The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has decided to establish Software and Technology Park along with three to four incubation centers in its Research and Development sector for rapid socio-economic development of the country.
According to The News, the ministry will collaborate with other strategic Research and Developmental institutes like NESCOM, SPARCO, PAEC, DESTO, HMC, and PAF Kamra to come up with joint proposals. One of the key focused areas of MoST will be capacity building of staff in public sector Research and Development organizations through Ph.D. scholarships and training, rationalization of salaries and pay package of Research and Development staff in public sector organizations.
Established in 1972, MoST works to initiate and launch scientific and technological programs and projects as per national agenda. Its principal focus is on building Pakistan’s technological competence in the 21st century as we enter new markets and to strengthen the technological infrastructure.
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Currently, 12 Software Technology Parks in Pakistan are providing nearly 1 million square feet of space to IT companies with state-of-the-art facilities in numerous cities and more are in the development phase.
Pakistan’s IT industry has grown by 150% in 5 years but greater efforts are required to increase local representation of IT sector at international forums.