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Islamabad:The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (MoITT), through the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), has made significant strides in developing the country’s ICT infrastructure. To date, 43 Software Technology Parks (STPs) have been established throughout the nation, including tier-II and tier-III cities, thereby promoting the expansion of more than 350 IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) companies. Approximately 18,000 professionals are employed by these parks, which span 1.9 million square feet.
The software parks are not only contributing to the country’s digital transformation but are also playing a key role in generating foreign exchange for Pakistan. The annual export value from these parks is estimated at US$100 million, while domestic revenue from the facilities amounts to US$15 million. These parks are spread across cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Gilgit, Rahim Yar Khan, Faisalabad, Swat, Quetta, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Gujrat, Jamshoro, Nawabshah, Gakuch, Bahawalpur, and Khuzdar, with more development planned for FY 2022-2024.
In addition to the existing STPs, Pakistan is set to enhance its ICT infrastructure further. The development of a state-of-the-art IT Park in Karachi, covering 1.12 million square feet, is underway. With an estimated cost of USD 186 million, the project is expected to generate 13,400 jobs and contribute an additional US$ 90 million in IT exports when completed in 2027. Likewise, a new IT Park is under construction in Islamabad, with 720,000 square feet of covered area.The facility is expected to be completed by 2025. The park is expected to be completed in 2025 and will create 7,500 jobs, while also increasing IT exports to US$70 million.
As part of its commitment to promoting a thriving ICT sector, the government also plans to establish 250 e-Rozgaar centers across Pakistan within the next three years (2027). This initiative, which is part of the “Prime Minister’s Initiatives-Support for Startups, Specialised IT Trainings, and Venture Capital,” will offer support to 25,000 freelancers and entrepreneurs, generating an additional US$18-20 million in revenue. The government intends to commence operations for the initial 50 e-Rozgaar centres during the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Pakistan is also making strides in empowering women in technology. A women-specific Technology Park will be operational in FY 2024-25 following its establishment through a partnership between the Women University in Bagh and AJK. PSEB is collaborating with the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Government and the Special Communication Organisation (SCO) to establish a STP in the region. This initiative will enhance the nation’s ICT capabilities.
Substantial results have already been achieved as a result of the government’s investments in the ICT sector. The export remittances from ICT services increased by 32.7% in the first five months of FY 2024-25, reaching US$ 1.53 billion, compared to US$ 1.15 billion in the same period of the previous year.
In November 2024, the ICT services export sector experienced a substantial 25% growth, with remittances reaching US$ 324 million, a significant increase from US$ 259 million in November 2023. The IT and ITeS industry of Pakistan achieved a trade surplus of US$ 1.35 billion during the first five months of FY 2024-25, surpassing the previous year’s results by 36.5%.
The continued focus on infrastructure development, job creation, and export growth is set to further elevate the nation’s standing in the international ICT market.
