CM Lays Foundation Stone Of ‘Nawaz Sharif IT City’ In Lahore
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif undertook commercial launching of Pakistan’s first Nawaz Sharif IT City Project, here on Saturday
The Chief Minister (CM) unveiled the official logo of the Nawaz Sharif IT City. During the ceremony, an informative documentary about the Nawaz Sharif IT City Project was presented. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Central Business District (CBD) and 15 IT & Education companies for the Nawaz Sharif IT City. The MoU was signed by CEO CBD Mansoor Janjua and representatives of national and international institutions. Awards were granted to those demonstrating exceptional performance in various sectors of Information Technology.
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif also took photographs with the award recipients. CEO of CBD Authority Imran Amin explained the aims and objectives of the Nawaz Sharif IT City project.
CEO Imran Amin highlighted that Pakistan’s first Data Centre is being established in Nawaz Sharif IT City. Ambassadors from China, the USA, Turkey, and other countries participated in the ceremony. CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif welcomed all the esteemed ambassadors, provincial ministers, and other participants.
Addressing the foundation laying ceremony of the Nawaz Sharif IT City Project, the CM stated, “We have laid the foundation stone of the Nawaz Sharif IT City Project in just 2.5 months.” She expressed her joy and happiness at this milestone, attributing the project’s name to Nawaz Sharif, who laid the foundation of a modern Pakistan and always promoted progress. She mentioned, “Nawaz Sharif introduced 3G and 4G technologies, built motorways, and conducted atomic tests. I want to see an IT revolution in Pakistan. I commend Imran Amin for his excellent work and urge him to complete the IT City as soon as possible.”
The CM announced that various international tech giants are coming to Nawaz Sharif IT City, with 10 companies already establishing their offices there. The IT City spans 853 acres of land and has been made tax-free for 10 years. The Nawaz Sharif IT City will feature an IT and Tech District, Knowledge City, and Film City. International universities will set up campuses in the Knowledge City, and a Film City equipped with the latest technology will be established to promote films. The tax-free status aims to incentivize businesses. If companies need land or grey structures, they will be provided. Incubators will be set up to support youth in the IT sector. A Skills Development Program was recently launched for 4,000 children, offering market-based IT courses with expert trainers to ensure job readiness upon completion.
The Nawaz Sharif IT City will enable youth to progress alongside the rest of the world. Children will receive international certification upon completing their IT courses, easing the process of obtaining free licensing. The CM questioned why an IT revolution like that in India couldn’t happen in Pakistan and set a goal for 10 IT City buildings to be established within a year. She highlighted the achievements of the PML-N, including motorways, laptops, 3G, and 4G. The CM promised free WiFi across Punjab, the relaunch of the laptop scheme, and the provision of E-bikes, with 10,000 young girls already applying for them.
The event was also attended by Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Federal Minister Shaza Khawaja, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Minister for Information & Culture Azma Zahid Bokhari, Provincial Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Sohaib Ahmed Barth, Zeeshan Rafique, Bilal Akbar, Special Assistant Zeeshan Malik, MPA Sania Ashiq, Chief Secretary, Chairman RUDA Azfar Nasir, Commissioner Lahore, and other officials.
