Pakistan’s narrative on rising IT exports came under sharp questioning in parliament on Thursday, as lawmakers disputed the Ministry of IT’s claims and credited freelancers and the private sector for driving export growth rather than government-led initiatives.

The issue surfaced during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology, where committee member Dr Zulfiqar took aim at the ministry’s performance. He argued that independent professionals and freelancers are generating valuable foreign exchange through sustained effort, while official support mechanisms remain limited.

Responding to the criticism, the IT Secretary conceded that globally, IT exports are largely expanded by the private sector. The acknowledgment, however, intensified concerns among lawmakers, who said the government has failed to create an enabling environment for investors and technology firms.

Dr Zulfiqar further claimed that several IT project proposals he had submitted went unanswered, describing the lack of engagement as a sign of bureaucratic complacency that risks deterring potential investment.