RAWALPINDI, Jan 29: Rawalpindi will be developed into a model information technology district by the federal government, officials said here on Tuesday.

The government has selected five districts including Rawalpindi for this purpose. Necessary IT infrastructure would be developed in these districts and incentives provided for promotion of IT-related businesses.

They said all existing infrastructure would be strengthened and upgraded to enhance their output capacity.

This initiative will not only be confined to the urban centres, but, the rural areas will equally benefit from it.

This project is aimed at increasing IT-related exports, developing adequate and properly trained IT manpower to meet the requirement within and outside the country. It will also provide a congenial atmosphere to foreign and domestic investors interested in setting up IT businesses in the country.

Meanwhile, the Punjab governor, Lt-Gen (Rtd) Khalid Maqbool, has sanctioned provision of supplementary grant for the completion of development schemes in Rawalpindi district.

This grant will be in addition to the funds provided under Khushal Pakistan Programme.