The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has set an ambitious target to establish 47 co-working spaces across Pakistan during the current financial year to aid startups and freelancers.
According to officials, the ministry had successfully completed the target of setting up 40 co-working spaces nationwide last year. The long-term plan aims to expand the total number of such centers to 250 by February 2027 under a phased implementation strategy.
PSEB, which is implementing the project, has invited applications from public and private entities to establish NCSP centers nationwide under the Prime Minister’s Initiatives, Support for IT Startups, Specialized IT Trainings, and Venture Capital. The program aims to create an enabling environment for IT startups and freelancers by offering professional networking opportunities and shared infrastructure.
Interested entities can obtain assistance in the form of interest-free loans of up to Rs. 10 million through partner banks, with all applications required to be submitted electronically through the EPADS portal by November 3, 2025.
e-Rozgar Rebranded
Officials revealed that the ministry has renamed the e-Rozgar Centers project to the National Co-working Spaces Project (NCSP) to avoid confusion, as the Punjab government operates a separate initiative with the same name.
The project, officials clarified, differs from the Punjab-based e-Rozgar Centers as it operates under a public-private partnership model. In this framework, the government will bear half the cost of trainers, while the private sector will share the remaining expenses. Trainers will mentor freelancers and entrepreneurs, promoting collaboration among individuals with diverse skill sets. The idea is to create shared innovation hubs where networking and knowledge exchange lead to the development of new ideas, startups, and small enterprises.
According to officials, the ministry plans to establish co-working centers with varying standards depending on the region’s economic and skill landscape. In major cities, larger centers spanning at least 3,500 square feet with a minimum of 100 seats will be developed to meet the growing demand from professionals already familiar with the co-working concept. In smaller cities, the focus will be on building awareness, developing skills, and providing business mentorship to help startups reach the sustainability threshold.
The National Co-working Spaces Project also aims to promote inclusion, innovation, and entrepreneurship by connecting local talent with digital opportunities. Each center will act as a hub for collaboration, skill-building, and industry facilitation, enabling freelancers and startups to overcome initial operational challenges and contribute to Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
