CM Murad Unveils Pakistan's Largest Tech Zone in Education City

A New Era for Education City and Pakistan's Economic Development

The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, has announced a significant development in the province’s growth strategy by signing landmark agreements that mark a historic milestone for both Sindh and Pakistan. These agreements pave the way for the creation of the country's largest Special Technology Zone (STZ), alongside major investments in renewable energy and energy storage solutions.

The signing ceremony took place at the CM House, where several key figures were present, including Energy Ministers, officials from the Education City Board, and representatives from the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA). Notable attendees included Chairman Education City Board Dr Asim Hussain, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Syed Qasim Naveed, PSCM Agha Wasif, Chairman STZA Azfra Manzoor, Secretary Investment Khurram Shahzad, and PD Education City Abrar Ahmad. International participants such as Jo Hanns Dieter Trutschler, Chairman of Meeco AG/Meeco Holding, and Axel Kaiser also attended the event.

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister emphasized the significance of the 435-acre Special Technology Zone located within Education City. He described it as a groundbreaking initiative under the Sindh government, designed to become a center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge-driven economic growth.

One of the key agreements was signed between the Education City Project and the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), which is part of the Cabinet Division of the Government of Pakistan. This Zone Development Agreement outlines a transparent framework for master planning, financing, construction, operations, and governance. Additionally, the initiative will integrate Education City with STZA’s central e-portal, streamlining licensing, regulatory approvals, and investor facilitation.

Another major development involves the global clean energy leader M/s Meeco AG from Switzerland. The company has joined as a strategic partner to establish a renewable energy plant using wind, solar, and battery storage technologies to power Education City. The electricity will be supplied at $0.11/kWh for the first 10 years, offering competitive pricing compared to existing providers. In addition, Education City will receive a 4% royalty. The tariff is expected to decrease after the first decade, making the project sustainable and attractive to investors.

Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with M/s Meeco to set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for advanced energy storage solutions within the Education City STZ. This project, backed by an estimated £100 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), will produce energy storage modules for domestic use and export to international markets. The facility is expected to generate over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, promote technology transfer, and enhance Pakistan's position in the global clean energy supply chain.

The Chief Minister highlighted Education City as a vision for Pakistan's future, emphasizing the integration of education, technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing to create an ecosystem that drives sustainable growth and global competitiveness. He acknowledged the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for prioritizing innovation and inclusion in Sindh's development agenda.

“I want Education City to be not just the pride of Sindh but a shining example of Pakistan's progress in the world,” the Chief Minister concluded. He expressed gratitude to STZA, Meeco AG, and all stakeholders for their partnership. The MoU was signed by Director Education City, Abrar Shaikh, and President of M/s Meeco, Jo Hanns Dieter Trutschler.