IT experts, analysts, and industrialists have called for the immediate establishment of software technology zones (STZs) and software technology parks (STPs) in Karachi to strengthen its position as a technology hub and boost IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS). Despite being the country's economic engine, Karachi lacks both STZs and STPs, unlike Lahore and Islamabad.
They urged government organisations, including the Special Technology Zone Authority (STZA) and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), to take concrete steps toward establishing such facilities instead of merely planning them.
Speaking to The Express Tribune on Saturday, IT expert and analyst Syed Saad Ali stressed the urgent need for at least eight to ten software technology zones and multiple technology parks in Karachi. "Setting up such IT facilities will significantly boost IT exports in a short time. Public sector universities must also produce qualified talent instead of raw talent, which is of little use to the industry," he said
IT analyst and Project Director at the National Incubation Centre (NIC) Karachi, Syed Azfar Hussain, highlighted the transformative impact of such innovation hubs. "Software and IT parks are innovation hubs that drive technological and economic growth by promoting collaboration and creativity. Karachi, with its entrepreneurial spirit, skilled talent pool, and renowned universities, is well-positioned to benefit from such an ecosystem," he said.
He cited examples of global successes: the Research Triangle Park (RTP) in the US, renowned for cutting-edge innovation; Zhongguancun in Beijing, synonymous with electronic excellence; and Kista Science City in Stockholm, which produced global tech giants like Skype and Spotify. "Establishing similar parks in Karachi could unlock immense potential, spark breakthroughs, create jobs, and strengthen the city's position as a technology powerhouse. It's time for Karachi to embrace this proven path toward sustainable technological advancement," he added.
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh also asked for a software technology park to be established to create an enabling environment for IT and ITeS exports. According to a press statement, he said Karachi faces infrastructural challenges that hinder its potential for IT exports and attracting investments.
Abu Bakar, CEO of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), visited the FPCCI head office in Karachi to discuss facilitating the business, industry, and trade communities in investing in IT companies to boost the country's exports. During the meeting, the PSEB CEO endorsed the FPCCI's demand for a subsidised software technology park in Karachi. "We are working aggressively to establish a large STP in Karachi to match its enormous, young, skilled, and motivated workforce," he said.
He said that globally, IT companies are often owned by large business and corporate groups, enabling rapid funding and expansiona phenomenon largely absent in Pakistan. "We need to bring private-sector domestic investment into Pakistan's IT industry," he said. Former P@SHA Chairman Zohaib Khan proposed a collaborative approach between IT-related central standing committees of FPCCI, business councils, and PSEB.
"We need a joint working group of PSEB and FPCCI with specific objectives: (i) to act as a matchmaking platform between the IT industry and the business community for investment and collaboration; (ii) to explore untapped export markets such as the US, Europe, and GCC countries; (iii) to recommend swift visa issuance for genuine IT exporters, service providers, exhibitors, and professionals; and (iv) to raise awareness about STPs and special technology zones," he said.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ