On April 16, Pakistan — The national government has initiated a comprehensive program aimed at boosting the country’s tech industry. This approach encompasses significant infrastructural developments, enhanced digital services, and efforts to draw in international investment. During theLeaders in Islamabad Business Summit on Wednesday, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shanza Fatima, disclosed details of these plans. The overarching aim is to revamp the technological environment and align it with contemporary global advancements.

One of the main initiatives includes Pakistan’s inaugural dedicated Information Technology park in Islamabad, scheduled to launch on August 14th. Following this, another such complex is planned for Karachi. These facilities will offer tailored environments for technology start-ups, independent professionals, and software companies focused on exports. The purpose behind these developments is to stimulate creativity and expansion within the technological sector.

Fatima additionally presented proposals for a pilot Smart Islamabad initiative. The scheme includes developing a comprehensive ‘super app’ aimed at consolidating various public services to enhance city administration. Moreover, within the next few months, Islamabad will shift all company incorporation procedures online. This move enables business owners to obtain licenses and utilize services through digital means, thereby simplifying their journey.

Pakistan aims to lure international investors by hosting a Digital Foreign Investment Summit from April 28-29 in partnership with Saudi Arabia. This event intends to showcase the country’s growing digital economy and present various investment prospects. Additionally, the administration has proposed establishing around 250 job centers across the nation, repurposing unused structures as IT hubs. According to Fatima, each dollar spent on promoting Pakistan’s technology sector yields approximately $49 in return, underscoring its substantial economic promise.