KP’s largest technology festival concludes at Hazara varsity

Mansehra, Dec 14:The three-day Hazara Tech Fiesta 2025 wrapped up at Hazara University on Saturday, drawing thousands of students, academics and technology professionals to what organisers described as the largest technology-focused gathering ever hosted by a public-sector varsity in the Hazara region.

The festival turned the Hazara University campus into a centre of digital exchange, with students interacting with policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and international experts. Discussions ranged from emerging technologies and future job markets to the expanding role of youth in Pakistan’s digital economy, underscoring the growing link between higher education and technology-led development.

Held through a collaboration between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, District Youth Office Mansehra, Resecurity and several academic and private-sector partners, the event aimed to connect students from the region with national and global technology ecosystems. Organisers said the initiative helped bridge geographic gaps by bringing high-level exposure directly to the varsity.

 

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ikramullah Khan, who inaugurated the festival, said the university was proud to host an event of such scale. He noted that platforms like Hazara Tech Fiesta strengthen ties between academia and industry while preparing students to understand real-world technological trends, adding that the varsity remains committed to innovation-driven education.

Hassan Sajjad Khan, founder and chief executive officer of Thrive Pakistan, said the objective was to decentralise access to technology and opportunity. He added that the strong student turnout reflected the eagerness of KP’s youth to contribute to technology, entrepreneurship and innovation when given appropriate platforms.

International participation was a key feature of the festival. Sharafat Khan, managing director of Resecurity Pakistan, highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity and digital intelligence, saying Pakistani youth have the potential to compete globally in these fields. Haris Qureshi, chief operating officer of Resecurity Pakistan, said the event showed how regional varsities can serve as gateways to global technology careers.

Academic representatives also lauded the initiative. Waqar Ishaq, head of the Department of Telecom, termed the festival a valuable academic experience, noting that exposure to industry experts enhances classroom learning and expands students’ career outlook.

 

The event was attended by senior political and public figures, including Kamal Saleem Swati, who praised the organisers for hosting a large-scale technology initiative in Hazara. Member of the National Assembly Shahzada Muhammad Gushtasap Khan, the chief guest, described the festival as a milestone for the region and pledged support for future youth-focused digital initiatives.

 

Speaking at the concluding session, Hassan Nisar, founder and chief executive officer of Metrix Pakistan, said the festival symbolised a broader movement to integrate Pakistani youth into global innovation networks. He added that Metrix Pakistan would continue to develop platforms enabling students and young professionals to collaborate and grow.

Organisers said the festival featured conferences, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, hackathons and career fairs, with sessions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship and digital professions. With its conclusion on December 14, Hazara Tech Fiesta 2025 has set a new benchmark for technology events in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reinforcing the role of varsities as engines of innovation and youth empowerment.