7.1.1. Economic situation

As of January 2025, the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in Islamabad stood at 2 996 US dollars.1981 In 2023, the ICT accounted for 0.96 % of Pakistan’s total population and contributed to approximately 1 % of the national GDP. Banks, TV channels, headquarters of telecommunication operators and state-owned enterprises were in the ICT. The Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) is Pakistan’s third largest.1982 Islamabad’s economy has since 1959 been shaped by the presence of government establishments, political missions, and diplomatic institutions.1983 Its economy has a strong service sector including call centres for foreign companies,1984 but also involves agricultural production, including cotton and rice for export, software and telecommunications, handicraft and rug manufacturing. International aid packages, funding from the military and remittances contribute to the city’s economy.1985 While urbanisation has created economic opportunities, it has also exacerbated disparities, and the financial burden on lower-income groups has increased.1986

The National Science & Technology Park (NSTP) at the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) Islamabad was granted the status of Hi-Tech Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in October 2020, being the only one in the country.1987 Islamabad's first industrial SEZ, the Islamabad Model Special Economic Zone (IMSEZ), was inaugurated in July 2023. It aims to promote low-carbon industries and enhance industrial output and export potential.1988 SEZs are exempted from income taxes for a period of ten years.1989