MoITT in collaboration with the PSEB, has made significant strides in bolstering the country’s information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure. The government has established 43 Software Technology Parks (STPs) across Pakistan, including in several Tier-II and Tier-III cities. These parks are a crucial step in promoting technological innovation, economic growth, and creating new employment opportunities in regions outside of Pakistan’s main metropolitan hubs.
The newly established STPs host over 350 IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) companies, employing a workforce of 18,000 professionals. These parks cover a combined area of 1.9 million square feet, providing modern facilities and resources for companies working in the tech sector. Notably, 20% of the workforce in these parks consists of women, which highlights the increasing role of women in Pakistan’s growing tech industry, and reflects the Ministry’s efforts to ensure gender inclusivity within the sector.
The STPs, which were set up between FY2022-24, are spread across major cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Gilgit, as well as in smaller cities like Rahim Yar Khan, Faisalabad, Swat, Quetta, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Abbottabad, and others. These facilities are part of a broader initiative by the government to decentralize technological development and create opportunities for regions that have traditionally been underrepresented in the tech ecosystem. By strategically placing these parks in both well-established and emerging cities, the government is providing a solid foundation for the future growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.
These STPs are contributing substantially to Pakistan’s economy. They generate $100 million in annual foreign exchange earnings and contribute $15 million in domestic revenue. This highlights the growing importance of the IT sector as a major contributor to the national economy, with the potential to drive further development and create even more jobs.
In addition to the existing parks, the government has ambitious plans to further enhance Pakistan’s ICT infrastructure. One of the most noteworthy projects is the development of a state-of-the-art IT Park in Karachi. Covering an area of 1.12 million square feet, this $186 million project is expected to be operational by 2027. Once completed, the Karachi IT Park is projected to create 13,400 jobs and increase IT exports by $90 million, further solidifying Karachi’s position as a tech hub in the region.
Similarly, an IT Park in Islamabad, covering 720,000 square feet, is currently under construction. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the $88.4 million project is expected to generate 7,500 jobs and add $70 million to Pakistan’s IT exports. These developments underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s digital economy and creating sustainable job opportunities in the tech sector.
The government is also focusing on empowering individuals and startups across Pakistan by supporting digital skills development. As part of its ongoing digital empowerment initiatives, MoITT has announced plans to establish 250 e-Rozgaar centres throughout Pakistan by 2027. These centres will provide specialized IT training and support for aspiring entrepreneurs. The e-Rozgaar programme is part of the larger Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) under the initiative “Prime Minister’s Initiatives—Support for Startups, Specialized IT Trainings, and Venture Capital.” The programme aims to empower individuals by equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in the digital economy and provide them with the necessary tools to launch their own ventures.
The development of Software Technology Parks and the government’s digital empowerment initiatives are helping to drive Pakistan’s technological growth and create new avenues for economic development. With the continued investment in ICT infrastructure, Pakistan is positioning itself as a regional leader in the tech industry, fostering innovation, creating jobs, and improving the digital economy. The establishment of these parks and the upcoming projects are expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s digital transformation in the coming years.
