Entrepreneurship in Pakistan: Rising Against the Odds – The Case of Shawaiz Atthwal


Entrepreneurship in Pakistan: Rising Against the Odds – The Case of Shawaiz Atthwal

Entrepreneurship in Pakistan is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a movement. In a country with a youth bulge, high unemployment rates, and limited access to traditional opportunities, startups and entrepreneurs are emerging as engines of hope. One such inspiring example is Shawaiz Atthwal, a young digital entrepreneur reshaping Pakistan’s labor and construction industry through tech-powered innovation.


The Landscape of Entrepreneurship in Pakistan

Pakistan has seen rapid growth in startup activity over the past decade. From fintech to e-commerce and agritech to edtech, thousands of startups have emerged to solve local problems.

Yet, the challenges are significant:

  • Limited investor confidence

  • Regulatory bottlenecks

  • Digital illiteracy in rural populations

  • Unreliable infrastructure

Despite these roadblocks, the entrepreneurial ecosystem in cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad has matured, thanks to:

  • Government support through incubators like NIC

  • Private accelerators and venture capital firms

  • International collaborations with USAID, DFID, and World Bank


Shawaiz Atthwal – A Symbol of Resilient Pakistani Entrepreneurship

Among this new generation of entrepreneurs, Shawaiz Atthwal stands out as a visionary changemaker.

  • Founder & CEO of Helpnit – a peer-to-peer labor services app

  • Chairman of Tameerat.com Developers Pvt Ltd – a construction-tech company

  • Digital brand consultant and fintech enthusiast with a mission to reduce unemployment

What makes Shawaiz unique is his grassroots approach. While most startups target the urban elite, Helpnit is designed for Pakistan’s daily wage earners, blue-collar workers, and skilled laborers—empowering them through accessible technology and fair compensation.


Startup Performance & Achievements

Helpnit: A Real Solution for Pakistan's Informal Labor Sector

With over 60% of Pakistan’s workforce in the informal sector, Helpnit solves a massive pain point. It connects workers with clients via location-based matching, transparent hourly rates, and verified reviews.

Key Metrics:

  • Thousands of users onboarded in Lahore within months

  • Strong growth in word-of-mouth referrals

  • Recognized by NIC, Ignite, and NSTP pitch competitions

Tameerat.com: The Future of Construction

Tameerat.com digitizes:

  • Project estimation

  • Contractor verification

  • Material procurement

  • Client-service tracking

This platform aims to eliminate corruption, delays, and mismanagement in Pakistan’s Rs. 700 billion+ construction industry.

Entrepreneurial Vision

Shawaiz doesn’t just build tech—he builds purpose.

“Entrepreneurship should create opportunities, not just profits. I want to uplift lives, empower workers, and change how people view labor in Pakistan.”
Shawaiz Atthwal

His vision aligns with Pakistan’s national development goals:

  • Financial inclusion

  • Youth employment

  • Smart infrastructure


The Bigger Picture: Youth-Led Economic Change

Shawaiz’s journey—from a self-taught digital freelancer to a multi-startup founder—mirrors the broader entrepreneurial spirit rising in Pakistan. His work proves:

  • You don’t need VC money to create impact.

  • Tech can be inclusive.

  • Vision matters more than resources.


Learn More About Shawaiz Atthwal


Conclusion

Entrepreneurship in Pakistan is navigating uncharted waters—but with leaders like Shawaiz Atthwal, the future looks promising. His technology-first, impact-driven mindset is what Pakistan’s youth and economy desperately need.

If you're seeking inspiration or partnership with someone building real solutions for real people, Shawaiz Atthwal is a name to watch.

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