In a significant step to enhance Pakistan’s IT infrastructure, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), through the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), has established 43 Software Technology Parks (STPs) across the country. These parks are strategically located in both major cities and smaller urban centers, further driving the country’s technological and economic growth.
The newly launched technology parks house more than 350 IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) firms, offering a combined workspace of 1.9 million square feet. These parks employ a total of 18,000 professionals, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s growing tech ecosystem. Notably, 20% of the workforce in these hubs comprises women, highlighting the inclusivity of Pakistan’s expanding digital economy.
The establishment of these STPs, completed between FY2022 and FY2024, includes key locations such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Quetta, Sialkot, and Swat, among others. The strategic positioning of these parks in both large and secondary cities enables the spread of technological advancements beyond metropolitan areas, ensuring balanced regional development and providing opportunities for tech professionals across the country.
In terms of economic impact, these parks are making notable contributions. The operations of the IT firms within these parks generate an impressive $100 million in foreign exchange annually, while also adding $15 million to the domestic economy. This reinforces the vital role that technology parks play in Pakistan’s economic landscape, driving growth in both local and international markets.
Looking ahead, the government of Pakistan is further committed to strengthening the country’s ICT sector with the construction of two major IT parks. One of these, located in Karachi, will be a state-of-the-art facility spanning 1.12 million square feet and is set to open by 2027. This $186 million project is expected to create 13,400 new jobs and boost IT exports by $90 million annually, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s ambition to expand its digital economy.
Similarly, the government is developing another IT park in Islamabad, which will cover 720,000 square feet and cost $88.4 million. Set for completion in 2025, this facility is anticipated to generate 7,500 jobs and contribute an additional $70 million in IT exports, further solidifying Pakistan’s position as a hub for global tech innovation.
Beyond these large-scale developments, the government has set its sights on enhancing Pakistan’s digital transformation through the creation of 250 e-Rozgaar centers by 2027. These centers will be an integral part of the “Prime Minister’s Initiatives—Support for Startups, Specialised IT Trainings, and Venture Capital” program, aimed at nurturing the startup ecosystem, providing specialized IT training, and attracting venture capital to fuel the next generation of Pakistani tech entrepreneurs.
With these advancements, the Pakistani government is taking concrete steps to fortify the country’s technology infrastructure and support the growth of its digital economy. The PSEB’s efforts in establishing software technology parks across the nation, coupled with plans for future developments, reflect a robust strategy for fostering innovation, creating jobs, and increasing Pakistan’s IT exports in the years to come. Through such initiatives, Pakistan is positioning itself as a competitive player in the global tech arena, ready to leverage its growing workforce and technological potential to drive future success.