A major digital infrastructure project has been announced in Pakistan, with plans to build the country’s largest Tier-III data centre in Karachi. The project is expected to become operational by 2027.
The initiative is being developed by Quantum Global Data Centre (QGDC), a venture of the Gul Ahmed Energy Group. The initial investment for the project has been estimated at $230 million.
Officials said the total investment could increase to around $600 million over the next three to four years, depending on expansion and demand.
QGDC has also signed a strategic partnership with Huawei Pakistan. The agreement covers development of the data centre as well as a science and technology park aimed at supporting digital transformation.
At a recent industry summit, QGDC Chairman Danish Iqbal said Pakistan is still in the early stages of artificial intelligence adoption. However, he noted that the country is already spending between $700 million and $800 million annually on digital and AI-related services.
He warned that demand for computing power is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. He said that without local data infrastructure, Pakistan may end up relying heavily on imported computing services.
Iqbal stressed the importance of investing in domestic data centres. He said delays could result in higher long-term costs for the economy.
He added that sectors such as healthcare, education, banking, and e-commerce are rapidly shifting towards cloud-based systems. This shift is expected to increase pressure on digital infrastructure.
Experts at the summit said investment in data centres could significantly boost Pakistan’s digital economy. They argued that improved infrastructure would support innovation, job creation, and technological independence.
The project is being described as a major step toward strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global digital economy.
