Shaza Fatima credits PM’s support for Islamabad IT Park

ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP):Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Saturday credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s support and guidance for the completion of Islamabad IT Park, calling it an important step towards a technology-driven economy and higher IT exports.

Addressing the IT Park’s inauguration ceremony in Islamabad, attended by the prime minister, IT company chief executives, government officials, cabinet members and students, she said the project reached this stage in two and a half years thanks to the prime minister’s continued guidance and support.

She said the prime minister wanted the facility to become a complete technology ecosystem, not just a building offering office space for rent.

“This is not just a building. Your direction is that this will not be a rental building. It will be an entire ecosystem,” she said, explaining the vision behind the project.

Shaza Fatima said the prime minister had personally pushed the project forward through regular meetings and continued engagement despite several challenges.

“If it wasn’t for your leadership, it would absolutely not have been possible,” she said, thanking the prime minister for his support.

Islamabad IT Park has been developed as a technology hub for IT companies, startups, freelancers and research activities.

It is the largest technology park built by the government of Pakistan and aims to help businesses develop products and compete in international markets.

The project includes a modern data centre, a special technology zone offering incentives, robotics and research laboratories, a startup hub, and a centre to promote cooperation between industry and academia.

These facilities are designed to support emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and cloud computing, and encourage the development of locally produced technology solutions.

The project is also linked to the government’s target of increasing Pakistan’s IT exports to $25 billion by 2030. It is expected to help technology companies and freelancers expand their operations, improve their products and reach international markets.

During her address, the minister highlighted other initiatives launched under the prime minister’s leadership to strengthen the technology sector.

She referred to Arfa Karim Tower in Lahore, named after Arfa Karim, who became the world’s youngest Microsoft Certified Professional at the age of nine.

She said the facility had helped build the IT ecosystem by providing an incubation centre and an IT university.

She also recalled the introduction of co-working spaces to support technology professionals and entrepreneurs.

The minister highlighted e-facilitation centres and e-libraries established to improve public access to digital services and educational resources.

She said the government had expanded technology facilities beyond major cities, establishing centres in 65 districts through public-private partnerships over

the past two years. These centres provide young people with internet access and digital learning opportunities.

Shaza Fatima said 135 centres had been established across the country under the prime minister’s leadership, including in the four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

She said the government aimed to expand digital opportunities nationwide and enable young people to take part in the growing technology sector.

Highlighting efforts to develop digital skills, the minister referred to female students from federal schools in Islamabad who attended the ceremony.

She said the students, from grades seven to eleven, had completed 16 Huawei training certifications.

Their participation alongside IT industry leaders and government officials reflected the government’s aim to build an inclusive technology ecosystem, she added.

Shaza Fatima said Islamabad IT Park was another step towards promoting innovation, developing skilled professionals and strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy.

She thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his personal involvement, saying his continued support had helped move the project forward despite the challenges faced during its development.