IT/ITeS Sector is one of the fastest expanding sectors in Pakistan, contributing about 1% of Pakistan’s GDP of about 3.5 billion USD. Pakistan’s ICT market size was valued at US$ 15.10 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 15.31 billion by 2027. Over the period 2022-2027, ICT providers are expected to generate a cumulative revenue of US$ 90.68 billion. Technology parks, also known as research or science parks, are specialized areas that promote innovation and collaboration in Pakistan. These software technology parks would not only create job opportunities for IT experts in Pakistan but also attract millions of dollars in valuable foreign currency and increase IT exports once they are completed and become fully operational. In this research article, our Tashheer research team will explain all the reasons why there is a need to build IT Parks in Pakistan. For anyone looking to enhance their skills and succeed in the digital economy, exploring the Top 8 Freelancing & IT Trainers in Pakistan can provide invaluable guidance and expertise.
Advantages of IT Parks for Pakistan’s Digital Growth
With digital growth going through a rapid revolution, Pakistan is inching towards establishing a dynamic network of information technology (IT) parks to expand its digital landscape. As modern electronic gadgets have influenced lifestyles, these IT parks would provide young Pakistani professionals with a launching pad to execute their creative ideas and contribute more efficiently to the economy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, nations including Pakistan, experienced the unprecedented importance of information technology as people stayed connected globally from their homes. People often, if not always, rely on IT tools in different walks of life, from the economy to banking, governance to healthcare, education to political campaigns, shopping to routine communication.
We need to be compatible with the rest of the world in terms of communication skills. Therefore, we, especially our young generation, need to be well equipped with the latest communication techniques. These IT parks we are establishing would really prove to be a launching pad not only for reaching the latest skills but also contribute towards the narrative building to counter malicious propaganda against our motherland.
The minister stated that software technology parks would generate job opportunities for IT professionals and attract millions of dollars in foreign exchange. “On completion, these parks would also lift IT industry and exports and pave the way for an innovative future.” To understand the evolving landscape and potential career paths, delve into The Future of Tech Jobs in Pakistan: Opportunities and Trends for comprehensive insights.
Efforts and Initiatives by the Government
Currently, work on Rs 41 billion IT parks in Karachi and Rs 13.72 billion in Islamabad is ongoing, set to offer jobs to approximately 35,000 IT professionals nationwide.
IT Park in Karachi
IT Park in Karachi is the largest park of its kind in Pakistan and aimed at helping not only citizens of Karachi and Sindh but also IT professionals and companies nationwide,” the minister said. ECNEC approved Karachi IT Park on June 4, 2021, at a capital cost of USD 186.657 million including USD 158.415 million from Korean Exim Bank as a loan and USD 28.242 million local share.
The government has invited the private sector to actively participate and play a frontline role in ensuring the success of IT parks and related projects. IT ministry stated that all services offered by the parks would not be limited to tenants and enterprises of the parks but also to companies outside these IT parks. These parks aim to expand the knowledge-based economy and entrepreneurship using advanced technologies. To gain insights into the industry leaders, explore the Largest IT and Tech Companies in Pakistan for detailed information on the top companies driving innovation and growth in this field.
IT Park in Islamabad
The IT Park in Islamabad was launched in Chak Shahzad this May by the Minister for IT and Telecommunication as part of the “Digital Pakistan Vision.” and is slated to finish in 30 months, costing Rs 13.72 billion.
This park would help meet the infrastructure requirement for the IT sector, facilitate technology transfer through industry and academia linkages, link tertiary education and production, support technology commercialization, and promote research and development, besides improving IT exports and industry competitiveness.
Plans for Future Expansion and Development
Currently, there are 15 software technology parks (STPs) across the country, with three in Islamabad, two in Rawalpindi, eight in Lahore, and one each in Karachi and Gilgit. “We want to establish software technology parks across the country,” the official stated, highlighting the IT Ministry’s initiative, led by the Pakistan Software Export Board, to set up IT parks in Quetta, Faisalabad, Bannu, Swat, Mardan, Gwadar, Sukkur, and Hyderabad.
“IT Park project at the University of Balochistan worth Rs 1 billion and fiber optic cable provision for Tehsil Wadh in District Khuzdar were recently discussed,” he added. He mentioned ICT and connectivity projects, and he said the MOITT, through the Universal Service Fund (USF), had launched 70 OFC and broadband projects in 4 provinces at Rs 65 billion.
The government has issued smartphone manufacturing licenses for the first time. Now, 29 companies produce smartphones and digital devices in Pakistan. Additionally, National Incubation Centers have been set up in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta, with recent expansions in Faisalabad and Hyderabad. He stated that 30 STPs were also established nationwide under public-private partnerships, with investment in the Pakistani start-up sector reaching US$819 million in 4 years and IT exports touching US$2.62 billion.
Final Words
Currently, the total number of software technology parks (STPs) in Pakistan is 15, including 3 in Islamabad, 2 in Rawalpindi, 8 in Lahore, and 1 each in Karachi and Gilgit. In this thorough article, our Tashheer research team explained to us why there is a need to build IT Parks in Pakistan. Today, technology parks are becoming very important for multiple institutes and universities in Pakistan. As universities desire to stay relevant and competitive in this ever-changing world, technology parks in Pakistan offer a medium for practical application of research findings. By doing partnerships with top industry experts within these parks, universities can guarantee that their research is aligned with industry needs, leading to more impactful resultS, These software technology parks would not only create job opportunities for IT experts in Pakistan but also attract millions of dollars in valuable foreign currency and increase IT exports, once they are completed and become fully operational.
About the Author: Alishba
