Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to develop Islamabad’s Daanish IT Park into a world-class technology hub, with a focus on modernising Pakistan’s information technology ecosystem and creating opportunities for young professionals and entrepreneurs. During a meeting on October 12, the prime minister instructed the Ministry of Information Technology to prepare a detailed case study of the project, arrange an independent third-party audit and work with global technology companies to make the facility operational. He also emphasised collaboration between universities and industry to support innovation, improve technical skills and create an environment where technology businesses can grow. The initiative is intended to support Pakistan’s digital economy by connecting technology specialists, entrepreneurs and academic institutions within a coordinated ecosystem.
The prime minister said the government would continue efforts to equip young people with modern skills in information technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and financial technology (FinTech). The proposed technology hub is expected to provide opportunities for IT entrepreneurs and support the development of services and products for local and international markets. Global technology companies are being approached to help operationalise the facility, although the government has not yet announced the names of participating companies, partnership agreements or a confirmed operational date. The planned third-party audit will provide an independent assessment of the project, while the case study is intended to inform decisions about its future development and management.
During the meeting, officials also presented an overview of existing technology infrastructure and support facilities across Pakistan. The briefing stated that 50 private buildings had been upgraded into Software Technology Parks under the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB). In addition, eight incubation centres have been established across the country to support startups, while 105 coworking spaces are operating to provide facilities for IT professionals. These initiatives form part of broader efforts to encourage technology entrepreneurship, support business development and attract investment into the country’s IT sector. The government aims to build on this infrastructure while positioning Daanish IT Park as a centre for collaboration between technology companies, educational institutions and skilled professionals.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Musadik Masood Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema and Attaullah Tarar, along with Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani and senior government officials. The development follows the formal inauguration of Daanish IT Park on October 10, when the Islamabad facility was renamed and presented as a national technology hub bringing together startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, incubation centres and technology experts. The prime minister had also called for transparent bidding to select a management company to operate the facility under internationally recognised procedures. The latest directions focus on completing the operational arrangements, assessing the project independently and engaging global technology partners. No final management company, investment commitment or launch schedule has yet been announced.
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