The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has proposed a major Rs 71.84 billion allocation for 20 development projects under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for 2026-27, more than three times the current year’s Rs 22.23 billion. The portfolio includes 12 ongoing projects and eight new initiatives, focusing on IT parks, startups, digital infrastructure, and telecom expansion across Pakistan.
IT & Telecom
Among the proposed allocations, the Ministry of IT & Telecom itself tops the list, seeking Rs 37.79 billion for five projects, including two new initiatives worth Rs 33.8 billion. The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) has requested Rs 24.39 billion for seven ongoing projects, focusing on completing current initiatives rather than launching new ones.
IT Parks
The flagship IT Park in Islamabad has made steady progress, reaching 72% physical completion and over 62% financial utilization. With Rs 14.5 billion already spent, Rs 6.73 billion has been requested for 2026-27. The park will host nearly 120 startups and SMEs, offering incubation centers, testing labs, conference spaces, and a Tier-3 data center, with the potential to create over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.
In contrast, the Karachi IT Park faces delays, with only 10% physical and 5% financial completion against an estimated cost of Rs 31.2 billion. Design work is complete, environmental and aviation clearances have been obtained, but procurement delays have stalled construction. Re-tendering is linked to financing approvals from K-Exim Bank, with Rs 11.5 billion proposed for the coming fiscal year.
Startup and Digital Workforce
Efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s startup and digital workforce include Rs 1.802 billion for the Pakistan Startup Fund and Rs 1.017 billion for the National Semiconductor HR Development Program. The e-Rozgaar Pakistan program has established 80 centers in 30 districts, providing over 6,500 freelancer workstations, training, internships, and certification support to build a skilled digital workforce.
Telecom Infrastructure
Telecom expansion also remained a focus. The Special Communications Organization (SCO) has requested Rs 2.67 billion for four projects, including new sites to improve coverage in remote and tourist areas. The cellular expansion phase has achieved 40% physical progress, while the new convergent billing system aims to unify billing for multiple telecom services, serving up to four million subscribers. Meanwhile, a hybrid power solution is planned to ensure uninterrupted telecom services in far-flung regions.
Other bodies like NITB, IGNITE, and NTISB have proposed allocations totaling over Rs 6.9 billion for ongoing and new projects, signaling a clear push to expand digital services, cybersecurity, and innovation-led growth.
