Author: Dr. Muhammad Amir Malik (Sitara-i-Imtiaz), CEO PRAL
In the fabric of Pakistan’s economic evolution, Sialkot emerges as the prime canvas for painting the nation’s inaugural IT City. Nestled within the industrial heartland, its fusion of factors makes it the optimum locale for such an endeavor. Boasting a burgeoning pool of IT talent that annually churns out over 10,000 IT graduates from different universities across Pakistan, plus Sialkot based campuses of few universities and Sialkot University of Engineering and Technology (SUET). However, despite this talent influx, many IT graduates gravitate towards larger cities due to the dearth of tech-related opportunities in Sialkot. Furthermore, with ample space near Sialkot airport, the government holds the key to unlocking Sialkot’s potential as a tech hub. Inspired by global tech juggernauts like Silicon Valley, this initiative promises to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. To ensure the triumph of the IT City venture, meticulous analysis and focus on local and regional strengths are imperative. This strategic approach will pave the way for tailored initiatives that harness existing resources, talent, and market dynamics, propelling sustainable growth and prosperity not only within Sialkot but rippling outwards, shaping the trajectory of Pakistan’s technological landscape.
Moreover, the integration of an IT City in Sialkot would stimulate the transformation of its traditional industries. Sialkot, renowned for its production of footballs used in FIFA tournaments, can further innovate by embracing technologies like the Smart Ball system developed by German companies Cairos Technologies and Adidas. This system utilizes sensors within the ball to track its position in real-time, including when it crosses the goal line. While Sialkot manufactures the balls, the sensors are currently imported. However, with the establishment of an IT City, Sialkot could capitalize on its pool of tech talent to develop these sensors locally, reducing costs and increasing profitability. Moving forward, this journey of exploration can extend into cricket, where technologies like ball tracking redefine the trajectory of the ball through a series of high-speed cameras capturing images at 1/100ths of a second and smart bails, which illuminate upon contact and detachment from the stumps within 1/1000th of a second, aid umpires in making accurate run-out and stumping decisions. Additionally, graphics and animations enhance audience engagement by simplifying complex aspects of the game, making it more interactive and enjoyable to watch.
The leather industry in Sialkot could greatly benefit from the IT City’s establishment, with specialized courses like a Diploma in Leather Technology enhancing professionalism. This branch also includes the synthesis of artificial leather, an emerging sector gaining importance. Moreover, recent years have seen wide attention on the leather and footwear industry, making it a focal point of interest. By integrating computer-aided designing (CAD) techniques and leveraging Sialkot’s manufacturing expertise, the industry is poised for increased profitability and technological advancement. On top of that, the surgical manufacturing industry in Sialkot is thriving, and providing certifications at the IT City could boost its global competitiveness. Establishing an international certification center for surgical instruments would allow Pakistan to compete more effectively in the global market. Offering certifications like the Certified Instrument Specialist, which recognizes individuals with the necessary skills for sterile processing departments, would be invaluable. While these certifications are typically offered by institutions like the American Allied Health Institute and Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, affiliating with them through the IT City’s university would enhance the legitimacy of the certification and attract more business. Hence, by fostering expertise in areas like precision engineering and biomechanics, the IT City can aim to nurture a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and global competitiveness in Sialkot’s traditional industries.
Apart from that, the presence of an IT City in Sialkot will offer a compelling value proposition for global tech giants like Amazon. Currently, Amazon’s warehouses are primarily located in the UAE and India, limiting its reach and operational efficiency in the region. By establishing a warehouse in Sialkot coupled with entrance of PayPal in Pakistan, Amazon can tap into a vast consumer market and benefit from cost-effective resources and labor. Furthermore, the establishment of Amazon’s warehouse in Sialkot’s IT City would catalyze job creation and economic development in Punjab. This influx of employment opportunities would not only improve livelihoods but also contribute to poverty alleviation and socio-economic development in Pakistan.
Furthermore, a proactive initiative to establish free Wi-Fi zones within the IT City, akin to the successful implementation seen in the Philippines by the government can also prove fruitful. Such an endeavor would ensure hassle-free access to Wi-Fi for individuals working within the IT offices, promoting seamless communication, and enhancing productivity. Implementing enterprise-grade Wi-Fi infrastructure with robust security features would guarantee reliable and secure internet connectivity, meeting the demands of modern digital workflows and collaborative projects. Additionally, the deployment of advanced technologies such as 5G or Wi-Fi 6 could future-proof the IT City’s connectivity infrastructure, ensuring scalability and high-performance networking capabilities to support emerging technologies and applications. This strategic investment in connectivity infrastructure aligns with Pakistan’s vision to position itself as a leading hub for innovation and technology-driven growth.
Not only that, the promotion of artificial intelligence (AI) within the IT City holds immense promise for Pakistan’s technological evolution. Together, these efforts underscore the transformative impact of the IT City in Sialkot, propelling Pakistan towards a future defined by innovation, prosperity, and global leadership in the digital age. Drawing inspiration from acclaimed IT Cities like Bangalore Technology Park in the neighboring country and Cyberport in Hong Kong, the IT City in Sialkot would enhance Pakistan’s global competitiveness quotient. By serving as a magnet for international investments, talent influx, and strategic collaborations, the city would bolster Pakistan’s stature as a dominant force in the global tech arena, amplifying its visibility and market resonance on the global stage. In concordance with the World Economic Forum’s projections, investments in digital skills development could lead to a whopping $11.5 trillion in global GDP by 2028.
Pakistan’s call center industry and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, a linchpin of the nation’s service sector, employs over 200,000 skilled professionals and annually generates revenues surpassing $1 billion. If integrated within Sialkot’s proposed IT City, these call centers and BPOs can further enhance their capabilities, leveraging the city’s infrastructure and expertise to drive economic growth and facilitate job creation. The city’s strategic location and robust telecommunications infrastructure would ensure seamless data transmission and communication, while state-of-the-art security systems and reliable power supply would safeguard sensitive information. Moreover, the establishment of an institute within the IT City can be an opportune platform to offer dedicated language courses such as Arabic, English, and French. Equipping individuals with multilingual skills enabling them to effectively engage with a broader audience, facilitating smoother interactions with international clients and partners. By bridging language barriers, these language courses contribute to the overall growth and success of the call centers and other tech-centric businesses operating within the IT City, further solidifying Pakistan’s position as a global hub for technology-driven innovation and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, the establishment of the IT City offers a remarkable opportunity to attract international tech giants such as SAP and Oracle. Given the widespread implementation of these software solutions in local industries, having branches in Pakistan would facilitate access to first and second level support from these industry leaders. Leveraging SAP’s global reach and Oracle’s cost-effective solutions, Pakistan is well-positioned to advance technologically. As the global data center market grows to $174.5 billion by 2028, Pakistan stands to benefit economically while asserting its presence in the tech industry. The integration of SAP and Oracle technologies not only enhances Pakistan’s capabilities but also elevates its standing on the global tech stage, fostering innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. Additionally, establishing a state-of-the-art data center in the IT City is not only essential for imminent deployments of these and other applications but can also serve as a backup/secondary/Disaster Recovery Data Center for major government organizations like NADRA, FBR, PITB, SBP, NBP, and others. In summation, the genesis of Sialkot’s IT City heralds a resolute stride towards Pakistan’s technological renaissance and economic resurgence. Positioned strategically and fortified by a sturdy educational framework, Sialkot emerges as a potent contender in the global tech arena. The proposition of an IT-exclusive university within the city adds a dynamic layer, advancing an incubator for groundbreaking research, innovation, and talent incubation. Its strategic location, coupled with high-quality infrastructure and supportive ecosystem, makes it an attractive destination for startups and established technology firms alike, positioning Pakistan as a leading player in the global technology landscape. As Sialkot galvanizes its trajectory towards digital preeminence through strategic alliances and a vibrant culture of innovation, Pakistan’s ascent as a key player in the global technology domain is all but assured. Through this harmonious fusion of technology, entrepreneurship, and heritage, Sialkot’s IT City ignites a compelling narrative of digital evolution, charting a path towards a future defined by boundless innovation, economic prosperity, and unparalleled global leadership.
