KOTLI: Director General Special Communications Organization (SCO), Major General Umar Ahmad Shah (Sitara-e-Imtiaz Military), inaugurated a Software Technology Park at the University of Kotli, a Freelancing Hub in Tehsil Sehnsa, and an IT Lab for juvenile inmates at Kotli Jail.
This is the second Software Technology Park established by SCO in Kotli. The state-of-the-art facility at Kotli University provides young professionals and IT experts with a secure and modern workspace, high-speed internet, uninterrupted power backup, and collaborative opportunities. It aims to bring together talent from diverse fields to promote innovation and digital growth in the region.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kotli Major (R) Nasir Rafiq, SP Adeel Ahmed Langrial, Dr. Maroof Khan (Director Finance), Dr. Bilal Ahmed (Additional Registrar), Dr. Ghulam Mujtaba (Director P&D), Dr. Asad Hussain Shah, Sardar Sajjad (Director Affiliation), and Superintendent Jail, among other officials.
Under the visionary guidance of Field Marshal Asim Munir, SCO’s Vision 2025 — aimed at empowering the youth of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) through information technology — has reached its implementation stage. To date, SCO has successfully established 100 Software Technology Parks and Freelancing Hubs across both regions.
During the visit, DG SCO inspected various sections of the newly established Technology Park, interacted with freelancers and IT professionals, and appreciated their efforts. He stated that this is the second Software Technology Park in Kotli, and the earlier one has already benefited hundreds of young people in the district.
Major General Umar Ahmad Shah further said that SCO takes pride in having established Pakistan’s first Software Technology Park exclusively for women in Muzaffarabad, equipped with modern facilities. In addition, SCO, in collaboration with the Nobel Foundation, has launched the country’s first Freelancing Hub for Persons with Disabilities in Muzaffarabad, benefiting hundreds of differently-abled individuals. He added that the newly inaugurated IT Lab at Kotli Jail is also the first of its kind in any prison across AJK and GB.
Speaking at the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Kotli Major (R) Nasir Rafiq lauded SCO’s initiatives, terming them “a blessing” for the region’s youth. He said such projects not only reduce unemployment but also provide equal opportunities for local youth to participate in the digital economy on par with the rest of the country.
He emphasized that the young people of Azad Kashmir are talented and hardworking — all they need are opportunities. “SCO’s initiatives are creating the platforms necessary for our youth to refine their skills and achieve self-reliance,” he said. “These projects align perfectly with the Prime Minister’s Digital Vision and will bring a positive transformation to the region’s economy.”
Deputy Commissioner Nasir Rafiq further stated that the IT Lab for juvenile inmates at Kotli Jail will promote rehabilitation and provide inmates with educational, vocational, and IT training. “This will help them reintegrate into society as productive and responsible citizens after their release,” he added.
He reaffirmed that the district administration will continue to extend full cooperation to SCO to make Kotli a leading district in AJK’s journey toward digital transformation.