As it moves forward with plans to convert a proposed ladies club in Sector G-10 into an IT Park, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) held an “open house” on Tuesday to present its vision for the new tech hub in Islamabad.
The decision to convert the building has met resistance from women in the capital, who argue that there is already a shortage of dedicated spaces for them. The fate of the originally planned women’s facility remains unclear. “Women have been deprived of the proposed club before its inception,” said Bushra Bibi, a resident of Sector G-7, noting the lack of such amenities in Islamabad. The club building was completed in 2010 but left abandoned due to funding issues. Last year, the CDA board decided to repurpose it into a tech park.
To address these concerns, the CDA spokesperson said women would be accommodated at the F-9 Citizen Club, also known as Gandhara Club. G-10 was chosen for the tech park due to its proximity to educational institutions, IT firms, and the telecom tower.
When asked about exclusive facilities for women, the spokesperson confirmed that the Gandhara Club would cater to both men and women, not exclusively to women.
The CDA and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) hosted the open house to showcase their plans for the IT park. The event, attended by key IT industry stakeholders, highlighted the role of IT parks in fostering innovation, economic growth, and technological advancement.
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa and representatives from various IT organizations discussed the significance and potential of the proposed park. Randhawa reaffirmed the CDA’s commitment to working with industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and investors to ensure the successful development of the IT park, emphasizing its role as a hub of innovation and economic prosperity.
CDA’s member technology described the IT park as a strategic initiative to attract investment, create jobs, promote research and development, and support Pakistan’s digital transformation. The PSEB director highlighted the importance of such centers in boosting the country’s IT exports and global competitiveness.
The open house included site discussions and visits, providing attendees with insights into the vision, objectives, and timeline for the IT park project. Participants engaged with industry experts, government officials, and potential collaborators to exchange ideas and explore partnership opportunities.