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.^[1]

Special Technology Zones Authority

Abbreviation	STZA
Formation	December 2020; 4 years ago (2020-12)
Type	Governmental organization
Legal status	Active
Headquarters	Islamabad, Pakistan
Region served	Pakistan
Chairman	Azfar Mansoor
Parent organization	Cabinet Division
Website	www.stza.gov.pk

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.^[2][3]

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.^[4]

The Pakistan Digital City in Haripur,^[5] the Lahore Technopolis in Lahore,^[6] and the Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST) in Haripur are the other STZs that have been declared.^[7][8]