Pakistan’s information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services exports climbed to a record $4.6 billion in fiscal year 2025-26, setting a new annual high for the industry. Despite the strong performance, export earnings remained about $400 million below the government’s $5 billion target.
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data showed IT export receipts increased by 20 percent, or $786 million, from $3.814 billion in FY25.
The total included software exports, IT-enabled services, IT consultancy, freelance earnings, call centre services, and a small share of hardware-related consultancy.
The industry maintained solid growth despite regional geopolitical tensions. However, analysts said unreliable internet connectivity and recurring power outages continued to limit the sector’s expansion and reduced its ability to achieve the government’s export objective.
Industry representatives credited policy measures such as regulatory improvements, foreign currency retention facilities, and a supportive tax framework for helping sustain export growth.
The FY27 federal budget extended the preferential tax regime for IT companies and freelancers by another three years. With continued support from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the sector is expected to further raise both monthly and annual export earnings.
Experts also called for stronger collaboration to increase Pakistan’s presence in established markets, including the United States and the European Union, while expanding into fast-growing regions such as ASEAN and the Middle East.
