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Islamabad: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (MoITT) has submitted its initial proposals for the federal Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) budget for the next fiscal year, requesting a total of Rs. 43.65 billion for 18 key projects. These proposals aim to further the country’s technological growth and improve digital infrastructure.
The proposed budget includes significant allocations for various initiatives aimed at enhancing communication services, boosting software exports, and fostering the digital economy. Approximately Rs. 3.42 billion of the total allocation will be designated for six initiatives under the Special Communications Organization (SCO) aimed at enhancing communication infrastructure. The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) has been allocated Rs. 2.83 billion to finance seven initiatives designed to enhance the software export sector within the nation.
The government intends to allocate an investment of Rs. 11.46 billion towards three pivotal information technology initiatives, aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s technological capabilities and digital infrastructure. The Ministry has formally requested a sum of Rs. 249 million from the budget to enhance telecommunication security throughout Pakistan, facilitated by a project overseen by the National Telecommunication and Information Security Board (NTISB).
The Ministry is requesting funding amounting to Rs. 1 billion to enhance cellular services across Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The expansion of communication infrastructure in these regions is anticipated to facilitate tourism development. The Islamabad IT Park project represents a significant initiative that seeks funding amounting to Rs. 9.85 billion for the establishment of a state-of-the-art technological complex in the capital, aimed at fostering the expansion of the information technology sector.
The Digital Economy Enhancement Project necessitates an allocation of Rs. 1.5 billion from the budget proposals to establish a robust digital economy framework. The funding proposal for the augmentation of cybersecurity amounts to Rs. 250 million, as part of the Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan initiative. The proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 encompasses a request for Rs. 2.47 billion aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within Pakistan’s information technology sector through the IT Startups Support Program.
The Ministry’s proposals reflect its continued focus on advancing the country’s technological infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity, and supporting the growth of IT businesses, both locally and internationally. These efforts are expected to play a crucial role in positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
