٰهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ ٱلْحَمْدَ وَٱلنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَٱلْمُلْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
ﺳُﺒْﺤَﺎﻥَ ﺍﻟﻠﮧ ﻣَﺎ ﺍﺟْﻤَﻠَﮏَ.
ﻣَﺎ ﺍَﺣْﺴَﻨَﮏَ ﻣَﺎ ﺍَﮐﻤَﻠَﮏَ.
ﮐﺘﮭﮯ ﻣﮩﺮ ﻋﻠﯽ ﮐﺘﮭﮯ ﺗﯿﺮﯼ ﺛﻨﺎ.
ﮔﺴﺘﺎﺥ ﺍﮐﮭﯿﮟ ﮐﺘﮭﮯ ﺟﺎ ﺍﮌﯾﺎﮞ
Back at NICAT — it’s beyond words to express the joy & honor to host the legendary Dr Tariq Mustafa, the very man who led the 5-member team responsible for the pioneering program of Rehbar-I the first rocket launched by SUPARCO 🇵🇰 on 7 June 1962, in collaboration with NASA 🇺🇸
Nobel laureate Prof Dr Abdus Salam was the pioneer of this program🚀🇵🇰
Rehbar launched into the upper atmosphere by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), founded by Dr Salam in 1961. Rehbar-I was the first rocket launched by SUPARCO, on 7 June 1962, in collaboration with NASA. Rehbar-I was a two-staged solid fuel rocket.
President Kennedy challenged NASA for Moon mission in 1960. In 1961, during President Ayub’s state visit to USA, NASA reached out to Pakistan 🇵🇰 realizing that the Indian Ocean region was a black hole of data relating to the wind structure of the upper atmosphere.
Pakistan seized the offer and Prof. Dr Abdus Salam invited Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission’s (PAEC) senior engineer Tariq Mustafa to join him in meeting with NASA officials in September 1961 to finalize the arrangement and Pakistan was the first country to take up the offer.
The 5-member team responsible for this pioneering program was led by Dr Tariq Mustafa and also included Salim Mehmud and Sikander Zaman, both of whom later became Chairmen of SUPARCO. Rehbar-1 was launched on 7 June 1962. Various rockets were launched by Pakistan approximately 200 times between 1962 and 1972. This was a unique achievement that even surprised NASA’s specialists. Pakistan was the first amongst all developing (including Brazil, China and India) and Islamic countries to carry out a scientific rocketry program.
Working alongside industry visionaries like Mr. Salim Ghauri, founder & CEO NetSol Technologies has been an honor beyond words.
In just one and a half years, NICAT has outpaced all other incubators in Pakistan, with its startups achieving an impressive revenue of PKR 1.23 billion and securing committed investments of PKR 1.14 billion — setting a new benchmark for innovation and growth. This magical performance is just because of the amazing NICAT Team!
In Mar 2024, we hosted Mr. Salim Ghauri, the visionary founder & CEO NetSol Technologies
In Apr-2024 — I moderated a Panel discussion on Creative Economy at 24th ITCN Asia Conference in Lahore.
We were thrilled to host H.E. Ms. Jane Marriott OBE, British 🇬🇧 High Commissioner to Pakistan 🇵🇰 at NICAT: Pakistan’s premier Aerospace ✈️ and DeepTech 🛰️ Incubation Center!
Innovista is a dynamic platform that empowers visionaries to transform ideas into impactful innovations across Pakistan. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge solutions, Innovista is where the future takes shape, one idea at a time. Innovista is a leading IT company dedicated to building a tech-savvy Pakistan. They empower startups and individuals by offering comprehensive support through training, mentorship, and collaborative workspaces, fostering innovation and growth in the tech ecosystem.
My heart finds solace and inspiration in the timeless wisdom of Sufism, a journey of love, devotion, and spiritual awakening. Hazrat Farīd al-Dīn Mas’ūd Ganj-i Shakar, commonly known as Bābā Farīd or Shaykh Farīd (1173 AD — 1265 AD), is a highly esteemed figure from the 13th century. He is recognized as a Religious Scholar, Sufi saint, Philosopher, Author, Poet, and Mystic. His influence and reverence extend throughout the medieval Indus era and the Islamic Golden Age. As a spiritual leader, Bābā Farīd’s teachings and writings have left a lasting legacy in the Sufi tradition, and his contributions to Islamic mysticism and philosophy are celebrated to this day. Shaykh Farīd al-Dīn Mas’ūd Ganj-i Shakar said:
When God visits you with some calamity, do not turn away from HIM.
Accept affliction as a present.
Cooking is my ultimate escape and creative outlet after a challenging week. Nothing brings me more joy than experimenting in the kitchen — like crafting my signature Chicken Peach Karahi — a unique blend of flavors that embodies fun and passion on a plate! The perfect way to finish a challenging week!
🌟 Presenting Chef Jattala’s Signature Dish! 🌟
🍗🐓 World-famous Chicken Peach Karahi 🥘🍑
August-2024: A proud moment for Pakistan 🇵🇰 as the National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies #NICAT, in partnership with Meta, the Ministry of IT and Telecom Pakistan, and Ignite — National Technology Fund, hosted the first-ever Meta Llama Pitchathon in the Asia-Pacific region. This groundbreaking event highlighted the tremendous potential of artificial intelligence (AI) through the application of Meta’s cutting-edge Llama 2 and Llama 3 models.
Honorable Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja the Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication MoIT&T, Government of Pakistan, visited NICAT at addressed the startups at NICAT, during the first-ever Meta Llama Pitchathon in the Asia-Pacific region.
September-2024: I had the privilege to represent the National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT) and Pakistan at the ADB Tech Startup Ecosystem Workshop 2024 in Indonesia, held from September 9–13 in Jakarta and Bandung. Organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Informatics (KOMINFO), the event was designed to facilitate knowledge exchange between over 60 participants from ten countries, alongside leading ecosystem enablers.
🌄🏌️♂️Started pPlaying golf at the base of the majestic Margalla Hills, Islamabad, was an absolutely serene experience! ⛳️✨ Grateful for the wonderful hospitality of a dear friend who made it even more special. 🙏🤝
December-2024: 🎙️ Honored to deliver a Keynote at CACIO 2024!
What a privilege to speak at CACIO 2024 hosted by the University of Wah! 🌟 I shared insights on “Pakistan’s 🇵🇰 Startup Ecosystem” — a topic close to my heart. 💡✨
On December 26th, a Tech Ecosystem Networking Dinner was hosted by IGI Digital in partnership with the Connected Pakistan 🇵🇰 2024 Conference, brought together 150+ tech leaders, innovators, and digital influencers for an evening filled with powerful conversations and collaborative energy.
A Milestone Partnership for Pakistan’s Tech Future! 🌟
We are thrilled to announce that IGI Digital has officially signed an MoU with Hazza Institute of Technology to revolutionize Skill Development in Emerging Technologies. 🚀
This groundbreaking collaboration, sealed during the Tech Ecosystem Networking Dinner at the Connected Pakistan Conference ’24, aims to:
✅ Empower youth with cutting-edge tech skills.
✅ Foster innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging technologies.
✅ Bridge the gap between academia and industry for future-ready talent.
IGI Digital hosted a Round Table on “Pakistani Startup Ecosystem: Growth Strategy and Roadmap” at the Connected Pakistan Conference ’24. We gathered the best minds in tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship to discuss Pakistani Startup Ecosystem. The energy was electric, the ideas transformative, and the vision bold! 🚀
I was honored with Tamgha-e-Ansaar at Connected Pakistan Conference 2024 🇵🇰
I am deeply humbled and overjoyed to have been awarded the Tamgha-e-Ansaar in recognition of a decade-long journey dedicated to building Pakistan’s startup and tech ecosystem. This milestone is not just mine — it’s a testament to the passion, resilience, and innovation of the countless startups, entrepreneurs, and changemakers I’ve had the privilege to work with.
A Heartfelt Apology to My Tribe
To my dearest tribe,
I owe you an apology for the time I haven’t spent with you, for not being there when I should have, and for falling short in managing my time and responsibilities. You are my anchor, my strength, and yet I’ve let the demands of life pull me away. I deeply regret not taking care of you the way you deserve.
I promise to do better in 2025— to prioritize, to be present, and to nurture the bond we share. Thank you for your patience, your understanding, and your unwavering support. 🙏
Gaming & Animation Ecosystem in Pakistan
The global gaming and animation market size was valued at USD 622.72 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. Additionally, the 20% contribution of gaming and animation to Pakistan’s IT exports highlights the potential of this industry. Stay tuned for more on this …
Gratitude Note: A big thanks to Dr. Shahid Mehmud, Mr. Hisham Sarwar, Dr. Saad Rehman, Mr. Saleem Ranjha, Mr. Mian Mehmood, Air Cdre Farhan Ahmed, Brig Zafar Qureshi, Col Waqas Malik, Mr. Ayub Ghauri, Mr. Usman Shaikh, Mr. Fasieh Mehta, Mr. Hassan Bin Rizwan, Mr. Ali Ihsan, Mr. Faizan Mubarak, Mr. Ismail Khalil, Mr. Adeel Shaikh, Mr. Bilal Abbasi, Mr. Faysal Malik, Mr. Noman Azhar, Mr. Zouhair Khaliq, Mr. Rehan Mehmood, Ms. Barira Hanif, Ms. Fajer Rabia Pasha — to name a few who made 2024 an amazing year! Pardon me if I have missed your name :) Last but not the least the Amazing Team at IGI Digital — I thank you all!
Thanks to all amazing professional fellows who touched our lives directly & indirectly — in many ways — I THANK YOU ALL.
I am thankful to my lovely family, all the fellows, supporters, mentors — business partners, who made 2024 a great learning & growing year for us! Happy New Year to all of you & We wish you all the success in 2025. My Big Dream: is to make Pakistan a Top-50 Innovative Nation by 2030 🇵🇰.
Be humble and the world will open to you. Be a steward and the world will serve you. Be kind with those in need so they will become your most loyal allies. Do not fear the future, be it — Dr Mark Esposito
Fareeda Main Nu munj Kar Niki kar kay Kut
Bharay Khazaanay Rab dey Jo bhaway so Lut—Hazrat Baba Farid u Din Ganj Shakar R.A
Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.
— Khalil Gibranہر کہ محسوسات را تسخیر کرد
عالمی از ذرہ ئے تعمیر کرد
جس نے محسوسات کو تسخیر کر لیا ، وہ ایک ذرے سے دنیا تعمیر کر سکتا ہے۔
Whoever hath subdued the things perceived
Can of one atom reconstruct a world
انہیں کے فیض سے بازار عقل روشن ہے
جو گاہ گاہ جنوں اختیار کرتے رہے
فیض احمد فیض
About the Author: Imran Jattala is Founder of IGI Digital— Global Innovation Consulting — on a mission to make Pakistan a Top-50 Innovative Nation by 2030 🇵🇰. He is the Founder of the National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT). He tweets at: ImJattala
