Saquib Ahmad, the Managing Director of SAP Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan, held a media interaction at a local hotel in Islamabad today. The purpose of the media meetup was to showcase the collaborative efforts between SAP and the Government of Pakistan in the digital transformation of public sector enterprises and departments, aiming to enhance service delivery efficiency to the masses. Saquib was accompanied by Haroon Khan, Director Public Sector, SAP Pakistan, and Fahad Zahid, Director, Large Enterprise, SAP Pakistan.
During the interaction, Saquib highlighted the positive impact of the collaboration between SAP and the AGPR office, making it technologically effective and time-efficient. This system has also been extended to the SBP’s Micro Payment Gateway, RAAST, facilitating unified disbursements of payments to vendors, contractors, and pensioners. By leveraging SAP software, the AGPR office has successfully automated and integrated its processes, enabling automated pension disbursements to 1.2 million pensioners. Saquib emphasized that these efforts align with SAP’s vision to improve lives and make the world run better.
When asked about the transformation of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), Saquib informed the media that the Ministry of Finance & Revenue, leading Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs), Pakistan Railways, Higher Education Commission (HEC), and many other organizations are relying on SAP solutions to enhance service delivery efficiency for the masses. He specifically praised the efficient implementation of the technology by Pakistan Railways, which has facilitated automation and digitalization within the organization.
Saquib highlighted SAP’s valuable contribution in assisting the Ministry of Finance and Revenue in their budget-making process and the disbursement of funds to different ministries and departments. SAP has established trust among its customers through its role in facilitating these important financial operations on its platforms.
Regarding the ban on opening Letter of Credits (LCs) for imports, Saquib expressed concern that the government’s ban is affecting SAP’s growth. He mentioned that the economic and financial crisis has created difficulties for companies in the private sector. Saquib expressed hope for positive news from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the eventual restoration of economic stability in the country.
Saquib Ahmad also emphasized the need for stable internet connectivity to ensure progress, stating that unscheduled disruptions and downgrades in internet services hinder Pakistan’s IT sector from fulfilling international commitments. He stressed that digitization of the economy and focusing on developing IT infrastructure are crucial for achieving progress.
In response to another question, Saquib mentioned that SAP Pakistan is undertaking a project to provide free training to students and professionals in the country. Through the Young Professionals Program (YPP), SAP is offering hands-on training to young students and professionals through its partners. This program facilitates their employment in world-renowned organizations. Additionally, the Academy Graduate Program (AGP), SAP’s flagship program, selects forty graduates from Pakistan’s top universities and sends them to Silicon Valley in the United States for training, which is a significant achievement for Pakistani talent to be trained in the US.
SAP is also supporting digital transformation journeys of private sector customers, including Engro Corporation, Imtiaz Store, Ghulam Farooq Group, National Foods, Fauji Fertilizers, Shan Foods, Packages, and many others. SAP has a strong presence in the Oil and Gas sector in Pakistan, and organizations such as PARCO, Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), and Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) rely on SAP solutions for their digital transformation initiatives.