Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calls for a comprehensive review and third-party audit of Islamabad’s Danish IT Park, with a focus on global partnerships, advanced digital skills and IT exports.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed a comprehensive review and third-party audit of the Danish IT Park project in Islamabad, emphasizing the need to develop the facility into a world-class technology hub through partnerships between academia, industry and international technology companies.

The directives were issued during a review meeting chaired by the prime minister on Monday, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Sharif said the government would continue efforts to equip Pakistani youth with modern skills in information technology, artificial intelligence and financial technology, while creating new opportunities for IT entrepreneurs.

He directed the relevant authorities to develop the Danish IT Park into a center for a modern technology ecosystem by strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and industry.

The prime minister also instructed the Ministry of Information Technology to conduct a comprehensive case study of the project and arrange an independent third-party audit. He called for international technology companies to be engaged in launching operations at the facility.

The meeting was briefed on efforts to establish a comprehensive ecosystem to increase Pakistan’s IT exports and encourage investment in the sector.

According to the briefing, 50 private buildings have been upgraded into software technology parks under the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB). The initiative is intended to provide facilities for businesses operating in the technology sector.

Officials also informed the meeting that eight incubation centers had been established to support startups across the country.

In addition, 105 coworking spaces are operational to provide facilities for IT professionals, according to the briefing.

Participants were further informed that contacts were being made with international technology companies to facilitate the launch of operations at the Danish IT Park in Islamabad. The government’s directives place emphasis on attracting global partners and developing an environment that supports technology businesses, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The review comes as the government seeks to expand the country’s technology sector, increase IT exports and create more opportunities for skilled professionals and startups. However, the Prime Minister’s Office statement did not provide a timeline for the completion of the review or audit, nor did it identify the international companies being approached.

Federal ministers Musadik Masood Malik, Ahsan Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar and Shaza Fatima Khawaja attended the meeting, along with Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani and senior government officials.