Pakistan to Establish 47 New Co-working Spaces for Startups and Freelancers
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) announced today it will establish 47 new National Co-working Spaces Project (NCSP) centers across Pakistan during the current financial year, aiming to bolster the country’s growing digital economy.
Building on last year’s success in launching 40 similar spaces nationwide, the initiative seeks to create an enabling environment for IT startups and freelancers through professional networking and shared infrastructure. The project is part of a larger plan to reach 250 centers by February 2027, implemented through the Prime Minister’s Initiatives, Support for IT Startups, Specialized IT Trainings, and Venture Capital. Interested entities can apply for interest-free loans of up to Rs. 10 million through partner banks, with applications due via the EPADS portal by November 3, 2025.
The NCSP, formerly known as the e-Rozgar Centers project, was rebranded to avoid confusion with a separate initiative in Punjab. This new project operates under a public-private partnership, where the government will cover half the cost of trainers, while the private sector contributes the remainder, fostering collaboration and mentorship. This model is designed to address the challenges faced by startups and freelancers, particularly in accessing resources and expertise – a key factor in Pakistan’s economic development, according to the World Bank.
The size and focus of the co-working centers will vary based on regional needs, with larger facilities planned for major cities and smaller, skill-building hubs for smaller cities. These centers will act as hubs for collaboration, skill-building, and industry facilitation, enabling freelancers and startups to overcome initial operational challenges. Further details on the project and application process can be found on the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication website.
Officials stated that the ministry expects these centers to significantly contribute to Pakistan’s digital transformation and encourage continued applications from both public and private entities.
