The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, through the Pakistan Software Export Board, has initiated an independent review of the Karachi IT Park project by inviting consultancy firms to assess key technical and contractual documents before the project moves into its next phase.
According to an Expression of Interest (EOI) issued by PSEB, the selected consultancy firm will evaluate feasibility studies, engineering designs, Bills of Quantities (BOQs), technical specifications, cost estimates, and other project-related documentation.
The review aims to reassess the project’s implementation strategy and address concerns regarding construction timelines and procurement requirements. Officials noted that the Karachi IT Park is significantly larger than the Islamabad IT Park, yet both projects were initially planned under similar execution schedules.
The decision comes after several procurement challenges delayed progress on the flagship technology infrastructure initiative. Multiple bidding rounds reportedly failed to attract contractors, prompting authorities to revisit project conditions and tender requirements.
Government officials believe lessons learned from delays in the Islamabad IT Park project can help improve the Karachi project’s execution model and make it more attractive to potential bidders. Following the review, authorities are expected to relaunch the bidding process.
With an estimated cost exceeding Rs. 31 billion, the Karachi IT Park is among Pakistan’s largest digital infrastructure projects. Official data shows physical progress has reached around 10 percent, while financial progress stands at nearly 5 percent.
Although originally planned over a six-year period, the project has already faced delays of nearly three years. To support its continuation, the Ministry of IT has requested Rs. 11.5 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026-27.
The project has also encountered challenges related to its location near Jinnah International Airport, where concerns raised by the Civil Aviation Authority led to design modifications, height restrictions, and the cancellation of the original land allotment.
Despite these setbacks, preliminary works, including boundary wall construction and geotechnical investigations, have been completed, while detailed project designs have been prepared by international consultants.
Once completed, the Karachi IT Park is expected to host more than 200 technology companies and provide office space, research facilities, a data center, and modern infrastructure aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy and innovation ecosystem.
