The proposed project will support the government to adopt a long-term strategy and implementation framework for the reinvigoration of ICT sector and smart city solutions to allow holistic development of IT ecosystem, through the establishment of a benchmark model IT park in Pakistan. The investment is also in line with the government's mid-term IT development policy, the Digital Pakistan Policy 2017. The project will contribute to higher and more inclusive growth through integrated adoption of ICT solutions in Pakistan. The expected outcome of the project is strengthened holistic development of ICT sector in Pakistan. The outcome will be achieved through the following outputs: (i) an IT park set up as a benchmark model in Karachi; (ii) National IT Parks strategy developed; (iii) smart city strategy developed and piloted; and (iv) ICT skills in higher education stream with technological readiness for knowledge-based economy strengthened. The project will be aligned with the following impact: ICT industry contribution to inclusive growth increased, as outlined in Pillar VI of Pakistan Vision 2025.

A transaction technical assistance (TRTA) is required to complete due diligence for the ensuing project. Ministry of Information and Technology & Telecom (MOIT) is in possession of land in Karachi to construct the benchmark model IT Park. Necessary policy impetus for such parks and smart governance solutions in Pakistan are already outlined in the updated IT Policy of 2017. The Government has requested ADB to support its efforts to rejuvenate the ICT sector of the country. The Ministry has initiated institutional arrangements such as establishment of Research and Development fund for ICT. The government is engaging in a bilateral manner with the government of People's Republic of China and is strengthening high speed infrastructure capacity by undertaking development of landing gateways in the north and laying of fiber optic cable linkage systems. The TRTA will leverage the governmental commitment and ownership, and feasibility-level designs will be prepared for the three components. In addition, financial and economic analysis, poverty and social impact assessments, assessments of financial and/or procurement management capacity, and project's safeguard arrangements in terms of both environment and social, in line with ADB requirements, will be prepared.

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF ADB

The Accountability Mechanism is an independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by an Asian Development Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Accountability Mechanism, they may investigate to assess whether the Asian Development Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can learn more about the Accountability Mechanism and how to file a complaint at: http://www.adb.org/site/accountability-mechanism/main