The federal government has released Rs. 8.6 billion for the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT) under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) during the first quarter of the ongoing financial year 2025-26. This release marks a significant push toward strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and fostering innovation. The allocation reflects nearly 28 percent of the total Rs. 31 billion approved for IT and telecommunication projects this year.
Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Projects Get Major Boost
According to official reports, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication confirmed that the Rs. 8.6 billion released funds have already been fully utilized across multiple development initiatives. These projects are designed to enhance Pakistan’s capacity in information technology, improve digital connectivity, and promote IT exports, which are critical drivers of economic growth in the modern era.
The ministry further elaborated that the funds are being strategically directed to flagship ventures such as IT Parks, digital training programs, and innovation hubs aimed at supporting local startups and technology companies.
Islamabad IT Park Nears Completion
One of the most ambitious Ministry of IT and Telecommunication projects is the Islamabad IT Park. With an allocation of Rs. 7 billion, the project is being financed through a soft loan from a Korean bank. Officials reported that more than 80 percent of construction has already been completed. The facility is expected to become operational by the end of September this year, in line with the directives of the Prime Minister.
Once functional, the Islamabad IT Park will serve as a central hub for technology services, research, and IT exports. It is expected to provide cutting-edge infrastructure to tech startups, freelancers, and multinational IT companies operating in Pakistan. Experts believe this project will not only create thousands of job opportunities but also play a vital role in increasing IT exports, which currently contribute around $2.6 billion annually to Pakistan’s economy.
Karachi IT Park in Planning Stages
The government has also allocated Rs. 15 billion for the Karachi IT Park, another flagship initiative under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication. Although the funds have been earmarked, the project is still under revised planning, and work is progressing to finalize its design and implementation phases.
The Karachi IT Park is envisioned to become a landmark technology hub in the country’s largest city, providing world-class facilities for IT businesses, research centers, and digital entrepreneurs. Once operational, the park is expected to significantly strengthen the IT ecosystem in Karachi and enhance Pakistan’s global competitiveness in the digital economy.
Expanding IT Opportunities Across Pakistan
Beyond mega projects like IT Parks, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication is also focusing on district-level initiatives to promote digital literacy and entrepreneurship among youth. The National Assembly Standing Committee was informed that Ignite, a key department under the IT Ministry, has been directed to expand its programs into educational institutions across districts.
Ignite’s initiatives are designed to equip young Pakistanis with essential skills in areas like coding, artificial intelligence, and digital business management. These programs are expected to empower students with the knowledge required to thrive in a technology-driven global economy.
According to government data, Pakistan currently has more than 4.5 million freelancers, making it the third-largest freelance workforce in the world. By strengthening IT infrastructure and providing better training opportunities, the Ministry aims to further boost this sector and significantly increase remittances through IT exports.
Economic Impact of IT and Telecommunication Projects
The importance of these Ministry of IT and Telecommunication projects cannot be overstated. IT exports from Pakistan have already shown remarkable growth in recent years, increasing from $1.44 billion in 2019-20 to over $2.6 billion in 2023-24, representing an annual growth rate of more than 15 percent.
The completion of IT Parks in Islamabad and Karachi is expected to accelerate this trend, as they will attract foreign investors, support local startups, and create high-skilled employment opportunities. Additionally, by offering state-of-the-art facilities, these projects will help position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
The release of Rs. 8.6 billion for the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication under the PSDP demonstrates the government’s commitment to building a strong digital infrastructure for Pakistan. With the Islamabad IT Park nearing completion and the Karachi IT Park in development, the country is on track to establish world-class technology hubs that will boost IT exports and generate employment.
By expanding digital training programs across districts, the Ministry is also ensuring that Pakistan’s youth are better prepared to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital age. These strategic investments are expected to transform Pakistan into a regional hub of technology, innovation, and IT services in the years ahead.
