Prince Rahim Aga Khan Reveals 1 Dazzling IT Park — full coverage and analysis on Nai Khabar. Below we break down the key facts, background context, and what this development means going forward.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan Unveils Nasirabad Software Technology Park: A Game-Changer for Gilgit-Baltistan’s Economy
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.
Prince Rahim Aga: Key Context & Background
This section provides additional context on prince rahim aga — including background, key players, and the Pakistani perspective that shapes our reporting on prince rahim aga.
Aga Khan Foundation’s Impact on Gilgit-Baltistan: Key Role of the Nasirabad Software Technology Park
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 counseling, and digital skills development while catalysing freelance business opportunities.
Distinguished Guests at the Aga Khan-Backed Nasirabad Software Technology Park Launch
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.
Aga Khan Foundation Chairman Sultan Ali Allana Optimistic About Economic Growth
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.”
SCO Vision 2025 and Aga Khan’s Focus on Empowering Youth Through IT
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. Furthermore, 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.”
Aga Khan Foundation CEO Akhtar Iqbal on Gilgit-Baltistan’s Potential as a Tech Hub
Speaking about the importance of the initiative, the CEO of AKF Pakistan, Mr Akhtar Iqbal 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. Hence, it will attract national and international tech companies and digital nomads who can have a significant beneficial impact on the economy of the country.”
Special Communications Organization (SCO): Bridging the Telecom and IT Gap in Gilgit-Baltistan
SCO, a public sector organization under the Ministry of IT & Telecom in Pakistan, was established in 1976 to develop and maintain telecom services in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
It has built extensive IT and telecom infrastructure, including over 4800 kilometers of optical fiber cable, becoming the largest telecom network in the region. SCO provides a wide range of telecom services to both public and private sectors, focusing on urban and rural development while leveraging cutting-edge technology for improved communication.
Committed to social responsibility, SCO also undertakes projects for regional development and constantly integrates new technologies to enhance customer value. For more information, visit: https://sco.gov.pk/who-we-are.
Aga Khan Foundation (AKF): Empowering Communities through Sustainable Development
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. This is a private, non-denominational development agency of the Aga Khan Development Network. So, this platform focused on improving the lives of marginalized communities globally, particularly women and girls.
Moreover, it addresses poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and health issues. Anyhow, this organization with a special emphasis on rural areas in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. AKF prioritizes education, health, rural development, environmental sustainability, and civil society strengthening.
Media Contact Information for SCO and AKF
For more information, visit https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation.
Media Contact AKDN: Laila Naz Taj, Director AKDN Pakistan Communications
Email address: [email protected]
Media contact SCO: Major Narjis Jamil, GSO II Marketing
Email address: [email protected]
