The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has taken a major step towards strengthening Pakistan’s IT sector by establishing 43 Software Technology Parks (STPs) across the country. These STPs, developed under the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), are fostering innovation, employment, and economic growth, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja informed the National Assembly.
Boosting IT Sector and Employment
Located in tier-II and III cities, these technology parks are home to over 350 IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) companies, providing employment opportunities to 18,000 professionals. Encouragingly, 20 percent of the workforce in these STPs consists of women, highlighting the government’s commitment to gender inclusion in the technology sector.
The economic contributions of these STPs are noteworthy, generating approximately $100 million in foreign exchange earnings annually, while also contributing $15 million to domestic revenue. With the expansion of digital infrastructure, these figures are expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
Major IT Parks Under Development
Minister Shaza Fatima also announced the development of two major IT parks, one in Karachi and another in Islamabad.
- Karachi IT Park: This state-of-the-art facility will span 1.12 million square feet and is expected to be fully operational by 2027. With an estimated cost of $186 million, this project aims to create 13,400 jobs and enhance IT exports by an additional $90 million.
- Islamabad IT Park: Covering 720,000 square feet, this $88.4 million initiative is projected to be completed by 2025. Once operational, it will generate 7,500 employment opportunities and contribute to a $70 million boost in IT exports.
These developments are part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance the country’s ICT ecosystem and position Pakistan as a global IT hub.
e-Rozgaar Centers for Freelancers and Startups
To further support IT professionals and entrepreneurs, MoITT has planned the establishment of 250 e-Rozgaar centers across Pakistan over the next three years under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). This initiative, launched as part of the Prime Minister’s Initiatives—Support for Startups, Specialized IT Trainings, and Venture Capital, aims to empower 25,000 freelancers and entrepreneurs, with a projected revenue increase of $18-20 million.
As part of this initiative, 50 e-Rozgaar centers will become operational in the fiscal year 2024-25, creating new avenues for digital employment and economic growth.
Pakistan’s First-Ever Women Technology Park
Another groundbreaking initiative is the establishment of Pakistan’s first-ever Women Technology Park in collaboration with the Women University in Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Scheduled to be operational by FY 2024-25, this project will provide women in technology with a dedicated platform to innovate, collaborate, and grow their businesses.
Additionally, PSEB is collaborating with the Special Communications Organization (SCO) and the Gilgit-Baltistan government to set up an STP in the region, further expanding the digital infrastructure in remote areas.
Government Initiatives to Enhance IT Capabilities
The government is actively working with the ICT industry to improve the capabilities of IT professionals and businesses. Various programs have been launched to support international marketing efforts and participation in global events, helping Pakistani IT firms gain visibility and expand their reach in global markets.
Record Growth in ICT Export Remittances
Pakistan’s ICT sector has been witnessing remarkable growth, with export remittances increasing by 32.7% to $1.53 billion in the first five months of FY 2024-25, compared to $1.15 billion in the same period last year. In November 2024 alone, ICT export remittances reached $324 million, marking a 25% year-on-year increase from November 2023.
Additionally, the IT and ITeS industry recorded a trade surplus of $1.35 billion, reflecting a 36.5% rise from the $989 million reported in the previous year. This stands in stark contrast to Pakistan’s overall services sector, which recorded a trade deficit of $1.148 billion during the same period.
Pakistan’s IT sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by government-led initiatives, strategic investments, and global collaborations. With the establishment of IT parks, e-Rozgaar centers, and dedicated platforms for women in technology, the country is poised to become a leading player in the global digital economy. The sustained rise in export remittances and employment opportunities further cements Pakistan’s position as a thriving hub for IT and innovation.
