IT Park in Quetta
IT Park in Quetta
Editorial
Editorial

Provincial Cabinet discussed the establishment of Balochistan information technology board and Balochistan science and technology board after information and technology department presented the agenda.

Provincial Cabinet discussed the establishment of Balochistan information technology board and Balochistan science and technology board after information and technology department presented the agenda.

Later it was decided that software development, artificial intelligence and information technology park to be established in the province as department was instructed to increase its capacity to work on such mega projects. For the first of its kind Information Technology (IT) Park to be establish at provincial capital ‘Quetta’.

The government of Balochistan aimed to expand IT enterprises with an estimated cost of Rs 500 million. Chief Minister addressed the cabinet and said that Balochistan provides huge scope in information and technology sector but no measures have been taken so far. CM directed, use students of the relevant field by providing financial assistance can help in developing the sector.

Cabinet decided that an advisory council shall be formed with appointment of experts from science and technology. They also agreed upon establishment of an independent institute for the monitoring of government departments on the suggestion of CM Jam Kamal.

The Balochistan Government stated that the government is working to convert 100 secondary and high schools by introducing virtual technologies with the cost of Rs 45 million to educate the keen aspirants in the remote areas of the province through online learning system (e-system).

The set up Information Technology park is a step forward towards the provincial capital Quetta a big urban centre that open doors for local and foreign investors to set up industries and do business in many other sectors in Balochistan. On contrary, Quetta is highly congested valley and highly polluted city where open spaces do not exists in the main commercial district.

There is no Government plan to improve the quality of air and quality of life in Quetta by building parks and developing playgrounds for our kids. Presumably the Government is least interested to fight back air pollution though Quetta being the third highly polluted city in the world.

There is no plan to buy private land, buildings and commercial establishments in Quetta, to demolish all of them and convert it into open spaces for breathing spaces by building parks, gardens and playground for the children. Technology parks also create enabling environments for startups and tech companies to come and set up nicely.

Thanks to the infrastructure that the will get, these companies will be able to comfortably pursue their goals and work towards achieving set objectives. A direct consequence of company establishment, jobs will be created, and more people will be able to get suitable jobs.

Also another dire consequence of various tech companies, people living far and near will be able to get jobs, and this will definitely be a relief to the overall economy of the province. With a clear vision, strategy, and direction, the IT industry can grow in the province resulting in more employment opportunities and alleviating poverty from the province. Development in the IT sector of Balochistan will attract foreign investments in the province which will also have an impact on other sector as well. Balochistan is at a decisive stage. Decisions that are taken now will have a strong impact on the future of the province and country.

The need of the hour is making Pakistan a service based economy. IT industry is an example of a service industry that can significantly boost the economy of Pakistan as demonstrated by other developing countries like the Philippines, India, and Singapore. The establishment of technology parks is crucial for the economic development of Balochistan. Software technology parks can be helpful in the creation of new businesses and attract foreign investments in the province.