Pakistan’s IT exports hit $4B-mark for first time

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s technology exports have hit a historic milestone, crossing the $4 billion-mark for the first time during the first 11 months of the outgoing fiscal year.

According to data reported by the State Bank of Pakistan and market analysts, IT and IT-enabled services exports reached $4.184 billion during July-May FY2025-26, compared with $3.475 billion in the same period last year. 

Adviser to the country's finance minister, Khurram Schehzad, in a post on X, confirmed a record increase in tech exports and shared the same numbers.

The latest numbers show an increase of $709 million, or 20%, highlighting the growing role of software houses, IT firms, and freelancers in bringing foreign exchange into the country.

In May 2026 alone, Pakistan recorded IT export receipts of $373 million. 

The figure was 13% higher than May last year, although it fell from $423 million in April. 

Analysts attributed the month-on-month decline to fewer working days due to the Eid holidays.

Despite the monthly dip, the sector has remained one of Pakistan’s strongest export performers at a time when traditional exports continue to face pressure from global demand, energy costs, and competitiveness challenges. 

Industry stakeholders say export-friendly policies, continuity of incentives, international marketing, and improved facilitation of foreign exchange inflows have helped maintain the growth momentum.

Officials expect the country’s IT exports to close the fiscal year near $4.5 billion, setting a new annual record.

The government has also linked the sector’s expansion with its broader digital economy agenda, including higher-value services, startup growth, freelancing, connectivity, and foreign investment.''

However, experts say sustaining the pace will require stable internet access, smoother payment channels, skills development, and consistent taxation policies. Pakistan has set an ambitious long-term target of taking annual IT exports to $10 billion by FY2028-29, which would require much faster growth over the next three years.

For now, the latest figures mark a confidence boost for Pakistan’s digital economy and its tech workforce overall.