Islamabad is gearing up to launch its largest Information Technology Park (IT Park) through a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors, as reported by The News on Thursday. This initiative is in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to bolstering Pakistan’s IT exports.
A vast plot spanning 3.3 acres in Sector G-10 has been designated for the IT Park’s construction following approval from the CDA Board. Envisaged as a hub for innovation, the Park will provide workspace for an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 freelancers across 100,000 square feet of area.
This state-of-the-art facility, to be situated in Islamabad, will encompass a spectrum of amenities including a research center, library, software house, conference rooms, and exhibition space for IT products. Private IT firms will finance the construction and also lease office space within the premises, with ultimate ownership resting with the CDA.
Prime Minister Shehbaz has been actively pushing for strategies to bolster the country’s IT exports. In a recent meeting with stakeholders from the IT and Telecom sectors, he directed authorities to draft a comprehensive plan for enhancing IT exports, stressing the importance of leveraging the sector’s immense potential. He underscored the need for empowering youth with relevant education and skills, and facilitating the growth of startups.
Acknowledging the progress made in previous initiatives, particularly in addressing banking hurdles faced by startups and IT companies, PM Shehbaz highlighted the positive trajectory of IT exports, surpassing three billion dollars this year. He urged for further efforts to scale up these exports, calling for necessary legal and policy measures to attract more investment into the sector.
