The government has allocated over Rs. 18.718 billion for the establishment of the Technology Park Development Project (TDP) in Islamabad and an IT Park in Karachi as part of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the financial year 2024-25. The Technology Park in Islamabad is envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, and product development. It will serve as a hub, bridging the gap between academia, research, industry, and planners both within Pakistan and internationally. This park is expected to play a crucial role in knowledge and resource management, with a primary focus on the commercialization of knowledge through managing innovations. Additionally, it will offer business support services, promote entrepreneurship, and provide consultancy services. Moreover, it will supply much-needed IT-enabled office space and facilities to IT companies registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB).
The IT Park in Karachi is designed to act as a catalyst for creating job and business opportunities, particularly for the youth. According to the PSDP, the government has also allocated a total of Rs. 28,929 million for the ongoing and new schemes of the Information Technology and Telecom Division for the financial year. Out of this total allocation, Rs. 23,535 million has been earmarked for 16 ongoing schemes, while Rs. 5,394 million has been allocated for five new schemes.
Among the ongoing schemes, notable allocations include Rs. 300 million for the Smart Office Federal Ministries Department (NITB), Rs. 1,000 million for Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan (NTISB), and Rs. 2,000 million for the Prime Minister’s Initiatives – Support for IT Startups, Specialized IT Training, and Venture Capital (IGNITE & PSEB). For new schemes, the government has allocated Rs. 3,500 million for the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (WB Funded) (MoITT/BoI/NITB/NADRA), Rs. 800 million for the National Semiconductor HR Development Program (NSHRDP) Phase-I (IT Wing), Rs. 194 million for the Expansion of Cellular Services in AJK and GB Phase-IV (SCO), and Rs. 800 million for Revamping the IT Industry Landscape (PSEB).
