Islamabad: A meeting of the Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat was convened in the city under the leadership of Committee Chairman Malik Abrar Ahmad. The meeting focused on the performance of the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), along with discussions on the establishment of technology zones and the promotion of investment in the information technology and technological sectors.
According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the Chairman of STZA provided a thorough briefing on the Authority’s performance, administrative structure, and its future plans. The STZA has been mandated by an Act of Parliament to construct a globally competitive knowledge, innovation, and technology ecosystem within Pakistan. The Authority operates as the architect, facilitator, and regulator for various technology zones across the country, with exclusive rights to declare and notify Special Technology Zones (STZs), as well as issue licenses to zone developers and enterprises.
The strategic objectives of STZA, as outlined by its Chairman, include boosting high-tech exports, promoting import substitution, attracting foreign investments, and facilitating job creation and research and development within the domestic tech sector. The Committee was also informed about the progress on Islamabad Technopolis, a project being established by STZA on 140 acres of land, which will feature an industrial zone, IT park, and other facilities.
The Committee commended the STZA’s performance, recognizing it as a pivotal force in transforming the IT and technological sector. It emphasized the potential of the IT sector to contribute to the country’s prosperity if provided with a supportive environment.
Additionally, the Committee was briefed on the Actuarial Study of federal employees Benevolent and Group Insurance funds, which suggested potential enhancements in financial incentives for federal employees. This matter will be further discussed in the Committee’s next meeting.
The meeting was attended by several Members of the National Assembly and senior officials from relevant departments.