DAY 2 – APT Symposium on Digital Transformation and the Universal Service Fund

speakers

Event Speakers

Meet our speakers

DAY 2 | WEDNESDAY, 14 October 2026

SESSION 5 | 09:00 -10:30

Extending Infrastructure to Underserved Areas

Forhadul Parvez

APT

MODERATOR

Forhadul Parvez

APT

Mr. Parvez is working as Programme Officer of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity. Mr. Parvez joined APT in 2004 as Project Coordinator in Radiocommunications. Since then he has been involved in various activities of APT related to policy, regulation and spectrum management. Mr. Parvez is skilled in developing the process of regional coordination on the issues of common interests for major ITU conferences. Over the years, he had systemized and coordinated the APT’s preparatory process for developing APT Common Proposals for major ITU Conferences like Plenipotentiary Conferences (PP), World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC), World Telecommunication Development Conferences (WTDC), Radiocommunication Assembly (RA) and World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA). Currently, he is involved in the activities in APT Conference Preparatory Group for WRC-27. Over the years, Mr. Parvez has worked for APT’s other work programs including APT Wireless Group (AWG) and SATRC. He has been involved in developing SATRC Action Plans Phase III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX Further, he implemented the project of APT on developing APT Frequency Information System (AFIS), a comprehensive information system on the use of radio frequencies in the Asia-Pacific. Currently, he is liaising with policy makers and regulators for the promotion of AFIS. Prior to joining APT, Mr. Parvez worked as Research Supervisor at the Telecommunication Programme, Asian Institute of Technology based in Bangkok where he conducted research on advanced wireless communication systems. He has several research publications on mm-wave Radiocommunication. Mr. Parvez holds Master of Engineering degree in Telecommunication Engineering which he obtained in December 2001 from Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). He received the ‘Government of Finland – Telia-Sonera’ Scholarship on a competitive basis to conduct his Master’s Degree in AIT. He holds the Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.

Mohammad Akmal Radzuan

Ministry of Communications, Malaysia

Mohammad Akmal Radzuan

Ministry of Communications, Malaysia

Mohd Akmal bin Radzuan is an officer of Malaysia’s Administrative and Diplomatic Service and serves as Assistant Secretary in the Communications Technology Division of the Ministry of Communications. His work focuses on international telecommunications cooperation, policy coordination and Malaysia’s engagement with regional and global organisations. He supports the preparation of national positions, bilateral engagements and ministerial delegations, working with government agencies, diplomatic missions and telecommunications stakeholders. He serves as the Ministry’s Alternate Focal Person for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT). His responsibilities include coordinating and supporting Malaysia’s participation in ITU and APT forums. He has also contributed to preparations for Malaysia’s campaign for re-election to the ITU Council for the 2027–2030 term and to the coordination of international events hosted by Malaysia. Akmal joined the Administrative and Diplomatic Service on 20 March 2015. His earlier assignments included serving as Assistant Director in the People’s Housing Programme at the National Housing Department; Special Officer to the Secretary General of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government; and Assistant Secretary in that Ministry’s Strategic Secretariat and International Relations function. From 2019 to 2021, he served as Senior Assistant Director at the National Planetarium under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. These appointments provided experience across housing administration, senior management support, international relations and science outreach. Alongside his international portfolio, he contributes to the coordination of telecommunications facilities for national celebrations and has been appointed to a special task force supporting delivery of the Point of Presence (PoP) project for school connectivity. He has also served as a Value Champion Officer in the Ministry of Communications since 2023.

Khawar Siddique Khokhar

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

Khawar Siddique Khokhar

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar is working in PTA as a Member (Compliance & Enforcement). He has previous also been a Member (C&E) and Member (Technical). Prior to joining PTA, he has served in SUPARCO, NCR Corporation, Huawei Technologies (China), Myson ( Pk), Myson Technology UAE, NEC Corporation. He possesses more than 38 years of industrial as well as academic experience. His experience involves research & development, strategic planning and technical management. He has framed a number of Regulations, rules, procedures and policies in the area of Telecommunications and IT during his 4 year tenure as a board member of Pakistan’s Regulatory Authority. Ever since his graduation in 1987, he has been teaching at various universities at post graduate and graduate level in parallel to his industrial job Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar completed his BSc Electronics & Communications Engineering from Mapua Institute of Technology, Philippines in 1987 and Ph.D degree in Telecommunication Engineering from Durham University, UK in 2006.

Asadullah Khan Niazi

Universal Service Fund, Pakistan

Asadullah Khan Niazi

Universal Service Fund, Pakistan

Asadullah Khan Niazi is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner) who has over 23 years of diverse experience in the telecom industry with various communication technologies and multi-vendor exposure including Nokia, Siemens, ZTE & Huawei. He has worked with Telenor & Nokia Pakistan and has an international work experience with Marconi Communication (Germany). He is an Electrical Engineer has a master’s degree in information technology from the University of Stuttgart, Germany. He has extensive work experience in the disciplines of Radio Access Networks; Transmission Planning, Optimization & Rollout where he has undertaken large scale Access & Fiber deployment, Technology SWAP as well as Network Optimization projects. His focus has not only been on technical but financial, policy & regulatory frameworks and project/program management aspects. In addition, he has a strong understanding of mobile markets with customer experience measurement tools. He joined USF in November 2020 as Chief Officer Quality Assurance & Monitoring. He also heads the IT Operations and Communication domain in USF.

Naveed Haq

ISOC

Naveed Haq

ISOC

Naveed Haq is the Senior Director of Infrastructure and Connectivity at the Internet Society. He focuses on bridging the connectivity gap, especially for unconnected and underserved communities in the Asia-Pacific region. His background is in computer science and telecommunications, including regulatory work in Pakistan.

SESSION 6 | 10:45 - 12:15

Financing and Regulation for Affordable Access

Hannan Tariq

Universal Service Fund, Pakistan

MODERATOR

Hannan Tariq

Universal Service Fund, Pakistan

Hannan Tariq, is working as Director of Strategy at Pakistan's Universal Service Fund (USF) Pakistan. Hannan is a strategic policy leader and telecom executive with an impressive 20-year career spanning roles across major industry operators, vendors, and policy bodies, including Nokia, ZTE, and Ufone. Today, he drives corporate strategy, digital inclusion, and key global partnerships with bodies like the GSMA and ITU to expand digital connectivity across Pakistan.

Tshering Dema

Government Technology Agency, Kingdom of Bhutan

Tshering Dema

Government Technology Agency, Kingdom of Bhutan

Tshering Dema is an Assistant ICT Officer in the Division of Telecom and Space at the Government Technology Agency (GovTech), Bhutan. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and works in the telecommunications sector. The Division of Telecom and Space is responsible for formulating policies and providing policy direction for the development of Bhutan’s telecommunications and space sectors, with a focus on connectivity, affordability, digital inclusion, and bridging the digital divide through appropriate policy interventions.

Gabrielle Iglesias

APNIC Foundation

Gabrielle Iglesias

APNIC Foundation

Gabrielle Iglesias is a Policy Adviser for Digital Transformation at the APNIC Foundation, where she supports digital transformation policy across Asia-Pacific economies through engagement with policymakers, government officials, and regional stakeholders. She leads the development of policy briefs, policy analyses, and techno-policy frameworks, and coordinates the collection and analysis of policy evidence relevant to digital transformation. She is an active contributor to regional platforms on digital transformation, internet governance, and digital public infrastructure. Her career spans over two decades of ICT-for-development and regional programme management across the Asia-Pacific. She currently teaches on sustainable development, business continuity, and cyber leadership at institutions including Thammasat University, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, and the Philippine Public Safety College and was previously tenured as Assistant Professor of Public Administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Nasruminallah Mian

Asian Development Bank

Nasruminallah Mian

Asian Development Bank

Nasr is leading business planning and Digital/ICT sector at ADB Pakistan Office. He is from the 23rd Common Civil Service (IRS) and has also worked with the private sector before joining ADB. Nasr has a Management degree from The Australian National University (ANU), an MS, and LLB from Pakistan.

Mudassir Hussain

Jazzworld

Mudassir Hussain

Jazzworld

Mudassir Hussain is a professional policy and services executive with track record of spearheading all significant telecoms and ICT market policy and growth initiatives in Pakistan. He is an expert in Telecom Policy, Information Technology strategy formulation and Telecommunications research and holds a post grad degree in Electrical Engineering from University of North Carolina USA with extensive ICT research, management and strategy experience both in Pakistan and the US. He has had a major role in development of Pakistani telecoms market through structured policy interventions and in institutionalization of Universal Service Funds and ICT research and development Funds of the GOP and all major initiatives carried out through these funds.

Asif Jafri

KistPay

Asif Jafri

KistPay

Asif Jafri is a tech entrepreneur focused on reducing gender disparities and driving economic empowerment through digital and financial inclusion in Pakistan and globally. The founder & CEO of Kistpay, a platform tackling socio-economic gaps through smartphone financing and digital tools, is an IoBM and Founder Institute alum in Silicon Valley. His journey from key roles at American Express Bank, Asian Capital Management, Union Bank, Unilever and Telenor to co-founding Eocean, a leading cloud communication platform and also advancing a startup ecosystem; Momentum, marked his path in Fintech. A proud Signatory of the UN Women Empowerment Program, Asif’s leadership has earned global recognition. Kistpay has been featured in the World Bank report, highlighted in GSMA’s Mobile Economy Asia Pacific report, and twice ranked in the Top 10 SDG Digital GameChangers by UNDP. It was also a finalist in the BRICS Solutions Awards, 4YFN Awards, Global Connectivity Awards, and IEEE Future Networks. Asif partnered with GSMA for the Global Smartphone Affordability Coalition, is a member of the ITU Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, and has led Kistpay to win accolades from the Islamic Development Bank Group for his solution to revolutionize the Digital & financial landscape. Under his visionary leadership, Kistpay has scaled operations to Bangladesh, Mexico, Thailand, and Africa, and forged global partnerships, including UNDP - D4SD | Digital Inclusion and Sustainable Development in Arab States and with GDIP to advance global digital inclusion. In a nutshell, Asif is all about erasing the digital gap, ensuring everyone is part of the digital and financial club.

SESSION 7 | 14:00 -15:30

Global Perspectives on Universal Service Governance and Funding Models

Asadullah Khan Niazi

Universal Service Fund, Pakistan

MODERATOR

Asadullah Khan Niazi

Universal Service Fund, Pakistan

Prit Chand

Telecommunications Authority of Fiji

Prit Chand

Telecommunications Authority of Fiji

Prit Chand is the Chief Executive Officer of the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji (TAF), where he oversees regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and the strategic direction of Fiji’s telecommunications sector. He brings more than 23 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, with extensive expertise in network planning, telecommunications infrastructure, project management, regulatory affairs, and organizational leadership. Prior to joining TAF, he held several senior technical and management roles at Telecom Fiji Pte Limited, including Manager Network Planning, Projects & Strategy. Throughout his career, Prit has led major telecommunications infrastructure initiatives, contributed to national policy development, and supported strategic projects focused on digital connectivity, network modernization, and operational excellence. Prit holds a Bachelor of Science in Computing Science & Technology and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He is also a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Association of Professional Engineers Australia

Muhammad Aslam Hayat

LIRNEasia

Muhammad Aslam Hayat

LIRNEasia

Muhammad Aslam Hayat is a senior policy fellow at LIRNEasia, Partner at Hayat & Noorwala and a senior expert in universal service policy, ICT regulation, and digital inclusion frameworks, with over three decades of experience advising governments, regulators, operators, and development partners across Asia and the Pacific. He played a lead role in Pakistan’s universal service regime, including the development of the Universal Service Fund (USF) Policy 2006, USF Rules, standard contract templates, and the USF operational manual—helping translate policy intent into practical instruments for fund governance, procurement, and project execution. He has also worked on the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) in Bangladesh and developed a Universal Service Fund framework for Samoa. While serving as Center Director of the Pacific ICT Regulatory Resource Centre (PIRRC) in Fiji—a joint initiative supported by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank—he advised Pacific Island governments and regulators on universal service strategies, institutional models, and implementation pathways for broadband expansion in small-island and remote geographies. His experience spans regulatory drafting, fund and institutional design, procurement and contracting models, and operational rollout support for national connectivity and digital inclusion programs.

Khowla Shoaib

Mobilink Bank

Khowla Shoaib

Mobilink Bank

Khowla brings over 15 years of executive leadership across the Telecommunications, Technology, and Financial Services sectors in Emerging Asia, with core expertise in strategy, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships. She has been instrumental in designing and executing initiatives that have reshaped industry landscapes and advanced sustainable, inclusive growth. In 2024, she launched the WIN Incubator, the first industry program dedicated to women micro-entrepreneurs, successfully graduating two cohorts and supporting more than 30 start-ups. In the same year, she introduced Change to Sustain, a climate action program integrating sustainability into banking operations and providing green financing solutions for micro and small enterprises. Renowned for her analytical rigor and data-driven decision-making, Khowla has consistently guided organizations through complex market dynamics, fostering innovation, adaptability, and long-term value creation. Her academic credentials include a Master’s degree in International Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science, with an MBA exchange at Duke University. She also holds an undergraduate degree from the University of London and has completed an executive program in Strategy at INSEAD.

SESSION 8 | 15:45 - 17:15

Bridging the Gender Digital Divide: From Access to Empowerment

Saira Faisal

GSMA Pakistan

MODERATOR

Saira Faisal

GSMA Pakistan

Saira Faisal leads GSMA’s engagement across Pakistan, Nepal, Mongolia and Sri Lanka. She works with the mobile industry, policymakers and partners to advance digital transformation, strengthen digital trust and support inclusive growth. She also helps shape and deliver regional policy priorities identified by GSMA members. Saira has around 18 years of experience spanning technology, project management, regulation, public policy and digital transformation. Before joining GSMA, she was Head of Projects at Apollo Telecom, where she led technology projects for the telecommunications industry. She has also worked with UNAIDS and Italy’s Cure2Children Foundation. Saira holds a degree in Information Technology.

Sonia Jorge

GDIP

Sonia Jorge

GDIP

Sonia is the Founder and Executive Director of the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership (GDIP). She has successfully led global coalitions to reduce the cost of connectivity and make universal meaningful connectivity a reality for everyone in global majority countries. An experienced leader and digital policy expert, Sonia has worked on policy development in over 50 countries and was recognized as one of the World's 100 Most Influential People in Digital Government in 2019. Sonia serves on various boards and holds a Masters in Public Policy and degrees in Economics and Business Finance.

Nadia Tariq-Ali

UNDP Pakistan

Nadia Tariq-Ali

UNDP Pakistan

Nadia is the Head of the Gender Team at UNDP Pakistan, with nearly 18 years of experience in gender equality, governance, and social cohesion. She has provided technical support to government institutions, donor agencies, and international organizations, including the British High Commission, USAID, and UN Women, and has contributed to rights-based gender justice initiatives in Afghanistan and Bangladesh. At UNDP, she led the development of Pakistan’s first National Strategy on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Rights. Previously, at UN Women, she supported the establishment of Pakistan’s first anti-rape crisis centre and contributed to legal and policy reforms on gender-based violence and women’s empowerment. Earlier, through roles with DAI Europe and Democracy Reporting International, she worked on women’s voter registration, parliamentary oversight, and COVID-19 response initiatives, including efforts to improve women’s access to legal identity and civic participation. She holds a postgraduate degree in Social Policy and Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science as a Chevening Scholar.

Fatima Akhtar

Jazzworld

Fatima Akhtar

Jazzworld

Fatima Akhtar is a corporate affairs and communications leader with two decades of experience working at the intersection of business, government, technology and society. As Vice President, Communications & ESG at JazzWorld and a member of the Executive Committee, she advise senior leadership on corporate reputation, strategic positioning, policy communications, stakeholder engagement, crisis response and ESG. Her work increasingly sits at the centre of conversations shaping Pakistan’s digital economy, from AI and emerging technologies to financial and digital inclusion.

Fareeha Umar

UN Women

Fareeha Umar

UN Women

Fareeha Ummer is a Portfolio Manager at UN Women Pakistan, with extensive experience in advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. In her role, she has supported institutional reforms and multisectoral initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s leadership, workplace inclusion, and systemic responses to gender-based violence and safety constraints. Her work spans policy advocacy, program design, and partnership engagement with government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders to create enabling environments for women’s full economic participation.