PTBP Web Desk
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir inaugurated the Innovista Indus IT Park in Karachi on Friday, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to drive economic growth through information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI). The project aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, empowering the country’s youth and unlocking the potential of Pakistan’s IT sector. This initiative is expected to bolster Pakistan’s economic landscape by fostering innovation and creating job opportunities for the younger generation.
The Innovista Indus IT Park is designed to be a center of excellence, focusing on the development of Pakistan’s IT sector through collaboration between universities and businesses. The IT park’s primary goal is to nurture a generation of tech-savvy professionals who can contribute to the country’s technological advancement, particularly in areas like AI, software development, and IT services.
General Munir’s inauguration ceremony was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and other prominent members of the civil society. Chief Minister Shah highlighted the importance of the IT sector in driving Pakistan’s economic growth and creating opportunities for its large youth population. He emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that Pakistan’s youth are well-equipped to meet the demands of the global digital economy.
General Asim Munir, in his address during the inauguration, underscored the importance of such initiatives in fostering the growth of Pakistan’s IT industry, which has shown tremendous potential over recent years. He pointed out that Pakistan’s IT sector is already progressing at a rapid pace, and projects like the Innovista Indus IT Park will further accelerate that momentum.
General Munir stressed that empowering the youth through technological advancements and industry-academia collaboration is a key component of Pakistan’s broader economic recovery plan. He acknowledged that the country has a vast pool of talent, and by providing them with the right platforms and resources, Pakistan can become a major player in the global IT industry.
During his visit to Karachi, General Munir also took the opportunity to engage with the city’s business leaders. He praised the business community for their contributions to Pakistan’s economic development and emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving growth. The business leaders, in turn, expressed their support for the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which has been instrumental in creating a more conducive environment for investment in Pakistan.
The SIFC, which was recently established by the government, aims to simplify investment procedures and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into key sectors such as IT, agriculture, and energy. Business leaders noted that the council’s efforts have already begun to pay off, with increased investor interest and positive economic indicators emerging as a result.
In his remarks, General Munir also acknowledged the vital role played by Pakistan’s key allies—China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—in supporting the country’s economic recovery. He praised the collaborative efforts of these nations in helping Pakistan stabilize its economy during challenging times.
China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have all made significant investments in Pakistan, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, energy, and technology. These contributions have been crucial in helping Pakistan navigate its economic difficulties and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth. General Munir highlighted the importance of maintaining and further strengthening these partnerships, as they play a pivotal role in Pakistan’s long-term economic development.
General Munir’s address conveyed a message of optimism and confidence in Pakistan’s future. He emphasized that Pakistan has immense potential across multiple sectors, including IT, energy, and agriculture. He called on all stakeholders—government, business, and international partners—to work together in unlocking this potential and ensuring that Pakistan secures its rightful place on the global stage.
“Pakistan’s future is bright, and we must collectively work towards realizing that vision,” General Munir stated. He also reassured the business community and foreign investors that the government, alongside the military, is fully committed to providing the necessary support to foster economic growth, improve investor confidence, and ensure security and stability in the region.
The inauguration and engagements with the business community, General Munir also visited the Karachi Corps Headquarters, where he was briefed on the operational readiness and ongoing training initiatives of the Pakistan Army. The COAS emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of preparedness to respond to any potential challenges and ensure national security.
Upon his arrival at the Karachi Corps, General Munir was welcomed by the Corps Commander Karachi, and during his visit, he reviewed the ongoing military training programs. He expressed satisfaction with the corps’ operational capabilities and reiterated the importance of continuous training to keep the military forces agile and responsive.
