CM Maryam reviews progress on Nawaz Sharif IT city project

LAHORE
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, chairing a meeting here on Wednesday, reviewed progress on the Nawaz Sharif IT City project, Punjab’s flagship initiative for technological advancement.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that the Nawaz Sharif IT City has become the first project in Punjab to be formally approved by the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA). The STZA has granted official approval for the establishment of the “NSIT Silicon Block,” marking a major milestone for the project.
It was further revealed that globally renowned IT conglomerates have shown strong interest in becoming part of the Nawaz Sharif IT City. As many as 23 prominent IT companies have expressed willingness to establish their offices and facilities within the Silicon Block. Plots have already been acquired for this purpose.
The meeting was informed that the prestigious Imperial College London, in collaboration with Novecare, will establish a state-of-the-art medical college and hospital within the IT City. NetCol is set to launch Pakistan’s first comprehensive IT university at the site, while the Roots Group is entering into a joint venture with the University of Warwick, UK.
Additionally, leading tech firms DataFort and Mari-Tech will jointly establish Tier 3 and Tier 4 data centres, while Data Rocks has shown interest in setting up Punjab’s first FTA-approved laboratory.
CEO Central Business District (CBD) Punjab Imran Amin provided a comprehensive briefing on the progress of the project. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed all departments concerned to accelerate work on the project and to take all necessary measures for the timely establishment of Nawaz Sharif IT City. She emphasized the importance of proactive, efficient, and coordinated efforts to transform the IT City into a hub of innovation, investment, and employment.
CM vows to promote tolerance, respect in society
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has stressed the urgent need to confront hatred, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness at every level of society.
In her message on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the CM said, “The poison of hate speech breeds division, chaos, and violence within communities. It is not merely an attack on an individual, but an assault on the collective conscience of humanity.” The CM particularly highlighted Islamophobia as one of the most dangerous and deeply rooted manifestations of hate. “Muslims, along with their places of worship and homes, have increasingly become targets of hate. This baseless hostility poses a constant threat to global peace and stability,” she remarked.
Calling for global accountability, she urged the international community to take strong action against those who incite hatred under the guise of freedom of expression. “Those who weaponize free speech to spread intolerance must be held responsible,” she asserted. CM Maryam Nawaz said, “We will not allow anyone to sow the seeds of hatred in our homeland. We are determined to promote the values of love, tolerance, and mutual respect across our society.”