Five things to know about Salman Dar, Apple's first head of govt affairs for Pakistan

Apple has appointed Salman Dar as its first head of government affairs for Pakistan, a move that signals a growing engagement between the global tech giant and the South Asian nation.

This appointment is considered a significant development as Pakistan aims to strengthen its digital economy and attract more participation from international technology companies.

Here are five key things to know about Dar:

1. Pioneering role as Apple’s first head of government affairs for Pakistan

Dar steps into a newly created position as Apple’s inaugural head of government affairs for Pakistan. In this role, he will be responsible for leading government affairs in the country, which includes supporting Apple’s engagement with regulators, policymakers, and key stakeholders.

The appointment was welcomed by Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja. She also said the government’s engagement with Apple had been ongoing for the past two years.

2. Extensive background as an IT company CEO

Prior to joining Apple, Dar served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Itroos, an IT company that he co-founded in 2014. This experience provided him with direct insight into the operational aspects and challenges within the technology sector.

His move from running a technology company to leading government affairs for Apple places him in a role that combines his private-sector and policy experience.

3. Leadership experience within Pakistan’s Software Industry Association

Dar also held leadership positions at the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA). His involvement with P@SHA, an organisation representing Pakistan’s IT and software industry, equipped him with a deep understanding of the local tech ecosystem and its policy needs.

He served on its Central Executive Committee and focused particularly on policy and regulatory issues related to the technology industry.

In a post on his LinkedIn account, marking the end of his CEC tenure, Dar highlighted work on taxation, foreign-currency retention and other policy issues.

4. Seasoned expert in technology markets, govt policy

With around 30 years of experience in both local and international technology markets, Dar possesses significant expertise in navigating complex industry landscapes and engaging with government policy.

Dar is an information technology sector leader and has already worked with the government on policy issues affecting the IT industry.

This background is crucial for his new role, enabling him to bridge the gap between Apple’s global strategy and Pakistan’s evolving digital environment.

5. Symbol of Apple’s deeper engagement with Pakistan

His appointment is seen as evidence of Apple’s more formal and deeper engagement with Pakistan, moving beyond merely being a market where its products are sold. It comes at a time when the Pakistani government is actively encouraging global tech companies to invest, establish local manufacturing, and participate more robustly in the country’s digital economy.

Shortly after his appointment, Apple also began rolling out Apple TV and Apple Arcade services at no extra cost to iCloud+ subscribers in Pakistan, further indicating an expanded presence.