Haripur, KP to Host Pakistan's First Digital City

HARIPUR: Pakistan is set to establish its inaugural “Pakistan Digital City” in Haripur, a significant step towards becoming a tech hub. Spearheaded by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB), the project will occupy 11 acres and aim for full operation by 2026.

With an investment of Rs 8 billion, the agreement for zone development highlights the ambitious goal of a tech-savvy Pakistan. Nespak and the National Logistics Cell, with an additional investment of Rs 1.642 billion, demonstrate commitment to this transformative initiative.

About 30% of the project has already been completed, showing the unwavering dedication of SIFC. The ‘Pakistan Digital City’ in Haripur, slated for full operation by 2026, is expected to house up to 4,000 IT startups, potentially increasing IT exports by $50 million.

As the first of its kind in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ‘Pakistan Digital City’ will be a specialized technology zone. Designated as a tax-free zone for a decade, it aims to boost IT exports and provide employment opportunities.

With over 50% of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s population under 30, ‘Pakistan Digital City’ will harness the province’s youthful talent. With 6,000 IT graduates entering the workforce annually, this project reflects the province’s commitment to technological advancement and economic growth.

Objectives

To enable a digital hub built around the core concept of clustering the various players of the ICT industry for promoting and jumpstarting growth in the digital economy.
To launch it as a Special Technology Zone (STZ) and offer an incentive framework to create the necessary pull factor for local and foreign enterprises.
To facilitate the development of IT industry and help increase IT and ITeS export.
To bridge the gap between academia and the ICT sector.
To provide direct and indirect employment opportunities for ICT graduates in the country.
To provide reliable ICT infrastructure and other allied amenities to ICT and ITeS services and businesses.
To promote Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
To promote the establishment of the BPO industry.
To promote a knowledge-based economy through a sustainable ecosystem designed to facilitate the business development of ICT companies.
To promote Research & Development.
To establish a facility for conducting ICT-related exhibitions/workshops/boot camps/seminars etc.

The initial plan was to establish the First Digital City behind the New Islamabad International Airport (NIIA) in Feteh Jhung, Attock District. However, the plan was never executed. It would have provided foreign companies with the easiest access to the airport and the capital city of Islamabad.

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