In a bid to bolster Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) sector and boost IT exports, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans to establish the country’s largest IT Park in the federal capital, Islamabad. This initiative, championed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscores a commitment to harnessing technology for economic growth.
Spanning 3.3 acres in Sector G-10, the IT Park will be developed through a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors. The CDA Board has given the green light for the project, signaling a significant step towards its realization.
The state-of-the-art facility will cover approximately 100,000 square feet and is slated to accommodate between 5,000 to 6,000 freelancers concurrently. It will serve as a hub for innovation and collaboration, featuring a research center, library, software houses, conference rooms, and dedicated workspaces for freelancers and startups. Additionally, space will be allocated for the exhibition of IT products, further fostering industry growth and visibility.
Financing for the construction of the IT Park will be sourced from private IT companies, which will also lease office space within the complex. However, upon completion, the Park will be handed over to the CDA, ensuring effective governance and maintenance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s proactive stance on advancing the IT sector was evident in recent directives to accelerate efforts to increase IT exports. Recognizing the sector’s potential as a major contributor to the economy, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of providing education, skills training, and support for startups to thrive.
Under his leadership, initiatives launched in previous administrations have yielded positive outcomes, with banking-related obstacles for startups and IT companies successfully resolved. With the current volume of IT exports exceeding three billion dollars, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for further expansion and investment in the sector, advocating for robust legal and policy frameworks to facilitate growth and enhance global competitiveness.
The establishment of the largest IT Park in Islamabad represents a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards becoming a regional IT powerhouse, fueled by visionary leadership and collaborative efforts between the government and industry stakeholders.
