Hunza, Pakistan, 8 June 2024 - Through a partnership between the Special Communications Organization (SCO) and the Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan (AKF, P), the new Software Technology Park in Nasirabad, Hunza will support the sustainable development of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) by providing uninterrupted power supply, high-speed internet, and a co-working space for small and growing start-ups, freelancers, and chambers of commerce.

The Nasirabad Software Technology Park will act as the central resource for a hub and spokes model linking other IT facilities in more remote areas of the region. This will enhance access to distance learning, entrepreneurship and career counselling, and digital skills development, while catalysing freelance business opportunities. Present on the occasion were the Director General of the Special Communications Organization, Major General Umar Ahmad Shah; the Director of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Chairman of Habib Bank Limited, Mr Sultan Ali Allana; the President of the Ismaili Council for Pakistan, Mr Nizar Mewawalla; and the Chief Executive Officer of AKF, P, Mr Akhtar Iqbal.

Chairman Sultan Ali Allana expressed his optimism that the new Software Technology Park will strengthen the economy of the region: “The users of this new facility will be reliably connected to businesses in Pakistan and around the world. This will provide a range of opportunities nationally and internationally, foster innovation, facilitate the creation of new business networks, and drive economic growth in the region.”

Major General Umar Ahmad Shah thanked the Aga Khan Development Network and remarked, “SCO Vision 2025 focuses on youth empowerment through the provision of a sustained IT environment. We are committed to rapidly expanding IT and Free-Lancing Hubs (FLHs) across Azad Jammu and Kashmir as well as Gilgit Baltistan. The initiative harnesses the potential of our youth, creates job opportunities, and brings in foreign remittances. The transformed IT landscape is helping the socio-economic uplift of the region as youth are actively contributing to the overall development and prosperity of these areas."

Speaking about the importance of the initiative, the CEO of AKF Pakistan noted, “Gilgit Baltistan has great potential to become a hub for software companies in Pakistan. With access to high-speed internet, 24-hour electricity supply, co-working spaces, and an attractive geographical location, it will attract national and international tech companies and digital nomads who can have a significant beneficial impact on the economy of the country.”

About the Special Communications Organization (SCO)

SCO is a public sector organization working under ministry of IT & Telecom, the Government of Pakistan. SCO was established in 1976 to develop, operate and maintain all telecom services in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Over the years, SCO has developed massive information technology & telecom infrastructure including laying of over 4800 kilometres optical fibre cable network across the entire length and breadth of the region. SCO stands tall as the largest telecom network & service provider in the region equally focusing on urban and rural areas development. We are providing telecom & it services to both public and private sectors (general populous) in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. It has a unique distinction of providing all brands of telecom services from voice to data under one platform. SCO is a pioneer in facilitating AJ&K (Azad Jammu & Kashmir) and GB (Gilgit Baltistan) with cutting-edge technology for better communication in the region. We now focus on providing data services to millions with the best coverage and quality. SCO not only satisfies its prestigious customers with its products and services but also feels its social responsibility to carry out projects for better society and regional development. SCO follow new technologies closely and combine them with innovative ideas to add value to our customers' lives. Read more

SCO media contact: Major Narjis Jamil, GSO II Marketing
Email address: [email protected]

About the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a private, non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. AKF brings together human, financial and technical resources to address some of the challenges faced by the poorest and most marginalised communities in the world. With an emphasis on women and girls, AKF invests in human potential, expanding opportunities and improving quality of life. It seeks sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and ill-health with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in mountainous and other resource poor regions, primarily in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its main areas of focus are education, health, rural development, environment and strengthening civil society. Read more

AKDN media contact: Laila Naz Taj, Director AKDN Pakistan Communications
Email address: [email protected]