A high-level meeting at Capital Development Authority headquarters on October 15, 2025, focused on plans to establish a Special Technology Zone in Islamabad, with the aim of transforming the capital into a technopolis city. The session was jointly chaired by Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and Azfar Manzoor, Chairman Special Technology Zones Authority.
Officials discussed a framework in which the Special Technology Zone would be developed by the CDA as the development agency while the Special Technology Zones Authority would act as regulator and issue licenses to hi-tech firms. To move the project forward, a joint working group will be formed to review proposals and analyze financial and operational aspects, meeting regularly to prepare viable submissions for the Federal Government.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from both organizations, including Member Planning and Design CDA Dr. Khalid Hafiz and Aamir Saleemi, Executive Director of STZA, who briefed members on technical and regulatory considerations. Participants examined how best to align the development plan with industry needs and investment incentives.
The proposed master plan for the Special Technology Zone envisions a dedicated technology zone alongside a high-tech production zone, encouraging hi-tech companies and entrepreneurs to establish research, technology and production facilities within Islamabad. Planners emphasized that the Special Technology Zone would create an ecosystem for innovation and local manufacturing of advanced technologies.
It was noted that special concessions, including rebates in taxes and duties, would be offered subject to approval by the Federal Government, and these incentives would be integral to attracting domestic and international investment to the Special Technology Zone.
Muhammad Ali Randhawa described the establishment of the Special Technology Zone as a top priority for the CDA in collaboration with STZA, saying a viable and sustainable model is being prepared based on best practices and careful financial review. He added that the project will play a key role in promoting technology, creating employment in Islamabad and positioning the capital as a technology hub, and reaffirmed the CDA’s commitment to fully utilize STZA expertise to ensure the initiative’s success after the Federal Government’s decision.
