FOUR NEW SPECIAL TECHNOLOGY ZONES WITH PKR 30 BILLION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT NOTIFIED BY STZA ACROSS PAKISTAN
Amir Jahangir
Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Mishal Pakistan | Strategic Communications, Public Policy, Narratology
In alignment with the Prime Minister's vision and the Federal Government's commitment to create job opportunities for the youth while prioritizing the technology sector, the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) is pleased to announce the notification of four new Special Technology Zones (STZs) across Pakistan. These zones are designed to foster Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Information Technology (IT), High-tech Production, Research and Development (R&D), Tech Skill Development, and Knowledge Products.
These four new zones cover 1.4 million square feet of high-quality tech infrastructure across 130 acres, exclusively designated for technology companies. An investment of PKR 30 billion has already been made to develop this specialized infrastructure, with a further PKR 150 billion in investments expected from local and foreign technology companies over the next 2-4 years. The zones will accommodate more than 50,000 professionals and have the potential to generate exports exceeding USD 350 million annually.
The newly designated zones include:
These zones are strategically located to promote innovation, drive economic growth, enhance technology exports, and position Pakistan as a key player in the global technology arena. The accelerated roll-out of these STZs aligns with the economic pillars of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and is expected to increase technology-related local and foreign direct investment in the country.
In addition to the 12 existing zones, which are already home to over 15,000 technology professionals, the newly notified zones will offer state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge infrastructure, and high-speed internet connectivity. These zones, operating under the STZA policy, offer significant incentives, including a 10-year exemption on Income Tax and Customs duties, and foreign exchange benefits to licensed technology companies.
NUST Special Technology Zone, Islamabad: Spanning 13 acres within one of Pakistan’s leading science and technology universities, this zone is set to become a major hub for R&D, high-tech production, and innovation. With a PKR 4 billion investment in tech infrastructure and an expected PKR 50 billion investment by technology and R&D companies, the zone will drive knowledge-driven economic growth, enable technological advancements, and attract top talent.
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Tech7 Special Technology Zone, Islamabad: Located in B-17 Islamabad, this zone covers an expansive 1 million square feet of state-of-the-art facilities for technology service companies. Supported by an investment of PKR 15 billion in tech infrastructure, with a potential PKR 12 billion investment by technology sector companies, this zone is designed to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem for tech startups, SMEs, and established companies, providing modern office spaces and high-speed internet.
Mindbridge Special Technology Zone, Lahore: Located in the Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate, this zone spans 360,000 square feet with a PKR 5 billion investment. Mindbridge, one of Pakistan’s largest BPO companies, is expanding its footprint with this specialized zone. The zone offers a complete ecosystem tailored for Mindbridge's own expansion, as well as startups and SMEs in the BPO sector, with fully serviced office spaces and modern amenities.
Capital Smart Technology Zone, Rawalpindi: Known as Silicon Village, this zone spans 127 acres within the Capital Smart City. With a PKR 10 billion investment in basic infrastructure, the zone is set to lead the development of a cutting-edge technology ecosystem, positioning itself as a pivotal platform for indigenous innovation, export growth, import substitution, and job creation. The zone focuses on high-tech production enterprises, R&D companies, skill development organizations, technology services companies, and BPO players, with an investment potential exceeding PKR 100 billion.
These newly notified Special Technology Zones underscore STZA’s dedication to advancing Pakistan’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. By establishing specialized and mixed-technology zones that cater to the dynamic needs of the evolving technology sector, these zones provide unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and foster a robust network of industry experts, investors, researchers, and emerging tech talent, thereby nurturing a vibrant knowledge and technology ecosystem in Pakistan.
Director
3 个月As far as i remember NUST got the status of STZA years back
Regional Business Development Manager at IRINATECH PVT. LTD.
3 个月Good to know, but appreciates if the real images of the Capital Smart Technology Zone, Rawalpindi & Tech7 Special Technology Zone, Islamabad could be shown. I know Capital city has invested a lot in infrastructure and a dedicated zone as silicon valley including incubation centers, both in Islamabad and Lahore. Technology is too good, but whatever we do, even we makes a pot of mud, if we do it with honesty, dedication and hard work, it will excel and reward in both ways.
Film & TV Director, Social Media Marketing Manager , Screenwriter and Content Strategist
3 个月Interesting in giving few more aspects into this initiative " Technology Zones " Well Good to know about this !