Tech investment vital for uplift: PM

Imran says technology sector to grow by 75% by yearend

HARIPUR:

 

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday stressed the need for investing in the technology sector, saying that the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had removed impediments to it, which had resulted in the sector’s growth by 45% so far.

Addressing the ground-breaking ceremony of the Pakistan Digital City Special Technology Zone on Monday, Premier Imran emphasised that investment in technology sector was vital to create employment for the youth as well as improve the economy.

“The future is technology. The Special Technology Zone (STZ) is a complete ecosystem. The provincial government generated resources for the project which will have a positive impact on next generations,” the prime minister told the ceremony.

The flagship project of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would be established on 86 kanals of land at a cost of Rs1.31 billion. The project would benefit a large number of IT and allied technologies including electronics, computers and mobile phones, software houses and technology incubators.

The prime minster, who earlier kicked off work on the project, lauded Dr Attaur Rehman and former K-P chief minister Pervez Khattak for taking the initiatives, which he said would have a far-reaching impact on provincial development.

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The prime minister also appreciated Rehman for his support in the establishment of the Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology in Haripur.

Imran said that in the past, the highly educated youths remained unemployed as the institutions had no connection with the market; however, the projects like the STZs would open up new avenues for employment.

He said the promotion of technology had never been a priority of the previous governments. He told the gathering that the incumbent government removed impediments in the technology sector, which had grown by 45% and was expected to touch 75% mark this year.

The prime minister, who earlier distributed licences among the representatives of the companies aspiring to do business in the STZ, said as the government was making record revenue collection, it would accordingly enhance its investment in education and health sectors.

 

Principles of Riyasat-i-Madina

Separately on Monday, Premier Imran stressed the need for continuous struggle to embody as a nation and state the principles of Riyasat-i-Madina as laid down by the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
The prime minister on his official Twitter handle posted his article published in The Express Tribune titled “Spirit of Riyasat-i-Madina: transforming Pakistan”.

“Explaining guiding principles of Riyasat-i-Madina as laid down by our Prophet PBUH creating the foundation of the greatest civilisation of all times. In Pak, to realize our potential today we have to struggle to embody these principles as a nation & state,” the prime minister tweeted.