Sindh govt, CMPak to collaborate on establishment of Zong’s AI-Ready Tier-III Data Centre in Karachi
CMPak plans Rs14 billion additional investment over next decade
KARACHI (Aug 20): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and CMPak (Zong 5G) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Huo Junli on Thursday agreed to collaborate on the establishment and future expansion of Zong’s AI-ready Tier-III Data Centre in Karachi through a public-private partnership framework, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and accelerating the growth of the digital economy.
The Chief Minister said that Sindh welcomes strategic investments that enhance Pakistan’s technological capabilities, create high-value employment opportunities, and position Karachi as a regional hub for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data hosting and digital innovation.
“The Government of Sindh is ready to work with CMPak in partnership for the development of an AI-ready Tier-III Data Centre. Such projects are essential for building Pakistan’s digital future and strengthening our technological sovereignty,” he said.
The understanding was reached during a meeting held at the Chief Minister House with a high-level delegation of CMPak (Zong 5G), led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Huo Junli.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Agha Wasif, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information Technology Ali Rashid, and Secretary Energy Shuhab Ansari. The CMPak delegation included Board Member and Chief Regulatory Officer Kamran Ali, Director Data Centre Construction Syed Ahmed Hassan, Deputy Director Legal Yang Chao, Maj (Retd) Hassan Bilal, Lt Col (Retd) Khawaja Shahab and Umair Afzal.
During the meeting, the CMPak delegation briefed the Chief Minister on the company’s long-term strategy to expand Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and establish world-class data hosting capabilities within the country.
Enhanced power infrastructure sought
The delegation emphasised that modern AI-ready data centres require uninterrupted and significantly higher electricity loads than conventional telecommunications facilities.
To ensure operational reliability and future scalability, CMPak requested the provincial government’s support for the conversion of electricity tariffs from the commercial to industrial category, enhancement of grid capacity, provision of dual power feeds for redundancy and fast-track facilitation of the project as a priority investment.
The Chief Minister directed the relevant departments to examine the proposals and extend all possible facilitation within the legal and regulatory framework.
Digital infrastructure
Welcoming the investment, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah described digital infrastructure as a critical pillar of economic development, innovation and competitiveness.
“Sindh is committed to facilitating investments that strengthen Pakistan’s technological capabilities and digital sovereignty. Projects such as Zong’s AI-ready Data Centre will not only support the growing digital economy but also create new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that Karachi is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for technology and data infrastructure investments due to its strategic location, industrial base, connectivity and growing demand for digital services.
“The future economy will be driven by data, artificial intelligence and cloud technologies. The Sindh Government will extend all possible support within its mandate to facilitate this landmark project and address operational requirements in coordination with the relevant authorities,” he added.
Strengthening Pakistan’s digital ecosystem
The delegation informed the Chief Minister that CMPak, a wholly owned subsidiary of China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC) – the world’s largest telecommunications operator – serves more than 55 million subscribers in Pakistan and has invested over $3 billion in the country.
The company is also expanding its 5G footprint nationwide and has already launched services in more than 20 cities.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah appreciated China Mobile’s continued confidence in Pakistan and Sindh, noting that the project aligns with the vision of Digital Pakistan, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and national efforts to develop indigenous digital capabilities.
Speaking on the occasion, CMPak Chairman and CEO Huo Junli thanked the Sindh Government for its support and reiterated the company’s long-term commitment to Pakistan’s digital transformation.
He said the Karachi Data Centre would become a cornerstone of the country’s digital ecosystem by enabling secure local data hosting, advanced cloud services, artificial intelligence infrastructure and enterprise digital transformation.
“The Karachi Data Centre will play a pivotal role in supporting Pakistan’s digital future, providing secure and reliable infrastructure for businesses, government institutions and emerging technologies,” he said.
The meeting concluded with an understanding that the Government of Sindh and CMPak would maintain close coordination for the successful implementation and future expansion of the Karachi Data Centre project, further strengthening Pakistan’s journey towards a digitally empowered, technology-driven and knowledge-based economy.
