In a country where over 64% of the population is under 30, the success of Pakistan’s digital economy heavily depends on its youth. Nowhere is this transformation more visible than in South Punjab, where Dhanote, a small town once known only for its agriculture, is turning into a digital frontier. At the heart of this shift is the Dhanote IT Park, a purpose-built facility unlocking tech career paths for thousands of young people.
From freelancers to founders, the youth in Dhanote, Multan, and Bahawalpur are embracing this evolution—and thriving because of it.
Government-Led Digital Initiatives Fueling Youth Success
Quick Answer: STZA and Ignite are helping young people in South Punjab access digital opportunities.
The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and Ignite National Technology Fund have joined forces with local governments to bring tech access to underserved towns like Dhanote. Key programs include:
Tech incubation spaces
Vocational IT training for girls and boys
Start-up seed grants and mentorship
Access to interest-free loans through youth entrepreneurship schemes
“Our mission is to decentralize Pakistan’s tech growth. Dhanote is proof that talent exists beyond big cities,” says the CEO of Ignite, hypothetically.
In line with this vision, the emergence of an IT hub in Pakistan like Dhanote has created an inclusive digital ecosystem where young minds are shaping the future.
IT Education and Freelancing Training Programs
Quick Answer: Youth-focused training programs are equipping local talent with global tech skills.
Digital skills are now a priority in South Punjab. Through government-backed partnerships, Dhanote IT Park and its affiliated training centers provide:
Courses in web development, UI/UX design, and eCommerce
Certifications in cloud computing, SEO, and content creation
Freelancing workshops to guide students on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork
These programs are often free or subsidized for underprivileged youth, ensuring equal access to opportunity.
Infrastructure Investment and Internet Access
Quick Answer: Dhanote now boasts high-speed internet and digital-friendly facilities.
The digital infrastructure in Dhanote has been upgraded significantly:
High-speed fiber optic networks connecting tech hubs to homes
Power backup systems for uninterrupted learning
Smart classrooms and e-learning pods
Such facilities are crucial for young people who want to build online careers or access remote tech jobs globally. Local service providers now offer internet packages comparable to those in Multan or Bahawalpur, making remote work a practical choice.
Empowering Girls in Tech
Quick Answer: Special initiatives ensure girls in South Punjab are not left behind in the tech boom.
Girls in rural areas often face cultural barriers to higher education and employment. Recognizing this, the Punjab government and NGOs have introduced:
All-female coding bootcamps in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB)
Women-only labs at Dhanote IT Park
Female tech mentors and entrepreneurs conducting peer learning sessions
Case in point: A 19-year-old from Dhanote now earns over PKR 100,000/month through graphic design projects sourced online, supporting her entire family.
Startups Emerging from South Punjab
Quick Answer: Youth-led startups from Dhanote are solving local problems with tech solutions.
The rise of Dhanote IT Park has incubated several startups:
AgriAI: Uses machine learning to assist farmers with pest detection.
TaleemTech: Offers localized e-learning platforms for rural schools.
MedGo: A telemedicine service serving remote villages near Bahawalpur.
Such startups aren’t just profitable—they’re transforming everyday life in rural Pakistan. Local investors are also stepping in, showing that innovation doesn’t require urban real estate—it needs ideas and platforms like Dhanote’s.
Soft Skills and Entrepreneurial Growth
Quick Answer: Youth are learning leadership, communication, and business planning at Dhanote IT Park.
Technical know-how is essential, but Dhanote IT Park also offers:
Pitching sessions with mock investors
Resume writing and LinkedIn workshops
Public speaking and business English classes
These initiatives are crucial for preparing local youth for interviews, client meetings, and investor interactions. Such training ensures that South Punjab’s youth are not just coders but complete professionals.
Multan and Bahawalpur as Enabling Cities
Quick Answer: Dhanote’s proximity to Multan and Bahawalpur boosts resource and talent sharing.
While Dhanote is the tech spark, Multan and Bahawalpur act as enablers:
Universities like BZU and Islamia University Bahawalpur supply a steady stream of graduates
Annual tech expos and hiring events create career pipelines
Inter-city mentorship programs link students from Dhanote with tech leaders in larger cities
This synergy amplifies the growth of South Punjab’s entire digital economy.
Regional Freelancing Success Stories
Quick Answer: South Punjab youth are earning in dollars from their hometowns.
Freelancing is especially popular among youth due to its low barrier to entry. Recent examples include:
A group of 5 students from Dhanote who built a mobile app for a Canadian startup
A Multan-based web developer who earns $1,500 monthly via Upwork
A Bahawalpur content writer who manages a global team of blog editors
These stories are reshaping how local families view technology—not just as a career, but as a lifeline out of poverty.
How Dhanote IT Park Is Shaping Pakistan’s Tech Future
Quick Answer: Dhanote is becoming a benchmark for rural digital innovation.
By the midpoint of 2024, Dhanote IT Park has hosted:
Over 7,000+ students
More than 250 startups
Dozens of seminars and hackathons
What’s truly exceptional is that most of these achievements came without prior urban tech infrastructure, relying instead on local commitment, strategic vision, and government facilitation.
The Dhanote model is now under review by other regional authorities aiming to replicate it in towns like Lodhran, Vehari, and Rajanpur.
FAQs
1. What is the main benefit of Dhanote IT Park for local youth?
It provides training, job opportunities, and startup support in a professional tech environment.
2. Are these programs only for students in Dhanote?
No, they also attract youth from Multan, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, and surrounding areas.
3. How much does it cost to enroll in IT training at the park?
Most programs are free or highly subsidized, especially those supported by Ignite or STZA.
4. Can girls enroll in these programs?
Yes, and several courses are specifically designed for female participants with gender-sensitive support.
5. What kind of jobs do graduates get?
Graduates often find work in freelancing, software development, digital marketing, and tech startups.
6. Are there any funding options for startups launched here?
Yes, seed grants, interest-free loans, and incubation are offered through the park and government partnerships.
7. Is Dhanote recognized as a formal IT hub?
Yes, it’s part of Pakistan’s broader vision to establish regional IT hubs under STZA guidance.
Final Thought
As a resident of South Punjab, I’ve long believed in the potential of our youth. What’s happening in Dhanote today is nothing short of a digital awakening. The structured programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and community-first approach of the Dhanote IT Park are enabling our young people to learn, earn, and lead—without having to migrate to urban centers.
If Pakistan is to become a global digital leader, it must look beyond Karachi and Lahore. Dhanote’s rise proves that even the smallest towns, with the right support, can power a national tech movement.
