Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication convened its 16th meeting on Wednesday, revealing delays in the Islamabad IT Park project and discussing initiatives for technological development in smaller cities. Chaired by Syed Amin ul Haq, the meeting took place at the Ministry’s Committee Room.

The Committee noted that while the IT Park was slated for completion by October 31, 2025, only 80% of the work is finished. The Ministry attributed the delay to changes in contractors and consultants from Korea, which affected the project’s timeline. The Prime Minister has directed that the project be completed within this year, prompting an acceleration of work to meet the revised deadline of December 31, 2025.

In an effort to spur economic growth, the Committee urged the Ministry to initiate development projects in smaller cities. The Ministry responded by outlining plans to introduce Special Technology Parks through the private sector, offering interest-free loans to establish these projects. This initiative aims to boost technology-based industries in underdeveloped regions.

The Committee deferred “The Prevention of Obscenity and Indecency in Digital Media Bill, 2025” to its next meeting due to the absence of the Bill’s Mover. The Sub-Committee, led by Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, presented a report that was met with approval from the Standing Committee, which directed the Ministry to implement its recommendations.

The meeting was attended by various MNAs, including Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, and Mr. Sadiq Ali Memon, along with the Federal Minister and Parliamentary Secretary for Information Technology, and officials from the Ministry and its departments.