In a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has embarked on a significant endeavor to build Pakistan’s most extensive Information Technology Park (IT Park) in the nation’s capital, as reported by The News on Thursday.
This initiative is a pivotal component of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s agenda, aiming to solidify measures that elevate IT exports in Pakistan.
A sprawling 3.3-acre plot in Sector G-10 has been earmarked for the IT Park’s construction following the green light from the CDA Board, marking a crucial step towards materializing this distinctive project.
Encompassing approximately 100,000 square feet, the designated plot will accommodate an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 freelancers concurrently, fostering a dynamic work environment.
Nestled in Islamabad, the envisioned IT Park will feature a multifaceted infrastructure, including a research center, a library, software houses, conference facilities, dedicated spaces for freelancers and startups, along with areas designated for showcasing IT products.
The financing for the construction of the IT Park will be sourced from private IT enterprises, which will also lease office spaces within the premises. However, the ownership and management of the Park will be entrusted to the CDA.
Recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened with stakeholders from the IT and Telecom sectors in the federal capital, directing pertinent authorities to draft a comprehensive roadmap geared towards amplifying the country’s IT exports.
Underlining the significance of harnessing the full potential of IT exports, worth billions of dollars, the Prime Minister underscored the imperative of equipping the youth with requisite IT education, skills, and fostering an enabling environment for startups.
Highlighting the positive outcomes of preceding government initiatives in the IT sector, Prime Minister Shehbaz noted the resolution of banking-related impediments encountered by startups, freelancers, and IT firms.
Emphasizing the projection of over three billion dollars in IT exports for the current year, the Prime Minister articulated the need for further augmentation, urging the implementation of legal and policy frameworks to amplify investments and bolster IT exports.
