Ahmed Khan Malik

With increasing focus from both government and private stakeholders, Balochistan’s information technology (IT) sector is striving to align with global best practices, aiming to bridge the technological gap with the rest of the country and the world. As the digital economy becomes increasingly vital, fresh urgency and attention have turned toward unlocking the province’s digital potential.

“The emergence of local tech hubs, training centers, and e-governance initiatives marks a significant shift in the province’s approach to information technology”, an insider associated with IT sector of the province told WealthPK.

A key driver of change has been the government's renewed focus on digital inclusion. “Under the auspices of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, and in collaboration with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and Ignite, multiple projects have been launched to promote IT skills in Balochistan”, said Sohail Buledi, Director of IT Department. These include the establishment of National Incubation Centers (NICs) in Quetta, digital skills training programs for youth, and subsidized internet connectivity for underserved regions.

He said that Quetta, the provincial capital, has become the focal point of Balochistan’s nascent IT movement. Several co-working spaces, software training academies, and IT companies have emerged in recent years. Young entrepreneurs and software developers from Quetta are participating in national-level hackathons, freelancing platforms, and software development competitions, gaining exposure to international standards and tools.

Furthermore, the provincial government has shown interest in e-governance and digitization of public services. Initiatives such as online land record management, digital tax filing, and e-policing are gradually being introduced. These steps not only improve transparency and service delivery but also create local demand for IT solutions and professionals.

One of the most significant challenges, however, remains digital infrastructure. Many areas of Balochistan still suffer from poor internet connectivity, electricity outages, and limited access to computers and smart devices. “This makes remote work, e-learning, and online entrepreneurship difficult for a majority of the population. Bridging this digital divide is crucial for the province’s IT sector to grow in line with global benchmarks”, said Rizwan Taimoor, a Quetta-based IT expert.

He said that cybersecurity, data privacy, and software quality assurance are also areas where the local industry is working to improve. There is an increasing awareness among IT professionals in Balochistan about the importance of adhering to international standards such as ISO/IEC for software development and data management. However, access to certifications, professional mentoring, and global platforms remains limited, he said.

He said that partnerships with national and international organizations are being explored as NGOs, tech foundations, and development agencies have started collaborating with local institutions to offer training in globally recognized programming languages, cloud computing, AI, and digital marketing. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Balochistan’s IT workforce in the global digital economy.

He said that freelancing has emerged as a viable alternative career path for many in the province as various platforms have enabled young individuals to earn foreign exchange and gain international experience without leaving their hometowns.

Credit: INP-WealthPk