Shahid Mahmud

Dr Shahid Mahmud is the CEO and Chairman of Interactive Group of Companies in Islamabad, Pakistan. His expertise lies in the fields of computer science and artificial intelligence. Dr Mahmud, with over 33 years of experience, founded and leads Interactive Group, contributing significantly to the progress of telecommunications, information technology, and wireless media infrastructure in Pakistan.
He earned a PhD in Computer Sciences from Coventry University, United Kingdom, a Master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from the National Defence University in Pakistan, and a Bachelor’s in Engineering from NED University, Pakistan. Dr Mahmud’s focus is on addressing society’s critical needs through systems integration and optimized connectivity to support health, education, and public safety.
Additionally, he is the Co-Founder of ‘Foresight Lab,’ a collaborative initiative between AGAHI, a non-governmental organization, and the Interactive Group of Companies. The lab’s goal is to advance policymaking and strategic narratives in crucial areas by engaging lawmakers, policymakers, academia, and society and promoting a Futures Index in the country.
Dr Mahmud serves as a Senior Fellow at the Global Think Tank Network (GTTN) and is the Co-chair for ICT on the Corporate Advisory Council (CAC) of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). He is currently involved in Foresight Studies with various universities.
In recognition of his contributions to and promotion of Pakistan’s ICT industry, Dr Mahmud has received numerous awards and has been honoured as a Distinguished Fellow by Eisenhower Fellowships. Beyond his professional roles, he is an enthusiastic entrepreneur, futurist, philanthropist for health and youth-oriented projects, and an avid mountaineer.