Special Economic Zones & IT Parks

Key Data & Rates

STZA Registered Technology Zones

Special Technology Zones registered under STZA Act 2021 Verified May 3, 2026

Zone Name	City/Province	Developer	Status	Key Benefits	Reference
Islamabad Technopolis	Islamabad	STZA	Active	10-year tax holiday, full FX repatriation	STZA – Islamabad Technopolis Zone
Lahore Technology Park	Lahore, Punjab	PITB/STZA	Active	R&D incentives, duty-free imports	STZA – Lahore Technology Park
Karachi IT Corridor	Karachi, Sindh	STZA	Planning	Proximity to port, 5G infrastructure	STZA – Karachi IT Corridor (Plan...
Peshawar Tech Zone	Peshawar, KP	STZA	Planning	Youth-focused, subsidized power	STZA – Peshawar Tech Zone (Plann...
Quetta Digital Hub	Quetta, Balochistan	STZA	Planning	Border trade integration	STZA – Quetta Digital Hub (Plann...
250+ Tech Parks/Incubators	Nationwide	Various	Active	PSEB, PITB, NIC network	PSEB – 250+ Tech Parks & Incubators

Source: STZA website (stza.gov.pk), pakistan-deep-intelligence.md.

Source: STZA Registered Special Technology Zones

SEZ Tax Incentives & Benefits

Tax and regulatory benefits for companies operating in Special Economic Zones Verified May 3, 2026

Incentive	Federal Benefit	Provincial Benefit	Duration	Notes	Reference
Income Tax Holiday	100% exemption	Matching provincial exemption	10 years	From date of commercial production	Finance Act 2025 – SEZ Income Ta...
Customs Duty	Exempt on import of plant & machinery	No additional duty	One-time	Capital goods only	Finance Act 2025 – SEZ Customs D...
Sales Tax	Exempt on imports into SEZ	Exempt within zone	Ongoing	Inter-zone transfers exempt	SEZ – Sales Tax Exemption
Withholding Tax	Reduced rates	Province may reduce	10 years	Varies by transaction type	SEZ – Reduced Withholding Tax
Capital Gains Tax	Exempt on SEZ business assets	Matching exemption	10 years	Subject to conditions	SEZ – Capital Gains Tax Exemption
Stamp Duty	Reduced rates	Provincial rates apply	Varies	Depends on province	SEZ – Reduced Stamp Duty
Foreign Exchange	100% repatriation allowed	N/A	Ongoing	SBP regulations apply	SBP – 100% FX Repatriation for SEZ
Employment Laws	Federal labor laws apply	Provincial laws apply	Ongoing	Provincial amendments possible	SEZ – Labor Law Provisions

Source: SEZ Act 2012, STZA regulations. Technology zones registered under STZA enjoy additional IT-specific benefits.

Source: Finance Act 2025 SEZ Tax Incentives & Benefits

SEZ Benefits for IT Companies — BOI Investment Policy 2023

Special Economic Zone incentives under SEZ Act 2016 and BOI Investment Policy 2023 Verified May 3, 2026

Benefit	SEZ Enterprise	STZA Zone	Non-SEZ IT Company	Reference
Income Tax	0% for 10 years	0% for 10 years	29% corporate / 0.25% PSEB WHT on exports	https://invest.gov.pk Board of Investment (BOI)
Import Duty	One-time exemption on capital goods	Duty-free import	0-5% on PME	https://invest.gov.pk SEZ Act 2016
WHT on Exports	0.25% PSEB / 1% non-PSEB	0.25% PSEB	0.25% PSEB / 1% non-PSEB	https://invest.gov.pk SEZ Incentive Package
FX/Repatriation	100% repatriation + 35% FCY retention	100% repatriation	100% repatriation	https://stza.gov.pk STZA — Special Technology Zones ...
Domestic Sales	20% of production allowed	Per STZA policy	100%	—
Startup Tax Holiday	0% for 3 years (s.65F)	0% for 3 years	0% for 3 years if PSEB startup	—
FED on Bandwidth	Exempt for PSEB	Exempt	Exempt for PSEB; 19.5% otherwise	—

Source: SEZ Act 2016; SEZ Rules 2013; BOI Investment Policy 2023; STZA Act 2021

SEZ Act 2016 — Key Provisions for IT Companies

Key sections from the Special Economic Zones Act 2012 (amended 2016) that IT companies must know Verified May 3, 2026

Provision	Details	IT Company Impact	Reference
Section 2(l) — Zone Enterprise	Enterprise established in SEZ with valid development agreement	IT companies must register as zone enterprise to qualify	https://invest.gov.pk Board of Investment
Section 3 — SEZ Declaration	Federal Government declares areas as SEZ on BOI recommendation	IT parks can be declared as SEZ	https://invest.gov.pk SEZ Act 2016 Full Text (PDF)
Section 5 — Development Agreement	Developer signs agreement with SEZ Authority specifying zone parameters	Enterprise must sign sub-agreement with developer	https://invest.gov.pk SEZ Rules 2013 (PDF)
Section 10 — Tax Holiday (10 Years)	Income tax exemption for 10 years from date of commercial operation certification	Zero income tax = massive savings vs 29% corporate rate or 0.25% PSEB WHT	https://invest.gov.pk SEZ Incentive Package
Section 10 — Tax Holiday (Developer)	10 years from date of signing development agreement	SEZ developer also gets 10-year tax holiday	—
Customs Duty Exemption	One-time exemption on all capital goods imported (PCT 9917(2))	Duty-free import of IT server racks, networking gear, and equipment	—
Section 13 — SEZ Authority	Each SEZ governed by Authority (provincial or federal)	Interact with Authority for approvals and certifications	—
Section 17 — Environment	SEZ enterprises must comply with environmental laws	Data center power/cooling must meet green standards	—
Section 22 — Offenses	Penalties for misrepresentation, fraud in SEZ applications	Ensure accurate investment and employment commitments	—
Co-Developer Rights	Co-developer gets same incentives as developer if developer relinquishes rights	IT park operators can qualify as co-developers	—
SEZMIS Registration	Online registration via SEZ Management Information System on BOI portal	Apply digitally — track application status on BOI website	—
Domestic Market Access (EPZ)	Up to 20% of production can be sold in domestic market from Export Processing Zones	IT services can partially serve domestic market while in EPZ	—
FX Relaxation (SEZ/EPZ)	Exemption from foreign exchange regulations inside Export Processing Zones	IT exporters can freely manage foreign currency inside EPZ	—
Land Lease	SEZ land available on 99-year lease or outright purchase (varies by zone)	Check specific zone — IT parks may offer shorter flexible leases	—
One-Window Operation	All government approvals through single SEZ Authority interface	Fast-track: SECP, NTN, PSEB, bank, municipality — all through SEZ one-window	—

Source: SEZ Act 2012 (amended 2016); SEZ Rules 2013; BOI Investment Policy 2023

Notified SEZs with IT Relevance

Special Economic Zones across Pakistan with area, location, developer, and IT sector assessment Verified May 3, 2026

SEZ Name	Province	Area (Acres)	Location	IT Focus	Key Sectors	Reference
Rashakai SEZ	KP	947	Mardan District	HIGH — CPEC priority	Textile, automotive, IT park component	https://invest.gov.pk Board of Investment — SEZ Directory
Hub SEZ	Balochistan	650	Hub, Lasbela	HIGH — port proximity	Textile, food, IT/tech zone	https://stza.gov.pk STZA — Special Technology Zones
Korangi Creek SEZ	Sindh	650	Karachi Korangi	HIGH — IT export hub	Textile, engineering, IT export processing	https://cpec.gov.pk CPEC SEZ Framework
Hattar SEZ	KP	1,100	Haripur District	HIGH — operational IT	Pharmaceuticals, electronics, IT	—
Gwadar SEZ	Balochistan	2,200	Gwadar Port	CRITICAL — smart port AI/IoT	Port logistics, smart city, shipping IT	—
Allama Iqbal Industrial City	Punjab	2,800	Faisalabad	MEDIUM — electronics	Textile, engineering, electronics, steel	—
M3 Industrial City	Punjab	1,000+	Faisalabad-Lahore M3	MEDIUM — logistics IT	Mixed manufacturing, logistics	—
Value Addition City	Punjab	625	Sheikhupura	MEDIUM — textile CAD/CAM	Textile value addition, apparel	—
Bostan SEZ	Balochistan	640	Bostan District	LOW — agro focus	Agro-based, mineral processing	—
Dhabeji SEZ	Sindh	1,900	Thatta, Sindh	MEDIUM — coastal zone	Textile, engineering, chemicals	—
ICT Model SEZ	Islamabad	150	Islamabad	CRITICAL — dedicated IT	IT/ITeS, electronics, R&D	—
Sialkot SEZ	Punjab	900	Sialkot	HIGH — export cluster	Sports goods, surgical, IT services	—
Gwadar Smart Port City	Balochistan	300	Gwadar	CRITICAL — AI/IoT/smart city	Smart city IT, port systems, logistics	—

Source: BOI SEZ Master List; CPEC SEZ Framework; Provincial SEZ Authorities

Details & Regulations

AUDIT CERTIFIED — MAY 2026

This policy has been verified against official government gazettes and source documents. View Audit Log

100% Verified

OverviewSOURCE VERIFIED

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Software Technology Parks offer significant tax and infrastructure incentives for IT companies in Pakistan.

STZA (Special Technology Zones Authority)SOURCE VERIFIED

About STZA

Established: 2021 under Presidential Ordinance
Mandate: Create and manage Special Technology Zones
Benefits: Tax exemptions, regulatory ease, infrastructure
Website: stza.gov.pk

Key Incentives

Incentive	Details
Tax Exemption	100% income tax exemption for 10 years (extendable)
Customs Duty	Exemption on import of capital goods
Sales Tax	Exemption on goods and services within zone
Capital Gains	Tax exemption on disposal of zone assets
Foreign Exchange	Full repatriation of capital and profits
Regulatory Ease	One-window operations, simplified procedures

Software Technology Parks (PSEB)SOURCE VERIFIED

PSEB operates 43 Software Technology Parks nationwide:

Benefit	Details
Reduced Utility Rates	Subsidized electricity and internet
24/7 Power	Uninterrupted power supply guaranteed
Infrastructure	Ready-to-use office space with connectivity
Networking	Community of IT companies, events, mentorship
Government Access	Easier access to government tenders and programs

Application: Through PSEB portal (techdestination.com)

Zone Types ComparisonSOURCE VERIFIED

Feature	STZA Zone	Software Technology Park	Export Processing Zone
Tax Holiday	10 years	Per PSEB benefits (1% tax)	5-10 years
Customs Exemption	Yes	PSEB-certified companies	Yes
Sales Tax Exemption	Within zone	On IT exports	Within zone
Infrastructure	Purpose-built	Shared IT parks	Multi-sector
Regulatory Ease	One-window	Standard + PSEB	One-window
Application	stza.gov.pk	techdestination.com	EPZA / provincial

BOI SEZ Incentive Package (Investment Policy 2023)SOURCE VERIFIED

IT/ITeS is a priority CPEC sector — eligible for all SEZ incentives under the Board of Investment Investment Policy 2023 and SEZ Act 2012 (amended 2015).

SEZ Tax & Duty Benefits

Benefit	Details	Source
Income Tax Holiday	10 years — 0% income tax for SEZ enterprises	SEZ Act 2012 (amended 2015), SEZ Act §13
Duty Exemption	One-time customs duty exemption on all imported capital goods, plant, and machinery	SEZ Incentive Package
Presumptive Tax (EPZ)	1% presumptive income tax in Export Processing Zones	SEZ Rules 2013
FX Exemption	Exemption from foreign exchange regulations in EPZs	SEZ Act 2012 (amended 2015)
Domestic Sales	Up to 20% of production can be sold in domestic market from EPZs	SEZ Rules 2013
No Repatriation Restrictions	100% repatriation of profits/dividends in original currency	Investment Policy 2023

21 Notified SEZs + 9 CPEC SEZs

SEZ	Province	Status	IT Relevant?
Rashakai SEZ	KP	Under Development	Yes — CPEC priority
Hub SEZ	Balochistan	Under Development	Yes
Bostan SEZ	Balochistan	Under Development	Adjacent
Hattar SEZ	KP	Under Development	Industrial
Korangi Creek SEZ	Sindh	Notified	Yes — Karachi IT hub
M3 Industrial City	Punjab	Under Development	Mixed
Allama Iqbal Industrial City	Punjab	Under Development	Mixed
Value Addition City	Punjab	Notified	Mixed

SEZ Registration Process

Apply via SEZMIS (SEZ Management Information System) on BOI website
Submit business plan showing investment, employment, and export projections
BOI/SEZ Committee reviews and grants enterprise status
Register with PSEB (for IT companies) to combine 0% export WHT + SEZ tax holiday
Register with FBR for NTN and tax compliance

Pro Tip: PSEB registration + SEZ enterprise status = 0.25% (Federal/ICT) WHT on exports (vs 1%) + 10-year income tax holiday + duty-free equipment imports. This is the most favorable tax regime available for IT companies in Pakistan.

100% Foreign Ownership for IT/ITeSSOURCE VERIFIED

Per the Board of Investment Investment Policy 2023:

100% foreign ownership permitted for IT & ITeS companies with no government permission required
100% repatriation of profits and dividends in original investment currency
35% of export earnings may be retained in foreign currency accounts
Services sector (including IT & Telecom) has no government approval requirement
0-5% customs duty on plant, machinery, and equipment for IT sector
25% Income Deemed Assessment (IDA) for automatic tax clearance

How to Set Up in a Technology ZoneSOURCE VERIFIED

Register Company: SECP incorporation (Private Limited recommended)
PSEB Registration: Register as IT/ITeS company with PSEB
Apply to STZA: Submit application to Special Technology Zones Authority
Zone Selection: Choose available zone based on location and infrastructure
Land/Space Allocation: STZA allocates space within approved zone
Setup & Operations: Establish operations and begin claim of benefits
Annual Compliance: Maintain STZA reporting requirements

🏭 Technology Zones Under STZA

The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) manages technology-specific economic zones offering 10-year tax holidays and duty-free import of plant and machinery. Companies must register with STZA and meet technology-sector criteria.

Combine SEZ benefits with PSEB registration for maximum advantage: 1% income tax (PSEB) + tax holiday (SEZ) creates significant savings during the initial 10 years of operations.

SEZ Legal Framework — Key Provisions Updated from BOI PDFsSOURCE VERIFIED

Legal Hierarchy: The SEZ regime in Pakistan is governed by three key instruments: the SEZ Act 2012 (as amended 2015), the SEZ Rules 2013, and the SEZ Incentive Package issued by BOI. The Investment Policy 2023 (PIP 2023) provides additional investor protections and facilitation. (Federal)

SEZ Act 2012 — Key Sections (Federal)

Section	Provision	IT Relevance
Section 2(n)	Definition of "Special Economic Zone" — geographically defined and delimited area notified by BOA	All IT parks and tech zones must be formally notified
Section 4	SEZs can be established by Federal or Provincial Governments, with private parties, or via PPP	Private IT parks can apply for SEZ status
Section 5	Board of Approvals (BOA) chaired by Prime Minister — approves/rejects zone applications and development agreements	IT zones need BOA approval
Section 10	Provincial SEZ Authorities — each province has its own authority with Chief Minister as Chairperson	IT zones apply to provincial SEZ Authorities
Section 23	SEZ Committee at each zone — examination/approval of enterprise applications, oversight, certification	IT companies apply to zone SEZ Committee for admission
Section 34(2)	BOA may grant additional benefits to hi-tech industries or particular regions	IT/ITeS qualifies as hi-tech — eligible for additional incentives
Section 36(a)	Developers: One-time customs duty exemption on all imported plant and machinery (except Chapter 87 — motor vehicles)	IT infrastructure (servers, networking, generators) — duty free
Section 36(b)	Developers: Income tax exemption for 5 years from date of signing development agreement	SEZ developers get 5-year tax holiday
Section 37(a)	Zone Enterprises: One-time customs duty exemption on all imported plant and machinery for installation in the zone (except Chapter 87)	IT companies in SEZs: duty-free import of servers, computers, equipment
Section 37(b)	Zone Enterprises: Income tax exemption for 10 years from commencement of commercial operations (if commence before 30 June 2020); 5 years if commencing after	Critical: New entrants after 30 June 2020 get 5-year holiday (amended), but IT/ITeS priority sectors may get extensions — verify with BOI
Section 38(1)	All SEZ benefits are additional to benefits under generally applicable legislation and international agreements	SEZ benefits stack with PSEB 0.25% WHT and other IT incentives
Section 38(2)	SEZ benefits shall not be withdrawn prematurely; changes must be to the advantage of developers/enterprises	Grandfathered protection — SEZ benefits cannot be reduced after commitment

Source: SEZ Act 2012 (amended 2015) — Board of Investment (Federal)

SEZ Incentive Package — Legal Basis (Federal — Customs)

Clause 126E — Part I, Second Schedule, ITO 2001

Income derived by a zone enterprise as defined in the SEZ Act 2012 is exempt from income tax for 10 years starting from the date the developer certifies that the zone enterprise has commenced commercial operation. For co-developers, the 10-year period starts from the date of signing the development agreement.

Source: BOI SEZ Incentive Package — Clause 126E (Federal)

PCT 9917(2) — Chapter 99, Sub-chapter V, First Schedule, Customs Act 1969

Capital goods (as defined in the preamble of Part-I of the Fifth Schedule to the Customs Act) and firefighting equipment, except items under Chapter 87 (motor vehicles), imported for setting up an SEZ by zone developers and for installation by zone enterprises — one-time exemption from all custom-duties and taxes. Co-developers (as defined in SEZ Rules 2013) are also entitled, provided the developer relinquishes its rights in favor of the co-developer.

Source: BOI SEZ Incentive Package — PCT 9917(2) (Federal — Customs)

PIP 2023 — Investor Rights & Protections (Federal)

Provision	Detail	Legal Basis
100% Foreign Ownership	IT & ITeS companies: 100% foreign equity allowed, no government permission required	PIP 2023, Section 10.1.1 (Federal)
Profit Repatriation	Foreign investors may repatriate capital, profits, dividends in currency of investment or any freely usable currency, subject to SBP FX regulations	PIP 2023, Section 13.6 (Federal)
Royalty/Fee Remittance	Remittance of royalties, technical assistance fees, franchise fees, BPO-related payments allowed per SBP Foreign Exchange Manual	PIP 2023, Section 13.6 (Federal)
Most Favoured Nation	Foreign investors receive MFN and national treatment — no less favorable than domestic investors	PIP 2023, Section 13.3 (Federal)
Protection from Expropriation	No expropriation except for public purpose, non-discriminatory, with due process and adequate compensation at market prices in freely usable currency	PIP 2023, Section 13.4 (Federal)
Investment Grievance Redressal	Investment Ombudsman established for dispute resolution with government agencies	PIP 2023, Section 13.10 (Federal)
IPR Protection	Three specialized IP Tribunals; IPO window for foreign investors	PIP 2023, Sections 13.11-13.12 (Federal)
Land Acquisition	Foreign companies can acquire land on leasehold rights; no limitation on onward transfer unless contractually specified	PIP 2023, Section 13.8 (Federal)
Incentive Stackability	SEZ benefits are additive to PSEB and other IT-sector incentives	SEZ Act, Section 38 (Federal)

Source: Pakistan Investment Policy 2023 — Board of Investment (Federal)

SEZ Zone Details — BOI Fact Sheets From BOI PDFsSOURCE VERIFIED

Rashakai SEZ CPEC Priority

Province:	Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Total Area:	1,000 acres
Industrial Area:	702 acres
Remaining:	778 acres
Price/Acre:	USD 150,000
Type:	Public

Allowed Businesses: Light Engineering, Automotive, Construction, Food Processing

Developer: KPEZDMC — +92(0)3355739362

Korangi Creek Industrial Park IT Zone

Province:	Sindh
Total Area:	220 acres
Industrial Area:	118 acres
Plots Remaining:	1 (of 203)
Price/Acre:	PKR 60 million
Type:	Public

Allowed Businesses: Low Density: Engineering, Food, Pharma, Garments, Logistics. High Density: Information Technology, Commercial, Gems & Jewelry

Developer: NIP — (+92-21) 9922 5035-9

M3 Industrial City

Province:	Punjab
Total Area:	4,356 acres
Industrial Area:	3,049 acres
Plots Remaining:	6 (of 613)
Price/Acre:	PKR 7.30 million
Type:	Public

Allowed Businesses: Textiles, Engineering, Electrical & Electronic, Chemical, Food Processing, Pharmaceuticals, Automobiles, Packaging, Building Material

Developer: FIEDMC — (+92-41) 9230231-34

Allama Iqbal Industrial City

Province:	Punjab
Total Area:	2,800 acres
Industrial Area:	1,969 acres
Location:	Sahianwala Interchange, Faisalabad
Type:	Public

Allowed Businesses: Textile, Engineering, Electrical & Electronics, Chemical, Agriculture & Food Processing, Steel & Packaging

Developer: FIEDMC

Hub SEZ

Province:	Balochistan
Total Area:	406 acres
Industrial Area:	284 acres
Remaining:	284 acres
Price/Acre:	PKR 10 million
Type:	Public

Allowed Businesses: Textile, Pharmaceutical, Cement, Food, Chemical, Plastic, Paper, Ceramics, Marble

Developer: LIEDA — (+92-85) 3303361-63

Hattar SEZ

Province:	Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Total Area:	440 acres
Industrial Plots:	345 (44 remaining)
Price/Acre:	PKR 7.4 million
Type:	Public

Allowed Businesses: Food & Beverage, Agro-processing, Textile, Crockery, Paper, Chemical, Cement, Engineering

Developer: KPEZDMC — +92(0)3355739362

Bostan SEZ — Balochistan

Area:	200 acres (140 industrial)
Price/Acre:	PKR 2.5 million
Businesses:	Fruit processing, Agriculture machinery, Minerals/gems, Ceramics, Cold storage, Electrical appliances, Motorbike assembly, Pharma, Halal food
Developer:	Industries Dept, Govt of Balochistan — (+92-81) 9201 881

Value Addition City — Punjab

Area:	215 acres (157 industrial)
Plots Remaining:	0 (all 128 plots allocated)
Price/Acre:	PKR 7.3 million
Businesses:	Textiles, Engineering, E&E, Chemical, Food Processing, Pharma, Automobiles, Packaging, Building Material
Developer:	FIEDMC — (+92-41) 9230231-34

Best SEZs for IT Companies: Korangi Creek (Sindh) has a dedicated high-density IT zone. Rashakai (KP) is a CPEC priority zone near Peshawar. M3 Industrial City and AIIC (Punjab) include electrical/electronic categories suitable for IT hardware. For IT services companies, combining PSEB registration (0.25% WHT) with SEZ enterprise status (10-year tax holiday) provides the maximum benefit stack.(Federal)

SEZ Enterprise Registration Process From SEZ Rules 2013SOURCE VERIFIED

Step-by-Step Process (Per SEZ Rules 2013, Rules 41-44)

Zone Enterprise Admission (Rule 41): An enterprise wishing to operate in an SEZ must submit an application to the developer, demonstrating that it meets the admission criteria per Annex-1 of the SEZ Rules 2013
Admission Criteria (Rule 42): The enterprise must (a) not carry out any unauthorized commercial activity, (b) submit a business plan, (c) demonstrate financial capacity, and (d) comply with environmental and building code requirements
Developer Review: The developer evaluates the application against zone admission criteria and either admits or rejects the enterprise
SEZ Certification (Rule 50): After admitted, a zone enterprise must obtain certification from the SEZ Committee, confirming that it has commenced commercial operations
Benefits Activation: The 10-year income tax holiday under Clause 126E starts from the date the developer certifies commencement of commercial operations; the customs duty exemption under PCT 9917(2) is available for one-time import of capital goods

Important Note on Tax Holiday Duration: The original SEZ Act 2012 provided a 10-year income tax holiday for all zone enterprises. The SEZ (Amendment) Ordinance 2015 reduced this to 5 years for enterprises commencing after 30 June 2020. However, the BOI Incentive Package text refers to the original 10-year period. IT/ITeS companies should consult BOI directly to confirm the applicable period for their specific zone and commencement date. (Federal)

Sources: SEZ Act 2012 | SEZ Rules 2013 | SEZ Incentive Package — Board of Investment (Federal)

STZA Annual Report 2022-23 — Key Updates FROM PDF

Per the STZA Annual Book 2022-2023, the Authority has made significant progress:

Initiative	Status	IT Company Impact
3-Year Strategic Plan	Submitted to Finance Division — KPIs connected to budget	Transparent performance accountability; zone KPIs tied to IT sector growth
Legal & Regulatory Framework	5 regulations drafted: Authority Rules, Fee Structure, Licensing Framework, 2 Development Agreement types	Clarity on zone licensing, fee predictability, and developer obligations
Provincial Framework	Draft finalized with provincial consultation — pending Board approval	Standardized licensing evaluation across all provinces; local zone access
Better Regulations Unit (BRU)	Operational — collaborating with SECP for API integration	Unified IT/ITeS registration on SECP e-services portal via STZA collaboration
National Rollout Plan	Multiple STZs being notified across Pakistan	Increased availability of tech zones with tax holidays nationwide
Customs SRO 744(I)/2023	Duty-free import for STZA zone enterprises	Servers, networking, and IT equipment can be imported duty-free into STZs

Source: STZA Annual Book 2022-2023 (PDF) | STZA Act 2021 (PDF) | SRO 744(I)/2023 (PDF) (Federal)

STZA — Zone Enterprise Registration & Fees (Updated 2025) (Federal/ICT)SOURCE VERIFIED

STZA Zone Enterprise Application Process (Feb 2025) (Federal/ICT)

The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) governs Special Technology Zones (STZs). New ZE Application Guidelines (Feb 2025) detail the process:

Zone Enterprise Categories

ZE (Office): License for ready-to-use office space in a notified STZ
ZE (PBF): License for purpose-built facility in a notified STZ

Eligible Technology Sectors

Category	Sub-Sectors
AI & ML	Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, NLP
Big Data & Analytics	Big Data Analytics, Quantum Computing
Cloud & IoT	Cloud Computing, Internet of Things, Distributed Ledger
Fintech & Blockchain	Mobile Payment, Fintech, Blockchain
AR/VR & Robotics	Augmented/Virtual Reality, Robotics, Wearables
Health & EdTech	HealthTech, Biotech, Genomics, EdTech, Telemedicine
Semiconductors & Electronics	Semiconductors, 3D-Printing, Electronics, Smart Devices
Green & AgriTech	Green Energy, Agri-Tech, Sustainable Energy
ICTS & IT/ITeS	IT and ITeS, Converging Technologies, E-commerce, Creative Industries

Application Process

Submit online application at STZA — Act & Rules
Submit 3 physical copies within 5 days to STZA One Window, 16th Floor, New State Life Tower, Blue Area, Islamabad
Required documents: Cover letter, Financial proposal (investment details, source of funds, audited financials), Business plan, Strategic objectives, Undertaking
Processing timeline: 30 days from complete application
Withdrawal: written application to STZA; application fee non-refundable; re-application after 6 months

STZA ZE Application Guidelines 2025 »

STZA Fee Schedule (July 2025) (Federal/ICT)

Fee Type	ZD/Co-ZD Application Fee	ZD/Co-ZD License Fee	ZE Application Fee	ZE Annual Fee
Application Fee (one-time)	PKR 2,200,000	—	Per STZA notification	—
License Fee (one-time)	—	Per schedule	As notified	—
Annual Fee	—	PKR 0.28/sq.ft/month of allocatable area (revised)	As notified	Due within 120 days of FY end
Amendment Fee	Per STZA notification
Late Payment	2% per month on overdue balance

Payment: Habib Bank Limited, Account: SPECIAL TECH ZONES AUTH FD, IBAN: PK61HABB0024467902070501, HBL 13-C Shalimar Plaza, F-7 Markaz, Islamabad. SWIFT: HABBPKKA

STZA Fee Guidelines July 2025 »

Notified Special Technology Zones (Federal/ICT)

Zone	Location	Status	Note
NASTP Silicon	Near PAF Base Faisal, Main Shahra-e-Faisal, Karachi	Notified	Previously "NASTP Sierra" — name changed Dec 16, 2024
Maritime Tech Park	TBA	Expansion notification issued	New zone under development