Shehbaz inaugurates Daanish IT Park in Islamabad

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Daanish IT Park in Islamabad on Saturday, describing it as a major step towards technological advancement, economic growth and youth empowerment in Pakistan.

The prime minister announced that the facility would be operated by a company selected through a transparent bidding process. He said the government would not directly manage the park, allowing qualified professionals and technology experts to oversee its operations.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Shehbaz said local and international companies specialising in information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI) would be invited to participate in the bidding process. The contract would be awarded to the company offering the best services under the most favourable terms.

He emphasised that the project was designed to provide young people with modern technological skills and prepare them to compete in the global digital economy. He expressed confidence that the facility would create new opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and technology professionals.

The Daanish IT Park will bring together incubation centres, innovation hubs, start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, industrialists, teachers and students. It is expected to provide an environment where young people can develop new ideas, acquire professional skills and transform their innovations into successful businesses.

Shehbaz described the facility as Pakistan’s first IT park developed along modern technological lines. He said its benefits would extend beyond thousands of individuals, potentially equipping hundreds of thousands of young people with skills needed to contribute to national development.

He also expressed hope that similar technology parks would eventually be established across all four provinces, creating a wider network of opportunities for young people throughout the country.

Highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence and information technology, the prime minister said these fields could transform several sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, mining and industry. He stressed that adopting modern technologies would help Pakistan improve productivity, strengthen its economy and keep pace with global developments.

The prime minister acknowledged that the project had faced significant delays. He noted that its foundation stone was laid in 2018 but refrained from discussing the political circumstances surrounding the delay, saying the occasion should focus on development rather than political point-scoring.

He credited the coordinated efforts of government officials and ministers for completing the project. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja were among those he acknowledged for their contributions.

Shehbaz said his priority had been not merely to complete the building during his government’s tenure but also to ensure that young Pakistanis could benefit from it without further delays.

He explained that the initiative represented more than a physical infrastructure project. According to him, its broader purpose was to establish an ecosystem connecting innovation, vocational training, entrepreneurship and access to technological expertise.

The prime minister also announced that the Islamabad IT Park would be named the Daanish IT Park, linking it to the Daanish school system, which provides educational opportunities to children from underprivileged backgrounds.

He highlighted the achievements of students who had studied at Daanish schools, noting that many had gone on to become doctors, engineers, scientists and teachers. Some graduates had also pursued higher education at international universities, while others were serving in hospitals across Pakistan.

The government intends to extend the Daanish initiative to other parts of the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The prime minister also referred to plans for Daanish universities, expressing hope that the initiative would expand beyond its existing scope.

Shehbaz said the IT park could become a model for future technology and education projects, helping millions of children gain access to learning and professional development opportunities.