IT Ministry Seeks Rs. 43.6 Billion Development Budget for Next Fiscal Year

The Ministry of IT & Telecom has drafted initial proposals for its federal Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) budget for the next fiscal year. The ministry seeks Rs. 43.65 billion for 18 projects. The proposals include Rs. 3.42 billion for six projects under the Special Communications Organization (SCO) and Rs. 2.83 billion for seven projects by the Pakistan Software Export Board. Additionally, Rs. 11.46 billion has been earmarked for three major IT projects, while Rs. 249 million is proposed for a National Telecommunication and Information Security Board (NTISB) project. A separate Rs. 1 billion allocation has been requested for expanding cellular services in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to promote tourism in the region. The ministry has asked Rs. 9.85 billion for the Islamabad IT Park project next financial year. Further proposals include Rs. 1.5 billion for the Digital Economy Enhancement Project and Rs. 250 million for the Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan initiative. The ministry has requested Rs. 2.47 billion for its IT Startups Support Program for 2025-26.