A Glimpse Of Faulty IT Tower

“Punjab Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif has said that promotion of Information Technology (IT) is the need of the hour and government is implementing a comprehensive strategy in this regard.”

Construction of the IT Tower or Software Technology Park, STP, has been the most important necessity for Pakistan’s Software Industry. But its construction has been continuously delayed from quite some time now. This delay has resulted in a great setback for many in the IT field.  But IT professionals still have their hopes high, as the construction of this technological marvel has resumed.

The above two pictures show the two different stages of the IT Tower. The one which is above is the most recent one taken from the other end of the road, as trespassers were not allowed. The second one has been uploaded from the Sofware Technology Park website.

The construction plan had started on 29th June 2007; its stagnation has caused the government a huge loss of Rs 1 billion. In contrast to this governmental delay private investors have started construction of IT Towers in the city. Recognizing the need of the hour, these towers are being constructed at a very fast pace. As a result of which many have transferred their preferences towards the privately constructed Towers/ IT Parks. Because IT Park is not just a mere building, but a huge step towards the advancement of technology. This park will not only serve as a source of development for Lahore but for the entire Pakistani nation in general.

There were many reasons behind the unnecessary delay of the construction of the Tower. Although the loss and penalty of Rs 1 billion cannot be recovered but a positive step can be taken in future and the on-going construction should be facilitated by every means possible. The main idea behind its construction is to allow smooth progress within the IT Industry of Pakistan by bringing the Industry under one particular roof. The 17-Storeyed under construction Tower will allow IT and Telecom companies to prosper together in collaboration. Providing every kind of facility to the in house employees ranging from gymnasiums to banking services, this tower will serve as a second home for the IT professionals.

During the month of July 2009, the following advancements took place within different disciplines of the Tower, these included:

a. Structure Works
Formworks and rebar for roof trellis beam for car park block are 50% completed.
Masonry work at level 5 of Main Tower is currently in progress and is expected to be completed within a short period of time.

b. Electrical & IT Works
Installation of cable trunking, cable trays at different levels of Main Tower was in
progress.

c. HVAC Works
Installation of ceiling concealed sprinkler & HVAC duct insulation pipes was
completed at different levels of the Main Tower.

There were other major achievements during the Reporting Month

a) Payment of the IPC-17 to CSCEC
IPC-17 was paid to M/s CSCEC on 2nd July 2009 after duly certified by the M/s
NESPAK

b) Signing of the Contract Agreement for Interior Designing firm
M/s Pervaez Iqbal has been hired as an Interior Designer (ID) Consultant on 25th
July 2009 for the interior designer works at STP. The scope of their works includes
designing and supervision of:

• The Auditorium including pre-functioned breakout area.
• Seminar rooms.

Façade cladding and atrium (expected completion date (ECD)): 23-Sep-09
12 Electrical works, Lifts, Security System (ECD): 9-Sep-09

Commencement Date: 29th June 2007
New Completion Date: 28th Feb 2010

With the inception of the main idea of IT Tower in 2006, it was believed that a new digital era will commence. With a plan of making Punjab the hub of information technology, government wanted to show the world its commitment towards the growth of IT in the country. Attracting foreign investors towards the province, this particular tower would play the role of a magnet for promotion of IT in Pakistan. The delayed plan has once again resumed.

The vision of Punjab IT Board is to promote economic growth in the IT sector through e-governance policies, IT education, and creation of Software Technology Parks. PITB

With the help Chinese investment in information technology, and with a Chinese completely responsible for this project we await a remarkable future. As a result of international cooperation in this sector we Pakistanis have come a long way.

Punjab Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif also said that the IT Centre at Ferozpur Road was also being constructed by a Chinese company and it should complete the project as soon as possible.

Pakistan has become an amazing destination in the world not only for Software Sector but for every sector. To quote PSEB there are almost 1600 registered Software houses currently working in Pakistan, and this number has not stagnated. It is continuously increasing and more and more international countries are investing in this sector. Such Faulty towers may serve as a hindrance in development, but at the same time we have seen the continuous growth which our software professionals have shown, both in term of working individually and in terms of working within an organization.

In the next three to five years, the IT and industrial sector of Punjab will present a completely different picture. It will be based on leading edge technologies to create jobs and career opportunities, as well as open up avenues for entrepreneurship for the people of Punjab and Pakistan.

We are living in the times where people know how to fight for their rights. This is the age of revolution. IT professionals are not shy when it comes to talking about their abilities and their successful performance in this sector. We have seen the rebellious side of our country when it comes to lawyers and doctors, we pray that our government provides all the necessary facilities required by various sectors and thus promise the people of Pakistan with peaceful and prosperous past, present and future.