ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – In a significant boost to the nation’s digital economy, the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Pakistan Software Houses Association (@PASHA), has officially launched ‘Markaz,’ a dedicated 24/7 help desk designed to serve as a single-point-of-contact for the entire IT industry and startup ecosystem. This landmark initiative aims to streamline business operations, resolve regulatory challenges, and provide immediate support to tech companies, fostering an environment where innovation can thrive unhindered.
Markaz, which translates to “Center,” will operate as a central hub, offering real-time assistance to IT firms, freelancers, and startups on a wide range of issues. This includes navigating tax and regulatory frameworks, facilitating company registrations, resolving banking and payment gateway hurdles, and providing guidance on export promotion schemes. By ensuring round-the-clock access to expert support, the platform directly addresses critical pain points that have historically hampered the growth of Pakistan’s tech sector, particularly for emerging startups.
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The launch of Markaz is a core component of the strategic “Digital Pakistan” vision, demonstrating a proactive public-private partnership committed to removing bureaucratic barriers. The service will be accessible through multiple channels, including a dedicated hotline, live chat, and email support, ensuring that help is always available regardless of the time zone of a company’s international clients. This infrastructure is critical for supporting the industry’s goal of achieving $10 billion in IT exports.
The Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, “The launch of Markaz is a game-changer for our IT industry. We are moving from a reactive to a proactive model of governance. Instead of entrepreneurs navigating a maze of departments, the government is now bringing all its services to one center. This 24/7 help desk will not only accelerate business growth but also send a powerful message to the world that Pakistan is serious about becoming a top destination for tech investment and innovation.”
The IT community has welcomed the initiative with widespread enthusiasm, anticipating that it will significantly reduce operational friction, boost investor confidence, and accelerate the sector’s contribution to the national economy. Markaz is expected to play a pivotal role in retaining tech talent within the country and attracting the diaspora back to a more supportive and dynamic business environment.
About the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA):
PASHA is the unified representative body of the IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) sector in Pakistan. It works to protect the interests of its members and to create a conducive environment for the growth of the software and services industry in the country
