Pakistan’s IT exports hit record US$4.6bn as digital economy emerges as a pillar of economic sovereignty
Pakistan’s most valuable export last year never touched a port. It didn’t sit in a shipping container, clear a customs desk, or wait on a berth in Karachi. It moved as light through fibre-optic cable, priced in dollars, and it left the country the instant someone in Toronto, Berlin, or Dubai hit “accept” on an invoice. For as long as Pakistan has been trading with the world, its exports have…
Pakistan's digital economy, built on software exports and IT services, reached a record high of US$4.6 billion in FY2025-26, marking a 20.6 percent increase from the previous year's US$3.8 billion. The sector operates on trade surplus, generating foreign exchange through software development, design, and consulting services without importing raw materials.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has made technology exports a national priority, aiming for a US$25 billion digital economy by 2030. The government has implemented policies like a 0.25 percent final tax regime, increased foreign currency retention to 50 percent, and easier cross-border payments for exporters and freelancers.
Additionally, the government is investing in National AI Policy, fiber expansion, 5G rollout, and establishing IT parks to strengthen the digital infrastructure. Over 1 million trainings have been provided across advanced digital disciplines, creating a skilled workforce for the technology-driven economy.
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