Pakistan woos global tech talent to boost IT sector
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has called for policies to attract top global information technology (IT) experts to boost Pakistan’s tech sector.
Chairing a board meeting of the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), Kakar said the IT sector “can play a key role in the country’s economy” as Pakistan has significant potential for growth.
He instructed officials to formulate plans to bring international IT talent to Pakistan to aid the “development and promotion of IT.”
The initiative comes as the government pushes foreign investment in tech and the establishment of Special Technology Zones (STZ), which offer incentives for IT firms, like tax exemptions.
Significant progress has already been made to boost overseas investment, Kakar noted. Forecast from Systems Limited CEO and Managing Director Asif Peer puts Pakistan’s IT industry export earnings at US$3 billion in fiscal year 2023-24.
The meeting also advanced plans for licensing and regulations to further develop the STZ program.
