ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday inaugurated the Daanish IT Park in Islamabad, describing it as a major step towards strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy, developing technological expertise and creating new opportunities for young people.
“اسلام آباد آئی ٹی پارک، جس کا آج افتتاح کیا گیا ہے، اب اس کا نام دانش آئی ٹی پارک ہوگا۔ یہ پاکستان کا پہلا دانش آئی ٹی پارک ہے۔ حکومتِ پاکستان اسے آزاد کشمیر اور گلگت بلتستان میں بھی لے کر جائے گی۔ دانش اسکولوں کی طرح دانش آئی ٹی پارک بھی نوجوانوں کے لیے نئے مواقع پیدا کرے گا۔”
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا اسلام آباد میں نیشنل ٹیکنالوجی پارک کی افتتاحی تقریب سے خطاب
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 10, 2026
Announcing a competitive management model for the facility, the prime minister said its operations would be entrusted to a company selected through a transparent bidding process rather than managed directly by the government.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Shehbaz said local and international companies specialising in information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI) would be invited to bid for the contract, which would be awarded on the basis of service quality and favourable terms.
IT park to connect start-ups, students and technology experts
The Daanish IT Park is designed to bring together incubation centres, innovation hubs, start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, industrialists, teachers and students under one roof.
Shehbaz said the facility would help young Pakistanis develop modern technological skills, turn innovative ideas into businesses and prepare for competition in the global digital economy.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the inaugural ceremony of National Technology Park (Daanish Technology Park) in Islamabad. https://t.co/uPldSN7Gfc
— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) October 10, 2026
Describing the project as Pakistan’s first IT park developed along modern technological lines, he expressed confidence that its benefits could extend to hundreds of thousands of young people through skills development and professional opportunities.
The prime minister also expressed hope that similar technology parks would be established in all four provinces to expand access to digital training, entrepreneurship and innovation across the country.
AI and IT can transform Pakistan’s economy
Highlighting the growing importance of artificial intelligence and information technology, Shehbaz said modern technologies could improve productivity across several sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, mining and industry.
He stressed that adopting digital solutions would help Pakistan strengthen its economy, improve efficiency and keep pace with rapid technological developments worldwide.
The facility is intended to provide an ecosystem linking innovation, vocational training, entrepreneurship and access to technical expertise, enabling young people to develop skills relevant to emerging industries.
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Shehbaz acknowledges delays in project completion
The prime minister acknowledged that the project had experienced considerable delays, noting that its foundation stone was laid in 2018.
However, he avoided discussing the political circumstances behind the delay, saying the inauguration should focus on development rather than political point-scoring.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif inaugurates the National Technology Park (Daanish Technology Park) in Islamabad. https://t.co/9T5wsGFukR
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 10, 2026
He credited the coordinated efforts of government officials and ministers, including Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, for helping complete the project.
Shehbaz said his priority had been not only to finish the building during his government’s tenure but also to ensure that young Pakistanis could benefit from the facility without further delays.
Read Also: Pakistan’s PM Eyes IT Park in Islamabad to Boost IT Exports to $25 Billion
Daanish initiative to expand educational opportunities
The prime minister said the Islamabad IT Park had been named the Daanish IT Park to connect the technology initiative with the Daanish school system, which provides educational opportunities to children from underprivileged backgrounds.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receives briefing at the National Technology Park (Daanish Technology Park) in Islamabad. https://t.co/2p5iVgVriB
— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) October 10, 2026
He highlighted the achievements of Daanish school graduates, noting that many had become doctors, engineers, scientists and teachers. Some had pursued higher education at international universities, while others were serving in hospitals across Pakistan.
Shehbaz said the government intended to extend the Daanish initiative to additional areas, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. He also referred to plans for Daanish universities as part of a broader effort to expand educational opportunities.
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The prime minister expressed hope that the IT park would serve as a model for future technology and education projects, helping more young Pakistanis gain access to professional training, digital innovation and economic opportunities.
