Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has announced that the Islamabad IT Park will be inaugurated on August 14, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to bolster its digital infrastructure and create a supportive environment for the country’s growing tech industry. This will be followed by the launch of the Karachi IT Park, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to accelerating digital development across the nation.
The announcement came during her address at the Islamabad Business Summit, where the minister outlined a comprehensive vision for advancing Pakistan’s digital economy. She revealed that the government is repurposing underutilized buildings into functional IT parks across various cities. Additionally, 250 employment facilitation centers will be established nationwide to provide support services to the industrial sector, enabling more efficient access to skilled human resources.
During her speech, the minister highlighted the pervasive role of technology in every aspect of modern life. From agriculture to healthcare, education to commerce, and manufacturing to governance, digital tools are reshaping how sectors operate and interact. She emphasized that communication itself has transitioned to digital platforms and pointed out that the global economic, political, and environmental landscape is undergoing significant transformation. In her view, the world is not just digital—it is now entering an era defined by artificial intelligence. Without adapting swiftly and strategically, she warned, Pakistan could risk falling behind on the global stage.
In discussing the economic outlook, the minister shared an eye-opening statistic: for every dollar invested in marketing Pakistan internationally, the return is forty-nine dollars. This, she said, underscores the immense potential of Pakistan’s IT and business sectors, despite financial constraints. The government’s current target is to increase technology-related exports to $25 billion, a figure that reflects the broader ambition to position Pakistan as a formidable player in the digital economy.
As part of these efforts, the government will be hosting a Digital Foreign Investment Summit on April 28 and 29. The event, being organized in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, is expected to attract global stakeholders, investors, and entrepreneurs with an interest in the South Asian tech ecosystem. It will also serve as a platform to highlight investment opportunities, build bilateral relationships, and showcase the country’s digital transformation journey.
The minister also unveiled plans for a “Smart Islamabad” pilot project that will introduce a Super App designed to centralize and simplify access to public services. This initiative will allow users to digitally obtain necessary permits for business registration, pay bills, access civic services, and more—all from a single, integrated platform. Inspired by the success of Shenzhen, China, the government is setting up a centralized business facilitation center in Islamabad where all related offices will be housed under one roof. This step aims to streamline bureaucracy, reduce red tape, and improve the ease of doing business for local and international enterprises alike.
Addressing the importance of talent development, Shaza Fatima Khawaja reiterated that the youth are Pakistan’s most valuable resource. She stressed the government’s dedication to nurturing creative minds and equipping young professionals with the necessary tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. Investments in digital infrastructure, educational programs, and enabling policies are crucial to unlocking the country’s full potential and driving innovation-led growth.
Her remarks underscored a future-focused strategy where economic development, youth empowerment, and digital integration go hand in hand. As the inauguration of IT parks in Islamabad and Karachi approaches, and initiatives like Smart Islamabad take shape, Pakistan appears poised to embrace a more connected, innovative, and competitive digital future.
