Work has started on the setting up of Pakistan's first Information Technology Park to be constructed on 200 acres of land by Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) in the Education City, where land has also been allotted to reputed institutions like Aga Khan University, ZABIST, Sindh Madressah, Shaukat Khanum Hospital etc.
The progress of the gigantic project was reviewed in detail at a meeting held under the chairmanship of SSUET Chancellor Z.A. Nizami here on Tuesday. Yahya Waliullah, a former Provincial Secretary IT and Planning and Development has been appointed as Project Director for IT Park project. The meeting was informed that feasibility of the project has been completed and now the costing involved was is being revised.
Chancellor Z.A. Nizami made it clear that he wanted a proper feasibility based on international standards, as the quality of entire work would depend on it. He directed that feasibility, inter alia, must envisage the resources for funding besides outlining technical collaboration with International Organisations involved in such projects.
He advised the Technical Committee members to establish direct contacts with relevant IT organisations in Manglore and Hyderabad. He called for preparation of PC-I of the project for submission to government and said that it was time for quick action. Nizami said that while preparing feasibility study, previous studies made for the project should also be taken into consideration.
SSSUET Chancellor told newsmen that development work on 200 acres of land for IT park in Education City was in full swing and Master Plan being prepared. He said that under-ground sweet water had been explored at a depth of 560 feet while tree plantation is being carried out at a fast pace. He informed that necessary allocation for the project for fiscal 2008-09 has been made in the budget.