In the past couple of years, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has emerged as a digitally advanced province of the country. The KP government has launched several initiatives in the direction of digital inclusivity and promoting information technology. The province has taken lead in launching several initiatives for the welfare of the citizens and the streak continues. At Expo 2020 Dubai, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also launched Pakistan’s first digital city. It is a significant milestone for Pakistan.
Pakistan is making reforms to shape the future that promotes digitization, innovation and encourages local and foreign investments in various domains. For this purpose, the government is establishing special technology zones in Pakistan. The idea of STZs is to facilitate local and foreign investors. For this purpose, the government has formed Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA). It is the go-to-body for all the developers, enterprises and other stakeholders.
First Digital City of Pakistan
Government of Pakistan launched first digital city at the Dubai Expo 2020 for digital transformation and its promotion. They believe that it will give a significant boost to the country’s IT sector. . The initiative Pakistan Digital City is in close vicinity to the capital city Islamabad.
The provincial government has focused its efforts to strengthen the institutions and make regulations. That have led to making KPK a rapidly growing province. To support its vision of digital inclusivity, the province has also opportunities to citizens to acquire digital access and skills. Along with better digital governance that will result in a digital economy.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and Trade (KPK BoIT) has signed 4 MoUs with firms. They will be provided a complete set of facilities to succeed. In addition, the government has also signed 44 deals in total with a collective worth of USD 8 billion.
To facilitate investors and enterprises, the KP government has exempted custom duties, taxes and general sales tax for 10 years. These facilities will help in attracting more investors and players in the market leading to the development of cutting-edge technology and more employment opportunities for local citizens.
Dawn of Digital Transformation in KP Pakistan
The government is bringing reforms and taking initiatives to develop an ecosystem. That can sustain global players and investment. Moreover, the private sector has also shown interest in being a part of this.
The province is being developed into a global business hub that will provide a nourishing environment and necessary facilities to international as well as local players. Not only the infrastructure is being developed but also the province is aligning the procedures which would otherwise consume a lot of precious time. The development of technology zones and launching the digital city in KPK helps the skilled citizens too who wish to start their own firms or be a part of an organization that is on its way to making an impactful change.
The KPK IT Board and Pakistan Digital City are geared towards enabling the youth for a better and brighter future. KPK’s one-window policy has also encouraged and attracted sizable investments. All this has been the result of leveraging information and communication technologies and making the province more connected, empowered and inclusive towards economic growth.
Moreover, This comprehensive technological ecosystem will help the local IT industry as well by providing youth and graduates new opportunities and supporting young entrepreneurs.
