PM SHEHBAZ SHARIF INAUGURATES STATE-OF-THE-ART IT TECHNOLOGY PARK IN ISLAMABAD
In a major milestone for Pakistan’s knowledge economy and digital exports ecosystem, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially inaugurated the premier National Technology Park—formally designated as the Daanish IT Park—in Chak Shahzad, Islamabad.
Constructed across 14.9 acres at a project outlay of Rs. 23.3 Billion, the facility was developed through economic cooperation and concessionary financing from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of Korea Exim Bank, alongside the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB).
Attended by Federal Ministers, Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and South Korean diplomatic representatives, the launch operationalizes Pakistan’s largest purpose-built digital ecosystem hub.
The 12-storey green-certified smart structure is designed to house over 100 multinational tech enterprises, software exporters, AI research centers, and SMEs, supporting nearly 8,400 on-site IT professionals and generating an estimated 10,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for Pakistani youth.
Here is an analysis of the architectural specifications, research and incubation labs, bilateral financing framework, and the broader economic impact on Pakistan’s IT export trajectory.
The Infrastructure Blueprint: 12-Storey Smart Green Architecture
The Daanish IT Park provides Tier-3 grade enterprise infrastructure designed to support continuous, round-the-clock global business process outsourcing and software development:
DAANISH IT PARK STRUCTURAL ARCHITECTURE
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 🏢 12-STOREY SMART COMPLEX (10 FLOORS + 2 BASEMENTS) │
│ • Spans over 14.9 acres of prime tech zoning in Chak │
│ Shahzad, offering custom-configured Grade-A workspaces. │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 🖥️ ENTERPRISE TIER-III DATA CENTER │
│ • Sovereign-grade enterprise cloud storage, multi-redundant │
│ fiber-optic backbones, and 24/7 dedicated power grids. │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 🤖 APPLIED RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERS │
│ • Specialized Robotics Labs, Cyber Security Hubs, IoT │
│ testing facilities, and software QA validation platforms. │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 🚗 INTEGRATED CIVIC & TRANSIT AMENITIES │
│ • Automated smart parking for 1,160+ vehicles, modern │
│ auditoriums, co-working suites, gymnasium, and daycares. │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The facility was designed under international energy-efficiency standards, featuring solar rooftop microgrids, gray-water recycling systems, and central climate automation to lower operating overhead for technology tenants.
Key Project Metrics & Bilateral Cooperation Framework
| Project Dimension | Technical / Operational Specification |
| Official Designation | Daanish IT Park (National Technology Park Islamabad) |
| Executing Entities | Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoITT) & Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) |
| Financing Partner | Korea Exim Bank (Economic Development Cooperation Fund – EDCF) |
| Total Project Value | Rs. 23.3 Billion |
| Land Parcel Scope | 14.9 Acres (Chak Shahzad Institutional Zone) |
| Tenant Capacity | 100+ Technology Companies, Global IT Exporters, and Startups |
| Professional Workforce | Direct on-site desk space for 8,400+ Software Engineers & Tech Experts |
| Employment Footprint | Projected to generate over 10,000 High-Tech Jobs |
Catalyzing Pakistan’s $10 Billion IT Export Goal
The commissioning of the Chak Shahzad IT Park directly supports the federal government’s roadmap to scale national ICT exports:
DIGITAL EXPORT ACCELERATION VECTOR
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 🌐 ATTRACTING GLOBAL TECH GIANTS & MNCS │
│ Provides Grade-A commercial office space that meets global │
│ corporate standards for international IT multinationals. │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 💼 STRENGTHENING FREELANCE & STARTUP PIPELINES │
│ High-speed infrastructure connects regional incubators and │
│ E-Rozgaar talent directly with venture capital networks. │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 🎓 ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY RESEARCH LINKAGES │
│ Positioned near premier capital universities (COMSATS, │
│ NUST, Quaid-i-Azam) to translate research into products. │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 💱 EXPANDING SOVEREIGN FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS │
│ Anchors software exports within formal financial channels, │
│ reducing off-shore earnings retention and boosting reserves.│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Transparency Directives: International Competitive Leasing
During the inaugural ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized governance and competitive equity in tenant allocations:
- Merit-Based Allocation: Instructed the Ministry of IT to conduct transparent, international competitive bidding for commercial floor allocations, ensuring spaces are awarded to genuine exporters and innovative startups rather than passive real estate speculators.
- Expansion to Regional Metropolises: The Prime Minister confirmed that the Daanish IT Park model is being replicated across provincial capitals, with work accelerating on the Karachi IT Park and tech hubs planned in Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta.
- Youth Skill Development: Integrated digital training facilities inside the park will link directly with the Prime Minister’s National Youth IT Training and Laptop Initiatives.
Real Estate & Commercial Development Impact: Chak Shahzad & Park Road
The operationalization of a multi-billion-rupee technology corridor will influence commercial and residential land values across eastern Islamabad:
- Commercial Appreciation Along Park Road: The presence of thousands of tech professionals will spur demand for executive serviced apartments, modern culinary hubs, and co-working offices along Park Road and Lehtrar Road.
- Surge in Suburban Farmhouse & Housing Society Rentals: Residential communities in Chak Shahzad, Bani Gala, Park View City, and adjacent CDA sectors will experience increased corporate tenant demand from software executives and foreign delegates.
- Transit Synergy: Complements major capital road enhancements, including the newly planned signals, underpasses, and access routes connecting eastern Islamabad to the Red Zone and Srinagar Highway.
Commercial Advisory & Tech Infrastructure Property Strategy
Master-planned corporate corridors, IT parks, and technology special zones (STZs) serve as primary growth drivers for commercial property yields and executive residential rentals. Technology firms, institutional builders, and private investors seeking corporate leasing advisory, commercial land feasibilities, and strategic portfolio structuring in Islamabad can collaborate with Makani Marketing.
📌 Project Information Notice: Operational guidelines, tenancy bidding terms, and corporate registrations are managed under the statutory frameworks of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB).
