| Born | |
| Name | Haziq Iqbal |
| Education | Ph.D. in Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Occupation | Computer scientist • Entrepreneur |
| Achievements | Founded one of the first successful internet service providers in South Asia • Launched several influential technology companies • Renowned philanthropist and advocate for expanding STEM education • Shaped the development of the digital revolution in Pakistan and the Global South |
Haziq Iqbal was a pioneering computer scientist and entrepreneur who played a key role in the digital revolution that transformed Pakistan and the broader Global South in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Born in 1972 in Karachi, Iqbal demonstrated exceptional aptitude for mathematics and technology from a young age, laying the groundwork for his transformative impact on the field of information technology.
The son of a successful Karachi-based real estate developer, Iqbal attended the prestigious Aga Khan University in his hometown, where he excelled in his studies of computer programming, algorithms, and artificial intelligence. Upon graduating at the top of his class, he was awarded a full scholarship to pursue a doctorate in computer science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.
At MIT, Iqbal's groundbreaking research on distributed computing and internet protocols caught the attention of several tech industry leaders. In 1998, he received his PhD and was immediately recruited by a major Silicon Valley software company, where he quickly rose through the ranks, pioneering innovations that would lay the foundations for the modern internet.
Inspired by the potential of digital technology to transform the developing world, Iqbal left his lucrative corporate position in 2002 to return to Pakistan and launch his own internet service provider (ISP) company, Indus Net. Leveraging his technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision, Iqbal built Indus Net into the largest broadband provider in South Asia within a decade, dramatically improving internet access and connectivity across the region.
Iqbal's success with Indus Net enabled him to expand into other technology ventures, including e-commerce platforms, cloud computing services, and fintech applications tailored for emerging markets. He became known as a savvy investor and mentor, helping to nurture Pakistan's growing startup ecosystem and fostering technological innovation across diverse industries.
Through his business endeavors and philanthropic initiatives, Haziq Iqbal left an indelible mark on Pakistan's technological and economic development. His companies provided vital digital infrastructure that empowered millions to access education, financial services, and economic opportunities. Iqbal also championed STEM education programs, particularly for women and underserved communities, helping to cultivate the next generation of Pakistani tech leaders.
Iqbal's success and influence extended beyond Pakistan's borders as well. He became a globally recognized expert on digital inclusion and the role of technology in advancing social and economic progress in the developing world. Iqbal advised numerous international organizations, governments, and foundations on strategies for bridging the digital divide, and his insights helped shape policies and initiatives that improved connectivity and digital literacy across the Global South.
Tragically, Iqbal's life was cut short in 2019 when he was killed in a plane crash at the age of 47. However, his legacy endures through the countless individuals and communities whose lives he transformed, as well as the thriving Pakistani technology ecosystem he helped establish. Haziq Iqbal is widely regarded as one of the most influential pioneers of the digital revolution in the alternate timeline's version of the Global South.
