Dhanote, a modest town in South Punjab, is rapidly rising as a credible alternative to Pakistan’s mainstream tech cities. Fueled by initiatives like the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), Ignite, and local public-private collaborations, Dhanote is becoming an inclusive, cost-effective base for startups, SMEs, and established tech firms. Those seeking to broaden their footprint in a high-potential, low-saturation region should consider the value of expanding into this IT hub in Pakistan.
Whether you’re a freelancer collective, a software house, or an international firm, Dhanote now offers the infrastructure and incentives you need to thrive in the digital economy.
Why Dhanote Is an Emerging Opportunity Zone
Quick Answer: Dhanote offers a strategic location, affordable setup costs, and government-backed support for IT businesses.
What makes Dhanote a compelling expansion location?
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Cost-effective real estate and operations
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Access to trained youth from nearby cities like Multan and Bahawalpur
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Reliable broadband and fiber-optic connectivity
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A government-supported ecosystem via STZA and PITB
Compared to saturated IT hubs in Karachi or Lahore, Dhanote offers lower overheads, high availability of skilled talent, and ample room for growth—making it ideal for first movers in Pakistan’s regional tech scene.
Businesses That Should Consider Expanding
Quick Answer: Startups, BPO firms, e-commerce teams, and SaaS developers can benefit most from a Dhanote expansion.
Here are the types of businesses most suited to this shift:
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Freelancer clusters looking for stable infrastructure
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IT training academies wanting to scale in new regions
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E-commerce fulfillment teams needing affordable storage + labor
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BPO firms seeking access to an English-speaking workforce
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SaaS development teams exploring cost-cutting locations
This diversified potential has made Dhanote IT Park an attractive option for investors and early-stage businesses alike.
Regional Talent Pool and Workforce Readiness
Quick Answer: South Punjab provides a young, educated, and trainable workforce ready for digital roles.
Institutes in Multan, Bahawalpur, and Lodhran are consistently producing graduates in:
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Computer science
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Software engineering
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Business administration
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Design and digital arts
The Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) and NAVTTC have also launched remote freelancing and tech skill programs in Dhanote, increasing its workforce readiness.
“South Punjab’s workforce is now a competitive digital asset,” says the CEO of Ignite. “Our aim is to ensure no talent is left behind, regardless of geography.”
Government Incentives and Special Zones
Quick Answer: STZA and PITB offer tax reliefs, capacity building, and startup grants in Dhanote and nearby cities.
Tech businesses expanding to Dhanote benefit from:
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10-year income tax exemption
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No custom duty on tech hardware imports
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Access to startup grants through Ignite
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Capacity building from STZA experts
STZA’s recognition of Dhanote as a growth node signals official support. With its designation as an emerging Tech Zone, Dhanote offers structured growth with safety nets for both investors and founders.
Infrastructure and Technology Support
Quick Answer: Dhanote has developed reliable broadband, power backup, and workspace facilities aligned with IT needs.
Here’s what infrastructure is already in place:
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Fiber-optic internet and 5G pilot access
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Tech-ready commercial plots
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Smart co-working spaces with power backup
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Digital security systems
These facilities have attracted both individual entrepreneurs and midsize tech firms to begin operations from Dhanote IT Park—a state-of-the-art facility built with regional and national collaboration.
Cost Benefits for New Entrants
Quick Answer: Setting up an IT operation in Dhanote is 30–50% more affordable than in Pakistan’s big cities.
Let’s break it down:
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Real estate costs: Offices rent for 1/3rd the price of Lahore or Islamabad
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Talent costs: Competitive salaries for junior to mid-level staff
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Utility overhead: Lower energy and internet expenses
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Incentives: Grants and hardware exemptions reduce capital outlay
For startups in early funding stages, these savings can make or break a scaling plan. The local government further supports such businesses through business incubation vouchers and digital equipment loans.
Support for Women-Led and Youth-Focused Ventures
Quick Answer: Women and youth are prioritized in South Punjab’s IT development policies.
South Punjab has one of the highest youth populations in Pakistan, and gender-focused programs have enabled more women to join tech and digital careers. Support includes:
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All-female freelancing labs
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Subsidized transportation for female employees
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Dedicated funding under Ignite’s National Incubation Program for Women
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Teen coder camps in Multan and Bahawalpur
This inclusive development model makes Dhanote attractive for impact-led enterprises, NGOs, and EdTech platforms.
Connectivity with Major Economic Zones
Quick Answer: Dhanote is well connected to Multan, Bahawalpur, and the CPEC corridor.
Geographic location matters in tech logistics. Dhanote offers:
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Proximity to Multan’s industrial base
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Easy access to Bahawalpur Airport
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Feeder routes to CPEC and export hubs
These features are valuable for:
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Export-oriented tech services
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Logistics or warehousing for e-commerce
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Product development that needs R&D infrastructure in nearby cities
A Community-Centric Innovation Model
Quick Answer: Dhanote’s IT ecosystem is built on collaboration between academia, government, and local entrepreneurs.
Unlike purely commercial Tech zones, Dhanote offers a community innovation culture:
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Mentorship programs with senior engineers from Multan
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Startup competitions judged by regional tech leaders
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Monthly tech meetups at Dhanote IT Park
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Public-private partnerships with local colleges
This model promotes sustainable innovation, ensuring businesses feel part of a movement—not just a market.
FAQs
1. What kind of companies should expand to Dhanote’s IT hub?
Startups, freelancers, training institutes, BPOs, and SaaS providers seeking low-cost, high-growth environments.
2. Are there tax incentives for businesses in Dhanote?
Yes. STZA offers 10-year tax relief and import exemptions for qualifying tech businesses.
3. What is the talent availability in South Punjab?
Abundant. Graduates from Multan and Bahawalpur supply trained engineers, marketers, and designers.
4. Is internet speed sufficient in Dhanote?
Yes. Fiber-optic connectivity and 5G trials support high-bandwidth operations.
5. Can women-led businesses operate successfully in Dhanote?
Absolutely. Specific training and support programs make Dhanote highly inclusive for women entrepreneurs.
6. Is there infrastructure for remote work or hybrid offices?
Yes. Dhanote IT Park offers co-working facilities, backup power, and tech security features.
7. What makes Dhanote better than traditional tech hubs?
Affordability, untapped market potential, STZA-backed incentives, and regional talent.
Final Thought
As a digital strategist rooted in South Punjab, I’ve witnessed the transformation of Dhanote from a modest farming town into a visionary tech enclave. While cities like Lahore and Karachi continue to dominate the national tech narrative, places like Dhanote IT Park represent the next wave of sustainable, inclusive, and distributed digital progress.
Expanding into Dhanote isn’t just a strategic move—it’s a commitment to empowering Pakistan’s overlooked regions, unleashing youth potential, and rewriting the geography of innovation.
