Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the development of Daanish IT Park into a world-class technology hub.
- The government aims to equip Pakistani youth with modern IT skills and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs.
- A comprehensive case study and third-party audit of the project have been ordered.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to develop Daanish IT Park Islamabad into a world-class technology hub, aiming to turn it into a centre of a modern IT ecosystem through strong collaboration between academia and industry.
At a meeting held on Monday, the prime minister emphasized the importance of equipping Pakistani youth with modern skills in information technology, artificial intelligence, and fintech, while also creating new opportunities for IT entrepreneurs.
He instructed the Ministry of Information Technology to conduct a comprehensive case study of the project and ordered that Daanish IT Park be operationalised in partnership with global technology companies. A third-party audit of the project was also directed.
During the meeting, officials briefed the participants on plans to build a comprehensive ecosystem to boost IT exports and attract investment in the sector. They highlighted that 50 private buildings had been upgraded into Software Technology Parks under the Pakistan Software Export Board.
The briefing also mentioned the establishment of eight incubation centres across the country to support startups, while 105 co-working spaces were operational for IT professionals. Global technology companies are being approached to help operationalise the Daanish IT Park in Islamabad.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Musadik Masood Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Attaullah Tarar, along with Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani and senior government officials.
The prime minister's directive aims to enhance the IT sector's capabilities and foster a collaborative environment that can drive innovation and growth in the technology industry.
