The government has revealed an ambitious plan to upgrade Pakistan’s technology sector, introducing initiatives designed to enhance the digital ecosystem. Speaking at the Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit, Federal IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima detailed a range of projects aimed at fostering innovation and boosting investment in the tech industry.
A major highlight is the launch of Pakistan’s first IT park in Islamabad, set to open on August 14, with another facility soon to follow in Karachi. These hubs are built to aid startups, freelancers, and companies focusing on software exports.
Plans are also underway for a pilot Smart Islamabad project alongside a “super app” that will simplify urban management by integrating public services through digital platforms. Additionally, all business registration processes in Islamabad will soon move online, mimicking successful models found in cities like Shenzhen, China.
To attract global investors, Pakistan will host the Digital Foreign Investment Summit, scheduled for late April, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia. The government also plans to repurpose unused buildings across the country into IT parks and introduce 250 employment centers to generate jobs and expand technological infrastructure.
Minister Fatima emphasized the vast economic opportunities within the tech sector, noting that investments in promoting this industry can yield significant returns, with the government setting a target of $25 billion in IT exports. She urged the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing, to ensure Pakistan remains globally competitive.
