This year, for the first time in its history, the Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance Awards are heading to Pakistan. The APICTA Executive Committee, Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) alongside the Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoITT), the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and TechDestination invite you to discover the beauty & hospitality of Pakistan as members from 16 different economies meet for an event filled with competition, culture, knowledge exchange, and connections with businesses & individuals working on the most exciting upcoming technologies throughout the region.
Key Dates
Arrival– 7th December, Islamabad International Airport
Facilitation Team at Your Service
The P@SHA team has made the utmost efforts to ensure APICTA visitors have an easy and comfortable experience. Our team is on standby to support you with your visa processing, travel itinerary, accommodations, and anything else you may require.
Please feel free to reach out to Hashim at [email protected] with your queries.
Surrounded by Nature
Get ready for a unique event located in the heart of Pakistan’s capital city, Islamabad. Nestled amongst the Margalla Hills and characterized by leafy avenues, Pakistan’s capital is known for its scenic beauty & serenity. An outdoorsman’s delight, the city provides easy access to numerous hiking trails and mountains of the Lesser Himalayas in addition to fishing spots at nearby water bodies.
Steeped in History
Located close by are UNESCO World Heritage sites Taxila (a center of Buddhist learning dating back to 5th century BC), Takht-i-Bahi Buddhist Monastery (dating back to the 1st century AD) and the Rohtas Fort which has remained unconquered since it was built in AD 1591.
In addition, sites such as the Ashoka Rock Edicts (the oldest irrefutable examples of writing in South Asia) and the sacred Katas Raj temples are all located roughly 2 hours’from the city – presenting the perfect opportunity for a day trip.
Adventure Sports
For the thrillseekers among us, Islamabad offers easy access to locations such as Khanpur Dam where you can enjoy parasailing, cliff diving, jet skiing and even scuba diving.
What to Expect: Weather
Although generally pleasant and sunny, Islamabad experiences mild to chilly winters with some light rainfall. During December, the average temperature hovers between 10-15℃ and can dip lower during the night. We recommend packing at least a few items of warm clothing in anticipation of your stay. If you intend to go hiking, we recommend ensuring you have proper gear suitable for cold conditions.
What to Expect: Food
Islamabad is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population that hails from all over the world. Visitors will find a range of authentic cuisines to sample in addition to tried & true continental favorites at some of its trendiest restaurants and cafes. Our planned menu for the APICTA event also offers a great introduction to the unique flavors of desi Pakistani cuisine. Although Pakistani cuisine tends to be richly seasoned with a range of indigenous spices, milder and vegetarian options are included as well. Please let our Facilitation Team know in case of any special dietary requirements.
What to Expect: Lodging
From 5 star hotels to more modest guesthouses, visitors to Islamabad have several types of accommodation to choose from that can suit every kind of traveler, travel need, and budget. As hosts, we have also provided a carefully curated selection of subsidized accommodations and free accommodations on a first come first serve basis. Please contact our facilitation team if you would like to avail these options.
What to Bring
We recommend visitors bring their government-issued passport, identification documents, and proof of vaccination. Our Facilitation Team is on hand to guide you about the specific visa and entry requirements for visitors from your particular location.
Other than that, we hope you bring a sense of adventure and plenty of curiosity!
We look forward to welcoming you in person in December.