The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has proposed a budget of over Rs 1.67 billion for FY2026-27 to boost Pakistan’s digital economy. The funds are earmarked for three major programs: Pakistan Startup Fund, Bridge Start Pakistan, and e-Rozgaar Pakistan. These initiatives are part of broader government efforts to strengthen startup financing, expand freelancing infrastructure, and develop advanced digital skills.
Official PSDP documents show Rs 1 billion is planned for venture capital and startup financing under Component I. Component-II, aimed at expanding freelancing infrastructure and digital centers, is allocated Rs 264 million. Meanwhile, Component-III, focusing on IT training and internships, is set to receive Rs 408 million.
The Pakistan Startup Fund under Component-I has a total project cost of Rs 3 billion for three years. So far, Rs 132.85 million has been spent. Physical progress stands at 24 percent, while financial utilization is at 5 percent. The program aims to create a transparent startup financing ecosystem, connect startups to international markets, and provide structured grants and technical support to early-stage ventures.
Bridge Start Pakistan, the Component-II project, focuses on building freelancing infrastructure across the country. Its total project cost is Rs 1 billion, with Rs 59.06 million spent so far. Physical progress has reached 42 percent, while financial progress is 5.9 percent. To date, 80 digital centers have been established in 30 districts, offering more than 6,500 fully equipped seats for freelancers. Authorities are processing multiple loan applications tied to these centers, while national outreach programs continue to attract private partners and freelancers.
Component-III, the e-Rozgaar Pakistan program, targets advanced IT skills, international certifications, and workforce readiness. It has spent Rs 53.46 million out of its Rs 1 billion budget. Physical progress is 27.25 percent, and financial utilization is 5.35 percent. The program has placed over 1,000 interns in companies, while thousands of applicants seek training reimbursements. It also covers soft skills training, bootcamps, and internships to prepare a skilled digital workforce.
Officials said these combined initiatives aim to accelerate startup growth, expand freelancing jobs, and produce industry-ready IT professionals. They believe this will help Pakistan move closer to a knowledge-based digital economy.
