Name
Dr. Umar Saif
Company
- aiSight.ai
Profession
Computer Scientist, Entrepreneur, Policy Maker
Notable Role
Former Chairman PITB, Founding VC ITU, Federal Minister for IT
Known For
Modernizing Pakistan’s IT ecosystem & building startup culture
About
Dr. Umar Saif has been one of the key names in Pakistan’s IT secto0r for over two decades. He has worked in teaching, government, and business, and used technology to improve services and create new opportunities.
He set up the Information Technology University in Lahore and also led the Punjab IT Board for several years.
During this time, he introduced online systems for public services and started programs like Plan9 and PlanX that gave many young people a chance to launch their own businesses.
His work has been noticed outside Pakistan as well, with coverage in international media and recognition from global institutions. He continues to guide projects that focus on practical use of technology in everyday life.
Career Journey
Dr. Umar Saif started his higher studies in 1998 after winning a Commonwealth Scholarship that took him to the University of Cambridge.
He completed his PhD in Computer Science there and later did postdoctoral research at MIT. During this period, he also received awards such as the Microsoft Research Digital Inclusion Award in 2006 and the MIT Technovator Award in 2008.
In 2011, he became Chairman of the Punjab IT Board and introduced digital systems that made many public services easier to access.
The next year, he set up the Information Technology University in Lahore as its first Vice Chancellor. In 2014, he was given the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s national honors.
More recently, he worked as the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication in the caretaker government of 2023–24.
Today, he continues to stay active in the field as the CEO of SurveyAuto and as a member of the ITU Digital Innovation Board.
Leadership & Achievements
While working at the Punjab IT Board, Dr. Umar Saif started digital projects that helped people get government services more easily.
These included systems for education, health, and basic citizen services. He also set up Plan9 and PlanX, which gave many young people a chance to build startups and grow their ideas.
At the Information Technology University in Lahore, he built a place where students could focus on research and practical skills.
Over the years, he received national awards such as the Sitara-i-Imtiaz and was also mentioned in international forums for his work.
Alongside his jobs, he has always supported students and young professionals, encouraging them to use technology in useful ways.
Vision & Legacy
Dr. Umar Saif believes technology should be used in ways that make life easier for people. He wants to see Pakistan grow in education, startups, and digital systems so that young people have more chances to succeed.
Many of the projects he worked on at the Punjab IT Board are still being used today, helping with services in health, education, and citizen support.
Through his work in universities and with new businesses, he has opened doors for many students and professionals.
His journey shows that steady effort and practical ideas can leave a lasting effect on both people and institutions.
Media Mentions / Recognition
Dr. Umar Saif’s work has been covered by local and international outlets, including BBC News, The Guardian, Forbes, Dawn, and The Express Tribune. He has also been invited to speak at events hosted by the World Economic Forum and other global institutions.
Personal Interests
Outside of work, Dr. Umar Saif enjoys teaching, writing, and sharing ideas with students and young professionals. He often mentors startup founders and supports programs that give opportunities to underprivileged youth. He also takes part in discussions about education and technology for social good.
The Journey Ahead
Dr. Umar Saif continues to stay active in Pakistan’s technology and education sectors. His focus remains on creating opportunities for young people and building systems that make life easier for citizens. As he moves forward with new projects, his journey reflects a steady effort to link education, business, and governance through practical use of technology.
Awards
Best International Women Leadership Award (2015)
Recognized by Women in Management, Sri Lanka.
Corporate Excellence
Listed among Pakistan’s most recognized corporate personalities.
Industry Leadership
Vice President of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2018).
First female Chairperson of Unilever Sri Lanka.
