Karachi is set to receive a new artificial intelligence-ready Tier-III data center after the Sindh government and CMPak, the parent company of Zong, agreed to collaborate on the project under a public-private partnership.
The understanding was reached during a meeting at the Chief Minister’s House between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and CMPak Chairman and CEO Huo Junli.
The proposed facility is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and support growing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data hosting and other digital services.
CMPak Seeks Provincial Support
According to officials, CMPak informed the chief minister that an AI-ready Tier-III data center would require significantly higher and uninterrupted electricity supplies compared with conventional telecom facilities.
The company requested provincial assistance for several infrastructure requirements, including an industrial electricity tariff, increased grid capacity, dual power feeds and priority facilitation for the project.
Murad Ali Shah assured CMPak of the Sindh government’s support and directed relevant departments to examine the company’s proposals.
The chief minister also instructed officials to consider converting the electricity tariff from commercial to industrial, increasing grid capacity, providing dual power feeds and ensuring fast-track facilitation for the data center.
Karachi Eyeing Regional Technology Hub Status
Murad Ali Shah said projects of this nature are important for Pakistan’s digital future and technological sovereignty.
He said Sindh was ready to facilitate strategic investments that could strengthen the province’s technological capabilities, generate high-value employment and help establish Karachi as a regional hub for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data hosting and digital innovation.
The chief minister highlighted digital infrastructure as an important pillar of economic development, innovation and competitiveness.
He said an AI-ready data center would support Pakistan’s growing digital economy while creating opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.
Focus on Secure Local Data Hosting
CMPak Chairman and CEO Huo Junli said the proposed Karachi facility would become an important part of Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
The data center is expected to provide secure local data hosting, advanced cloud services, AI infrastructure and support for enterprise digital transformation.
The facility could also provide businesses and government institutions with reliable infrastructure for managing growing volumes of data and deploying emerging technologies.
CMPak officials said the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Mobile Communications Corporation and currently serves more than 55 million subscribers in Pakistan.
The company has invested more than $3 billion in the country and has launched 5G services in more than 20 cities.
Data Infrastructure to Support Digital Economy
The Sindh government believes Karachi’s strategic location, connectivity and growing demand for digital services make the city an attractive destination for technology and data infrastructure investments.
Murad Ali Shah said the future economy would increasingly depend on data, artificial intelligence and cloud technologies.
The proposed data center is therefore expected to contribute to the development of Pakistan’s digital infrastructure while supporting businesses, government institutions and emerging technology companies.
The project will move forward through coordination between CMPak and relevant provincial departments, with the Sindh government expected to facilitate the required electricity and infrastructure arrangements.
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