Paklaunch’s UNConference 26 officially concluded in Islamabad after a dynamic two-day gathering held at the Mövenpick Centaurus Mall from April 29 to 30, 2026. The exclusive event brought together over 120 selected startup founders, global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders with the aim of fostering meaningful partnerships and expanding investment access within Pakistan’s rapidly growing technology ecosystem.
Unlike conventional corporate conferences, UNConference 26 adopted an open-space format, eliminating predetermined speakers and panels. Instead, participants themselves shaped the agenda in real time, with attendees serving both as contributors and session leaders. This collaborative approach encouraged deeper engagement on issues ranging from venture capital and fintech to AI policy and cross-border growth opportunities.
The conference was powered by “aik” digital, Pakistan’s first Islamic digital banking platform by BankIslami, with strategic support from Fasset, JazzWorld, and HAAF Group. Attendance remained invitation and registration based, ensuring focused discussions among stakeholders actively shaping the future of Pakistan’s startup economy.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was Pakistan’s immense demographic and technological potential. With the country’s average age standing at just 23, speakers emphasized the importance of equipping young Pakistanis with emerging technological skills. Bilal Bin Saqib, Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), stressed the need to harness artificial intelligence to address socio-economic challenges in agriculture, healthcare, and education, while creating scalable solutions that could eventually be exported globally.
Pakistan’s expanding freelance economy also remained central to discussions. The sector reportedly recorded a 50.9 percent growth rate during the 2025–26 fiscal year, generating revenues of approximately $856 million. With an estimated 2.37 million freelancers, Pakistan now ranks among the world’s largest freelance markets. Ali Dar, Advisor on AI Punjab, highlighted how integrating technologies such as AI and blockchain could significantly elevate earning potential for young freelancers and accelerate economic growth.
The opening day of the event also marked the sixth anniversary of Paklaunch. Founded in 2020 as a WhatsApp group created by seven friends, Paklaunch has since evolved into one of Pakistan’s leading startup communities, connecting founders, mentors, investors, and innovators across the globe. UNConference 26 further reinforced the organization’s mission of building meaningful connections within Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Courting the Law founder Taimur Malik, who is also a partner at Paklaunch, continues to play a prominent role in advancing legal technology initiatives in Pakistan and the wider region. Courting the Law has previously supported and introduced legal-tech solutions, including response-driven online complaint mechanisms for Ombudsperson and Mohtasib offices across Pakistan, as well as case-law research tools aimed at improving legal accessibility and institutional efficiency.
Concluding the conference, Paklaunch founder Aly Fahd reaffirmed the organization’s long-term vision for Pakistan’s technology sector. He expressed optimism about the country’s entrepreneurial potential and emphasized that Paklaunch remains committed to helping position Pakistan among the world’s top ten technology economies by 2030 through innovation, global partnerships, and sustained investment in local talent.
