Pakistan’s long-delayed Karachi IT Park project once again came under scrutiny in the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology, where lawmakers expressed frustration over years of slow progress and repeated delays. Committee members questioned why one of the country’s flagship technology projects has yet to move beyond paperwork despite being announced several years ago.
During the meeting, the committee received a detailed briefing on the construction of the Karachi IT Park. Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja told lawmakers that the government will award the contract after completing a third-party review report. She said the ministry has now done its homework properly and is moving ahead with the project.
However, committee member Mahesh Kumar pointed out that officials had given the same briefing during an earlier meeting. His remarks reflected growing concerns among lawmakers, who believe the project has seen little practical progress despite repeated assurances from the ministry.
The committee chairman strongly criticized the delays. He said that only paperwork had been completed over the past five years, calling the situation a matter of shame. He directed officials to treat the Karachi IT Park as a top priority and asked whether the Ministry of IT would take another 10 years to complete the project.
In response, Shaza Fatima said the government has already allocated funds for the project under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). She also noted that the project suffered setbacks because of the Iran war and the resulting impact on global conditions and supply chains.
The Karachi IT Park is considered one of Pakistan’s key digital infrastructure projects. The facility is expected to provide modern office space for technology companies, startups, and freelancers. It is also aimed at boosting exports, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening Pakistan’s growing information technology sector.
Pakistan’s IT industry has become an important source of export earnings in recent years. The government has repeatedly said that projects such as the Karachi IT Park are necessary to support the country’s digital economy and attract foreign investment. However, continued delays have raised concerns about whether Pakistan can keep pace with regional competitors that are rapidly expanding their technology infrastructure.
The latest discussion in the parliamentary committee shows that lawmakers want faster progress on the project. With funding already allocated and officials promising fresh momentum, attention will now shift to whether the government can finally move the Karachi IT Park from the planning stage to actual construction.
