Pakistan announced on Friday its plan to establish the country’s first-ever women’s software technology park in Azad Kashmir. The initiative aims to empower women in the region and is expected to launch in February. This announcement came during a meeting of PSEB, chaired by the Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who reviewed the overall performance of Pakistan’s IT sector.
This move is part of the government’s larger vision, unveiled in May, to develop 10 new software technology parks across the country by the end of next year, with one of these parks planned for the federal capital. These new facilities will feature incubation centers and other resources designed to support start-ups, increase the country’s IT exports, and promote greater gender inclusivity in the tech sector.
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, in her address during the meeting, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating,
“The initiative [to set up the software technology park in Azad Kashmir] underscores our dedication to creating equal opportunities for women and ensuring their meaningful participation in Pakistan’s digital economy.”
This sentiment reflects the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive digital landscape where women can actively contribute to the country’s growing tech sector.
The establishment of the women’s software technology park in Azad Kashmir is a step towards addressing the gender imbalance in Pakistan’s IT industry. The PSEB has made considerable strides in promoting women’s participation in the sector, with the current workforce in PSEB-supported software technology parks comprising 20 percent female IT professionals. These efforts are contributing to an ongoing transformation of Pakistan’s tech ecosystem.
The IT sector in Pakistan has seen positive growth, with over 18,000 export professionals currently employed across 43 IT parks in the country. The PSEB has also played a crucial role in facilitating job placements for IT professionals. Since 2020, the organization’s initiatives have resulted in over 10,000 job placements through targeted training, certifications, and internship programs.
Looking ahead, the PSEB is focused on expanding the workforce and empowering the next generation of IT professionals. The organization has set an ambitious target to empower 25,000 freelancers by 2027. This will be achieved through the establishment of 250 e-Employment Centers, further extending the reach of Pakistan’s IT sector both locally and internationally. The goal is to increase Pakistan’s presence in the global tech market while providing accessible opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in the industry.
As Pakistan moves forward with this initiative, the establishment of a dedicated software technology park for women in Azad Kashmir represents a major milestone in the country’s efforts to promote gender equality in the digital economy. By creating a supportive environment for women to enter and excel in the tech field, Pakistan is not only addressing a gender-based digital divide but also advancing its broader goals of economic development and technological innovation.
