The Public Private Partnership Authority (P3A) Board has approved Project Development Facility (PDF) funding to prepare Islamabad Technopolis for development under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The decision was taken at the 44th P3A Board meeting chaired by Prime Minister’s Adviser on Privatisation and P3A Chairperson Muhammad Ali in Islamabad on Monday.

The approved support will finance project preparation and the hiring of a transaction adviser to develop a bankable PPP structure for the Islamabad Technopolis project.

The project, being developed by the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), aims to establish a purpose-built technology park in Islamabad focused on technology exports, innovation, skilled employment and technology transfer.

The initiative is also intended to attract private-sector investment and create an integrated technology ecosystem in the capital.

The board also considered a proposal to commercially develop prime Pakistan Railways properties through the Railway Estate Development and Marketing Company (REDAMCO).

Under the proposal, a pilot cluster in Karachi would be developed first, with other railway properties to be taken up in phases based on the results of the initial project.

The initiative aims to bring underutilized railway properties into commercial use through private-sector participation and generate sustainable long-term revenue for Pakistan Railways.

Senior officials from P3A, STZA, REDAMCO and the National Highway Authority attended the meeting.