Completion of Islamabad Technology Park: PM expresses his displeasure over delays

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday took exception to the delay in completing the Islamabad Technology Park, ordering the authorities to finish the long-delayed project at the earliest and make it operational on a priority basis.

The prime minister while chairing a review meeting on the ongoing reforms at National Information Technology Board (NITB) and progress on the construction of Islamabad Technology Park, also directed that the technology park be fully outsourced for its operation.

He directed the relevant authorities to accelerate work on the project and ensure its early completion.

He further ordered that arrangements for making the facility operational be undertaken on a priority basis.

The meeting also reviewed the government’s digitalisation and e-governance initiatives, with particular emphasis on improving the delivery of public services through digital platforms.

Sharif directed the NITB to focus on providing citizens with easy, efficient and modern digital services.

He said all relevant institutions should work in a coordinated manner to ensure the timely, transparent and convenient provision of digital services.

“Facilitating citizens in obtaining government services is the government’s priority,” he added.

The prime minister also directed the authorities to improve all government digital platforms in line with contemporary requirements and make them more effective and user-friendly.

He described the transition of federal ministries to e-office as one of the most important reforms undertaken so far in the areas of information technology and digital governance.

He directed that the use of e-office be ensured in all subordinate departments and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) of the federal government.

He also ordered the authorities to accelerate the digitalisation of government institutions and make full use of modern technology.

He directed that the digitisation of records of all government properties be completed at the earliest.

According to a briefing at the meeting, the NITB has already undergone right-sizing and appointments to key positions are being made through a transparent process.

The meeting was informed that all federal ministries had been shifted to e-office, while work was continuing to promote its use in other departments and state-owned entities.

A separate briefing was given on the progress of construction of the Islamabad Technology Park.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, IT Minister Shaza Fatima, along with senior officials of the relevant institutions.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026