The IT sector has sustained steady growth in recent years, with its share in services exports nearing 50 percent, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The sector’s share rose to 46.9 percent in the first half of the current financial year 2025-26, compared with 45.6 percent in the same period last year. Between July and December 2025, IT exports increased to $2.23 billion, while total services exports stood at $4.76 billion. In the corresponding period a year earlier, IT exports amounted to $1.86 billion and overall services exports totalled $4.09 billion.
Khushnood Aftab, chairperson of the IT Standing Committee at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), said the sector has the potential to significantly expand services exports and help turn the current account deficit into a surplus.
He said advances in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies have created an opportunity for Pakistan to establish a stronger global presence through IT services, solutions and products. He stressed the need for quality training to equip the younger generation with skills in emerging software and hardware technologies, enabling them to serve both domestic and international markets.
In recent years, Pakistani IT companies and fintech firms have increased their participation in international exhibitions and conferences, including GITEX Global, GITEX Europe, LEAP, the Singapore FinTech Festival and Money20/20, as well as roadshows in the US and the UK. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has also provided financial support to IT companies, fintech operators and emerging startups.
Mehwish Salman Ali, a member of the P@SHA AI Committee, said export growth has been driven by the expanding footprint of Pakistani companies in both traditional and emerging markets, particularly in the Gulf region. She noted that in 2025, several Pakistani IT firms established subsidiaries and offshore offices in Saudi Arabia, supported by facilitation from both countries and stronger bilateral ties.
She said Pakistani companies should target high-value clients through joint ventures and partnerships in the US, European and Gulf markets to secure higher returns and attract investment.The IT sector is the largest contributor to services exports and ranks second in overall exports after textiles. Last year, IT exports reached $3.8 billion, surpassing rice exports of $3.6 billion.
