By June of this year, the Pakistan Software Export Board plans to establish ten software technology parks.
Throughout Pakistan’s secondary and tertiary cities and towns, the initiative intends to establish a network of technology parks by converting old or defunct office buildings, industries, and warehouses into IT-enabled office space for IT and ITeS enterprises at affordable rates.
The goal of establishing software technology parks in existing building facilities in Pakistan’s secondary and tertiary cities, such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, is to ensure that IT SMEs and startups have access to cost-effective, affordable office space and reliable ICT infrastructure, including uninterrupted internet and electric power supply.
Buildings have been discovered in eight places, including Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Jamshoro, Abbottabad, Mangora Sawat, and Khuzdar, according to PSEB. STPs are now being established in Manhesra and Quetta.
The Pakistan Software Export Board and the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering, and Management Sciences have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a software technology park at the university. In May, the project will have an open house when firms will be invited to see the facility and give input. Following that, IT businesses will settle on a site and a contract for available space will be awarded.
The initiative, according to PSEB, was started to deliver state-of-the-art IT sector facilities, as well as uninterruptible high-speed internet services and training to the region’s young IT professionals, all under one roof. IT Park will give private IT companies and experts space, contemporary facilities, training, and advice to help them grow their businesses. During the first 12 months after the establishment of the relevant STP, inhabitant enterprises will get a 25% rental subsidy and free internet access for the duration of the project.
These STPs will not only promote academic-industry collaboration but will also assist to close gaps in technology and infrastructure access in secondary and tertiary cities, increasing IT exports.
