The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB) signed a zone development agreement worth PKR 8 Billion to establish Pakistan Digital City, a first-of-its-kind information technology focused Special Technology Zone in the province. The progress of this groundbreaking project has been significantly accelerated through the strategic support of the SIFC which has identified Special Technology Zones as a central pillar in its economic strategy.
In the wake of this agreement, STZA has verified and licensed KPITB’s Project to enable a world-class technology ecosystem and establish a signature platform for the youth of the country which will be built on 11 Acres of land providing approx 480,000 sqft high-quality tech infrastructure in Haripur to be fully operational by 2026. It is expected to create more than 4000 high tech jobs with an export potential of USD 25 – 50 million per year through nurturing start-ups and SMEs in the IT sector. The Pakistan Digital City will host the ICT companies including some of the biggest names in the ICT industry.
The licensed zones are designated for exclusive use by technology firms, which, in turn, benefit from a decade of fiscal and monetary advantages.
The signing of the Development Agreement was done by Mr. Aamer Saleemi (ED Zones and Zone developer/Member), and Dr Akif Khan, Managing Director KPITB. The ceremony was graced by the presence of notable dignitaries from KP Government, STZA and KPITB, including Mr. Khalid Latif, Special Assistant to CM KP on ST&IT, Mr. Syed Muhammad Ali Shah, Secretary ST&IT department, Ms. Iqra Musaddaq, Chief Legal Officer, Mr. Imran Bhanbhro Director Zone Developer Enablement and other leaders from STZA side, as well MD KPITB.
Mr. Aamer Saleemi, Member Zones of STZA, offered an assertive endorsement of the development agreement, stating, “The establishment of PAKISTAN DIGITAL CITY is a testament to our commitment to supporting visionary projects that can redefine the technological landscape of Pakistan. We stand ready to provide our full support to KPITB in this transformative endeavor.”.
Dr. Akif Khan, MD KPITB “Together with the STZA, we aim to build a technology ecosystem for entrepreneurship, R&D, and tech-driven innovation in the country. We expect to engage in collective efforts to enable incentives for Zone Enterprises and Co-Zone Developers operating in the Zone, and develop research and training programs for the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
Mr. Hamza Saeed Orakzai, the Chief Market Development Officer at STZA, stated that it is heartening to see provincial governments taking keen interest in setting up world-class technology ecosystems for the youth of the country who are the main drivers of our future economic growth.