ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's technology sector generated nearly half the country's total services exports in five months, outpacing all other industries with a $1.583 billion trade surplus, government figures showed Wednesday.

According to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, information and communications technology export remittances reached $1.799 billion from July through November. This is an 18.5% increase from the same period last year.

The sector exported $356 million in November alone, the ministry said, approaching October's record of $386 million.

The increase comes as Pakistan maintains zero income tax on IT and IT-enabled services exports through June 2025, according to the Ministry of Finance. Freelancers earning up to $12,000 annually are also exempt.

The State Bank of Pakistan said record ICT exports and strong worker remittances have improved the country's balance of payments and current account balance.

The central bank increased foreign currency retention limits for exporters from 35% to 50% while simplifying foreign currency account processes.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Software Export Board is establishing 250 e-Rozgaar centers by fiscal 2027 to support jobs and freelancing. The government is also building Software Technology Parks and National Incubation Centers for startups.

Officials have set a $5 billion IT export target for the fiscal year ending in June 2026.

The ICT industry consistently delivers the highest trade surplus among Pakistan's service sectors, accounting for nearly half of total services exports, ministry data showed.

it exports

Pakistan tech exports hit $1.8B, surpass all services