Special Technology Zones Authority

The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) is a regulatory body established by the Government of Pakistan to promote and regulate the establishment and operation of Special Technology Zones (STZs) in the country. The authority is responsible for creating an enabling environment for the technology sector to thrive and attract local and foreign investments, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth.

Background
The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) Act 2021 was passed in Pakistan in order to solve the shortcomings of current models and offer technology industry-specific incentives. This law made the STZA the STZ ecosystem's architect, facilitator, and regulator.

Established and Planned Special Technology Zones
The 140-acre Islamabad Technopolis, located in Chak Shehzad, is the first STZ to be established. It will act as a hub for technological firms, high-technology manufacturing facilities, R&D facilities, educational institutions, training facilities, offices of organizations that support science and technology, and other support services. Plans have been prepared for Zone Enterprise (ZE) tenants in a prime location in Islamabad while infrastructural development for the Islamabad Technopolis is in progress.

The Pakistan Digital City in Haripur, the Lahore Technopolis in Lahore, and the Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST) in Haripur are the other STZs that have been declared.