The Pakistani startup landscape is growing rapidly, yet the cost of operation in major cities continues to challenge new businesses. Dhanote IT Park in South Punjab presents a compelling alternative—a low-cost, government-supported tech ecosystem with untapped talent and cutting-edge infrastructure. Whether you’re a founder in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad, now is the perfect time to explore how relocating to this rising IT hub in Pakistan can benefit your business model, operations, and long-term growth.
Why Consider Relocating to Dhanote
Quick Answer: Relocating to Dhanote can drastically reduce operational costs, while offering full access to government tech incentives.
Startups seeking agility, affordability, and opportunity will find Dhanote ideal due to:
Lower office and living costs compared to big cities
Tax incentives under the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA)
Dedicated startup support from programs like Ignite and PITB
Availability of trained tech talent from Multan and Bahawalpur
In just a few years, Dhanote IT Park has transformed from a vision into a thriving ecosystem for digital innovation, drawing in entrepreneurs from across the region.
Government-Backed Support for Tech Businesses
Quick Answer: STZA and Ignite are creating tax-free zones and funding avenues to support relocated startups.
The government has deployed a multi-tiered support structure in Dhanote and surrounding regions:
STZA-designated tech zone with 10-year tax holidays
Ignite’s startup grant programs and tech incubation services
Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) facilities for co-working and freelancing support
Youth-focused training centers in Multan and Bahawalpur
“By enabling secondary cities like Dhanote, we’re decentralizing digital prosperity,” says a hypothetical CEO of Ignite.
These public-sector supports reduce both operational and entry-level costs for new businesses.
Cost of Living and Operational Advantages
Quick Answer: Dhanote offers low overheads, affordable housing, and high digital connectivity.
Compared to tech hubs in Lahore or Islamabad, Dhanote delivers:
60–70% reduction in office rent
Minimal HR expenses due to local hiring
Affordable developer salaries
Low cost of living for employees and founders
This financial breathing space allows bootstrapped startups to extend their runway significantly without compromising on growth.
Talent Availability in South Punjab
Quick Answer: Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dhanote are rich in skilled, cost-effective tech professionals.
Dhanote is surrounded by educational hubs like:
BZU Multan – providing graduates in computer science, data analytics
Islamia University Bahawalpur – strong programs in IT and engineering
Technical Training Institutes powered by NAVTTC in Khanewal and Lodhran
Many of these graduates choose to stay local, contributing to a stable talent pipeline and reducing employee turnover.
Setting Up at Dhanote IT Park
Quick Answer: Dhanote IT Park offers plug-and-play facilities, incubation, and startup mentorship.
Located in central Dhanote, Dhanote IT Park is a purpose-built innovation district offering:
Furnished office spaces with fiber-optic internet
Co-working hubs and freelancer lounges
On-site mentors and startup coaches
Training seminars, hackathons, and demo days
Startups relocating here can be operational in under a week, with dedicated support for legal registration, workspace, and staff hiring.
Logistics and Accessibility
Quick Answer: Dhanote is well-connected to major urban centers through highways and digital networks.
Even as a semi-rural town, Dhanote benefits from strategic connectivity:
1.5 hours from Multan International Airport
Near Khanewal Railway Station, a national transport link
Digital connectivity via broadband and 4G services
Direct access to regional markets in South Punjab
These logistics allow product teams and client service centers to operate efficiently without feeling isolated.
Community and Quality of Life
Quick Answer: Dhanote offers a peaceful, safe, and vibrant lifestyle for startup teams.
Beyond business, relocating to Dhanote means:
Peaceful, pollution-free environment
Supportive community that embraces innovation
Cultural richness of South Punjab
Low crime rates and stable electricity
This quality of life is a key factor in employee retention and overall workplace satisfaction, especially for small teams.
Incentives for Women-Led Startups
Quick Answer: Women entrepreneurs receive special attention in Dhanote’s tech ecosystem.
Government and private partners are promoting inclusive innovation through:
Dedicated co-working areas for women
Skills training programs in Bahawalpur and Multan
Micro-grants for women-led initiatives
Mentorship programs led by female founders
This makes Dhanote a unique launchpad for startups seeking gender-balanced teams and leadership.
South Punjab: A Fertile Ground for Innovation
Quick Answer: The broader South Punjab region supports sustainable and diversified tech ventures.
Dhanote’s success is echoed in nearby cities:
Multan is emerging as a fintech and agri-tech innovation node
Bahawalpur is hosting health-tech and e-learning initiatives
Vehari and Lodhran are seeing growth in logistics and agri-digital startups
The South Punjab Digital Corridor strategy aims to integrate these nodes for regional synergy.
FAQs
1. Is Dhanote IT Park suitable for early-stage startups?
Yes. It offers incubation, mentorship, and zero-cost office setups for qualifying startups.
2. How do I apply for STZA incentives in Dhanote?
You can register through the STZA portal and validate your eligibility based on location and business scope.
3. What is the average rent at Dhanote IT Park?
Startups can expect rent to be 60–70% lower than similar spaces in Lahore or Karachi.
4. Is high-speed internet available in Dhanote?
Yes. Fiber-optic internet and 4G coverage support tech operations seamlessly.
5. Are there tech training centers nearby?
Yes. NAVTTC, Ignite, and PITB collaborate to run coding bootcamps and youth-focused upskilling programs.
6. Can I relocate my entire team to Dhanote?
Absolutely. Dhanote offers quality housing, schools, and a safe environment for families.
7. Is Dhanote safe for female employees?
Yes. Dhanote is a peaceful and culturally respectful town with safe working environments.
Final Thought
As someone who grew up in Multan and has worked in tech hubs across Pakistan, I see Dhanote IT Park as more than a development project—it’s a movement. It represents a shift from centralization to democratization in tech access. Relocating your startup here isn’t just strategic—it’s visionary.
In a country where digital equity is key to progress, Dhanote sets the tone for how small towns can lead big revolutions. From reliable infrastructure and government support to vibrant local talent, Dhanote offers everything a growing startup needs—without the noise of the big city.
