NIC Peshawar Continues to Validate KP’s Innovative Spirit

Minister of Finance, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Taimur Jhagra visited National Incubation Center, Peshawar and spent considerable time interacting with various startups and top business leaders from the region. NIC Peshawar–financed by Ignite Fund, Ministry of IT and Telecom and managed by LMKT in collaboration with PTCL–is at the heart of KP’s vibrant startup culture. The Center routinely serves as a space where seasoned business leaders share their insights with the province’s emerging innovators.

NIC Peshawar Continues to Validate KP’s Innovative Spirit

During his visit, the Minister participated in an interactive session alongside various representatives from Ignite Fund, NIC Peshawar, LMKT and NIC Peshawar’s Advisory Board members to discuss the importance of startups in a country’s economic future.

Mr. Jhagra while lauding the achievements of NIC Peshawar stated,
“I am willing to extend my complete support to NIC Peshawar in bolstering the entrepreneurial ecosystem of this region,”
The KP Finance Minister added,
“Startups not only help us advance on the technological front but they also help expand our economy by creating jobs for young professionals and provide new avenues for growth for local businesses.”
Eight startups from KP including Bera, which was recently valued at $1 million, presented their ideas to the Minister. Mr. Jhagra while showing his appreciation for all the presenters compared Bera to world-renowned designer brands. He also affirmed that Smart Tube Well, an IoT solution designed by a local startup, is much needed to address Pakistan’s water crisis.

Keeping in mind the environmental challenges and rising fuel prices, one idea that stood out prominently was ‘Azadi E Bike’, an electric bike that operates on a battery. Not only does this bike help minimize noise and air pollution, but is also very affordable as a single one-hour charge can last up to 100km and reach a speed of 80kmph. Any regular motorcycle can be converted into a zero-emission two-wheeler by retrofitting it with a custom kit including a high-performance, purpose-built battery pack.
While briefing the minister the Director NIC Peshawar, Murtaza Zaidi said,
“There is no dearth of business talent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the incubatees at NIC Peshawar have proven this fact many times over.” He continued, “With the government’s support we can not only solve indigenous problems of Pakistan but also strengthen our exports.”
The visit culminated in a series of detailed discussions between Mr. Jhagra and local industry leaders on economic development and job creation. The Finance Minister also shared his vision on ramping up economic activity in KP by leveraging platforms such as NIC Peshawar along with local thought leaders and industry experts.
PTCL, being a partner with NIC Peshawar, recently participated as a panelist to judge the Mentor Idea Review session, where innovative Startups and Founders from KPK presented their business ideas. The panelists from PTCL included Moqeem ul Haque, Chief Commercial Officer, PTCL, Syed Shahzad Shah, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Communication, PTCL and Fariha Tahir Shah, GM Corporate Communication, PTCL.