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The complex will feature an information technology (IT) park, a science and IT innovation park, an incubation centre, co-working facilities, data centre, business process outsourcing facilities, display centres, auditoriums and other related facilities.
K-P Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry witnessed the signing of the agreement.
CM Mahmood said that the initiative is a landmark achievement towards realising Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Digital Pakistan vision Khan and a step towards digitalisation and promotion of entrepreneurship in the province.
The chief minister hoped the digital complex, once complete, will attract investors apart from providing employment opportunities to the youth in the IT sector.
The digital complex will also bring educational institutions and industries closer, he said.
Mahmood said that the provincial information technology Board was focused on building the digital infrastructure of the province, including the establishment of purpose-built facilities to enable technology startups, small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs to create innovative digital products and services.
Complaint cell
Separately, Mahmood Khan on Thursday inaugurated the Chief Minster’s Complaint Cell. The cell has a dedicated phone number of ‘1800’ where people can register complaints directly.
The chief minister inaugurated the cell by listening to a complaint and issuing directives for its resolution. He assured to resolve public issues without any delay.
The chief minister went on to attend as many as 22 complaint calls at the cell and issued directives to address the complaints.
He said three counters will be set up to tend to calls from the newly merged tribal districts.
Chakdara bypass road
The chief minister also inaugurated the six-kilometre-long Chakdara bypass road on Thursday. The road will be built at an estimated cost of Rs450 million over two years.
The project will benefit residents of Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Bajaur and Chitral and will help shave off at least 90 minutes in travelling time.
The chief minister said that the provincial assembly has released around Rs500 million for the proposed Sanaam Dam in Lower Dir. Moreover, he announced that the Chakdara tehsil headquarters hospital will be upgraded to a Category-B medical facility.
He announced that a further Rs50 million will be provided for building a walking track in Timergara.
CM Mahmood further said that a cadet college will be set up in Upper Dir. The project will be included in the annual development programme (ADP) for the upcoming fiscal year.
He added that PM Imran will soon inaugurate the Chakdara— Chitral Expressway.
The CM stated that the provincial government will soon start the ‘Ehsaas Income Programme’ in the province.
Noting that the province is taking the lead nationally in promulgating legislation against child sexual abuse, Mahmood said that those involved in child abuse will be given severe punishment once the legislation is passed.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2020.
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