Hajra Naz
In a briefing to the National Assembly, Shaza Fatima Khawaja shared that 43 Software Technology Parks (STPs) have been established in Pakistan by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) under the PSEB.
Expanding IT Infrastructure Across Pakistan
The recently set up STPs are fundamentally found in tier-II and tier-III cities, giving workspace for over 350 IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) companies. These companies utilize roughly 18,000 experts, with women making up 20% of the workforce.
Economic Contributions of STPs
- STPs generate $100 million in foreign exchange earnings annually.
- They contribute $15 million in domestic revenue each year.
Major IT Parks Under Development
To further strengthen the country’s IT infrastructure, the government is developing two state-of-the-art IT parks in Karachi and Islamabad.
Karachi IT Park
- Size: 1.12 million square feet
- Completion Year: 2027
- Project Cost: $186 million
- Employment Generation: 13,400 jobs
- Expected IT Export Increase: $90 million
Islamabad IT Park
- Size: 720,000 square feet
- Completion Year: 2025
- Project Cost: $88.4 million
- Employment Generation: 7,500 jobs
- Expected IT Export Increase: $70 million
These projects are key to the government’s broader strategy to enhance the ICT ecosystem and position Pakistan as a global IT hub.
Launch of e-Rozgaar Centers for Freelancers and Entrepreneurs
The MoITT has planned to establish 250 e-Rozgaar centers over the next three years under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). These centers fall under the Prime Minister’s Initiatives—Support for Startups, Specialized IT Training, and Venture Capital.
- Freelancers and entrepreneurs supported: 25,000
- Projected revenue increase: $18–20 million
- 50 e-Rozgaar centers to become operational in FY 2024-25
Pakistan’s First-Ever Women Technology Park
Pakistan’s first Women Technology Park is being created in collaboration with Women University in Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Additionally, the PSEB is working with the Special Communications Organization (SCO) and the Gilgit-Baltistan government to build up an STP in the region.
Strengthening IT Capabilities and Global Outreach
The government has also introduced various programs, in consultation with the ICT industry, aimed at:
- Enhancing IT professionals’ skills
- Supporting IT companies’ growth
- Facilitating global marketing and participation in international events
Rapid Growth in ICT Exports
Pakistan’s ICT sector has experienced critical development, with export remittances expanding by 32.7% in the to begin with five months of FY 2024-25, coming to $1.53 billion compared to $1.15 billion during the same period final year.
- In November 2024 alone, ICT send-out settlements stood at $324 million, checking a 25% increment from November 2023.
- The IT and IT industry accomplished an exchange excess of $1.35 billion, reflecting a 36.5% rise from the $989 million recorded in the past year.
In contrast, Pakistan’s general services sector reported a trade deficit of $1.148 billion during the same period.
