Pakistan’s digital ecosystem is expanding rapidly, but the latest wave of innovation is not just emerging from major cities like Karachi or Lahore. Increasingly, startups are migrating to Dhanote, a small but strategic town in South Punjab, where lower operational costs and government-backed incentives are reshaping the region’s digital destiny.

Today, Dhanote IT Park is becoming the go-to choice for startup founders and tech entrepreneurs who value affordability, community engagement, and access to skilled youth.

Rising Regional Demand for Digital Ecosystems

Quick Answer: Startups are moving to secondary cities to benefit from lower costs, strong community ties, and rising tech literacy.

In cities like Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dhanote, demand for digital services is increasing as e-commerce, fintech, and online education become mainstream. Startups recognize the advantages of operating in areas with:

• Lower rent and overhead

• High youth population

• Untapped local talent

• Supportive local governments

Naturally, this shift has strengthened the identity of Dhanote as a new IT hub in Pakistan—where startups can scale without the high costs of urban centers.

Digital Infrastructure in Dhanote and Surrounding Regions

Quick Answer: Fiber-optic internet, solar energy integration, and tech-enabled workspaces support seamless operations.

Thanks to partnerships with Ignite and regional stakeholders, Dhanote now boasts:

• Broadband and 5G testing zones

• Solar-powered co-working spaces

• Smart security surveillance in IT facilities

These developments reflect the STZA mandate to transform Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities into viable tech bases. As a result, tech firms are finding Dhanote not just functional but future-ready.

“Innovation is not limited by geography. With the right digital infrastructure, every town can become a tech catalyst,” states a hypothetical CEO Ignite.

Government Support Through STZA and PITB

Quick Answer: Tax incentives and startup programs are drawing businesses to Dhanote and South Punjab.

The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) have initiated a number of impactful projects in South Punjab:

• 10-year tax exemption for IT companies

• Duty-free import of equipment

• Grants and micro-loans for startups

• Freelancer bootcamps in Multan and Bahawalpur

This kind of institutional support is why startups are choosing to relocate to zones like Dhanote IT Park, where the business environment is designed to promote innovation, not restrict it.

Youth Skills Development in South Punjab

Quick Answer: Youth in Dhanote and Multan are receiving targeted digital training to join the tech workforce.

In collaboration with NAVTTC, Ignite, and local NGOs, youth in South Punjab are gaining real-world skills in:

• App development and web design

• Data science and machine learning

• Freelancing and entrepreneurship

• Digital marketing and e-commerce

These programs are yielding hundreds of certified professionals annually from Dhanote, many of whom are either joining startups or launching their own ventures.

Why Dhanote Offers a Strategic Advantage to Founders

Quick Answer: Founders benefit from leaner startup models, lower burn rates, and community-driven growth.

Dhanote’s geographical positioning between Multan and Bahawalpur allows easy access to both talent and logistics. Tech founders are leveraging this through:

• Hybrid work models

• Local developer hiring

• Micro-supply chain networks

Some of the notable benefits for founders:

• Up to 40% lower operating costs

• Increased employee retention

• Access to government-funded mentorship

This has turned Dhanote into a nurturing ground for early-stage tech businesses.

Startup Case Studies: Growth from South Punjab

Quick Answer: Real-life startups from Dhanote and Bahawalpur are proving the model works.

Case 1: FarmNet – Dhanote
An agri-tech platform helping farmers predict crop yield using AI. It scaled from 50 to 2,000 users in 6 months after moving to Dhanote IT Park.

Case 2: EduSoft – Bahawalpur
A SaaS product digitizing rural school management. Built in Bahawalpur, its beta-testing hub is now based in Dhanote.

These startups show that innovation is thriving in regions previously overlooked, and Dhanote is leading the way.

What Makes Dhanote IT Park Stand Out?

Quick Answer: Dhanote IT Park offers tailored infrastructure, financial support, and a vibrant tech community.

Built with STZA standards, Dhanote IT Park offers:

• Co-working pods and private tech offices

• Startup acceleration and incubation programs

• Investor networking events and demo days

• High-speed internet and power backup

The park also hosts mentorship programs by industry leaders from Multan and Islamabad, ensuring startups grow with the right guidance.

Inclusion and Gender Equity in South Punjab’s Tech Space

Quick Answer: Programs in Multan and Dhanote are empowering women to join the tech sector.

Women in South Punjab often face systemic barriers in tech. However, local initiatives are closing the gap:

• SheCodes Bootcamps by PITB

• Digital literacy drives for female graduates

• Dedicated female-only coworking spaces

Over 30% of freelance earners in Dhanote are now women—a testament to the region’s inclusive tech culture.

Freelancing and Remote Work Culture

Quick Answer: Dhanote supports a robust freelancing ecosystem with mentorship and access to global platforms.

The digital freelancer community in Dhanote is growing with:

• Certified training by e-Rozgaar

• Global client engagement workshops

• Peer mentorship through local tech forums

This support ecosystem has enabled many in Dhanote to earn sustainable online incomes, reducing dependency on urban job markets and keeping talent local.

Future Outlook for Startups in South Punjab

Quick Answer: Regional expansion of tech parks and digital literacy programs is expected in coming years.

The road ahead for Dhanote and surrounding regions includes:

• Expansion of STZA coverage across South Punjab

• Integration of IoT and Green Tech into startups

• Opening of satellite campuses for tech universities

• Introduction of ESG-aligned (Environmental, Social, Governance) innovation labs

These trends indicate a tech-forward future for Dhanote, one where growth is sustainable, inclusive, and driven by local potential.

FAQs

1. Why are tech startups moving to Dhanote?
Startups are drawn by low costs, government incentives, and access to skilled local talent.

2. What is the Dhanote IT Park?
A government-supported facility offering digital infrastructure, mentorship, and incubation to startups in Dhanote.

3. How is the government supporting IT in South Punjab?
Through STZA and PITB, the government provides tax relief, training programs, and infrastructure development.

4. Can freelancers benefit from moving to Dhanote?
Yes. Freelancers enjoy fast internet, co-working hubs, and training programs designed to scale online businesses.

5. Are there programs for women in Dhanote’s tech sector?
Yes. Initiatives like SheCodes and PITB programs are empowering women to thrive in tech and freelancing.

6. What sectors are growing in Dhanote’s startup space?
Agri-tech, edtech, healthtech, and SaaS-based ventures are leading the growth.

7. Is there a community for tech collaboration in Dhanote?
Yes. Regular meetups, mentorship circles, and accelerator programs support a vibrant tech community.

Final Thought

As someone deeply connected to South Punjab, I’ve seen firsthand how overlooked regions can become centers of transformation when given the right tools. Dhanote IT Park is more than an infrastructure project—it is a symbol of empowerment for youth, women, and innovators in Pakistan’s heartland.