Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman Capital Development Authority and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and Azfar Manzoor, Chairman Special Technology Zones Authority, jointly chaired a high-level meeting at CDA Headquarters to advance plans for an Islamabad tech zone. Attendees included Dr. Khalid Hafiz, Member Planning and Design CDA, Aamir Saleemi, Executive Director STZA, and senior officers from both organizations.
The meeting examined several proposals for establishing a Special Technology Zone in Islamabad. It was agreed that STZA will function as the regulator and issue licenses to hi-tech companies, while CDA will act as the development agency responsible for building and managing the zone. The focus remains on creating an Islamabad tech zone that attracts modern technology firms and production facilities.
A joint working group will be formed to review the proposals and analyze financial and operational aspects. The group will meet regularly to prepare viable proposals and carry out detailed assessments before submitting recommendations to the Federal Government for consideration.
Officials were briefed that hi-tech companies and technology entrepreneurs are expected to set up both technology and production houses within the Special Technology Zone. The proposed master plan envisions a dedicated technology precinct alongside a high-tech production zone to support manufacturing and R&D activities.
Delegates were informed that special concessions, including rebates in taxes and duties, will be offered subject to approval by the Federal Government. These incentives aim to make the Islamabad tech zone competitive for local and international investors.
Muhammad Ali Randhawa underscored that establishing the Special Technology Zone to transform Islamabad into a technopolis city is a top priority for CDA in collaboration with STZA. He said a viable and sustainable model is being prepared based on best practices and careful financial review to promote technology adoption and economic growth.
The chairman reaffirmed CDA’s commitment to fully utilize STZA’s technical expertise and experience to ensure the project’s success once the Federal Government reaches a decision, and emphasized the potential for the Islamabad tech zone to create employment opportunities across the technology sector within the capital.
