Government Releases Rs. 8.6 Billion for IT Ministry Projects

The federal government has released Rs. 8.6 billion for the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Pakistan (MoITT) under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025–26. The amount accounts for nearly 28 percent of the total Rs. 31 billion approved for IT projects this year and, according to officials, has already been fully utilized across ongoing development initiatives.

In a written reply to the National Assembly Standing Committee, the IT Ministry confirmed that Rs. 15 billion has been allocated for the Karachi IT Park, while Rs. 7 billion has been earmarked for the Islamabad IT Park. Both projects are being financed through a soft loan from a Korean bank.

Officials reported that construction work on the Islamabad IT Park is more than 80 percent complete, with the facility expected to become functional by the end of September, in line with the directives of the Prime Minister. Once operational, the park will serve as a key hub for innovation, technology services, and IT exports, creating opportunities for local startups and entrepreneurs.

Regarding the Karachi IT Park, the committee was briefed that the project is undergoing revised planning, though funds remain earmarked for its completion. The committee praised the IT Ministry and its attached departments for providing a detailed update and recommended that Ignite expand its programs to district-level educational institutions to create broader access for youth to entrepreneurial training and technical opportunities.