Pakistan’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector continued its strong growth trajectory, with ICT export remittances rising 19.7 per cent to a record $3.38 billion during July-March FY2026, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26 unveiled by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The survey showed that Pakistan had 34,420 registered IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) companies with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) as of March 2026, reflecting the sector’s expanding footprint.
ICT exports increased from $2.83 billion during the corresponding period last year to $3.38 billion, while exports in March 2026 alone reached $413 million, up 20 per cent from $344 million recorded in March 2025.
The ICT sector remained the country’s largest services export segment, significantly outperforming other business services, which generated $1.5 billion during the period. The industry recorded a trade surplus of $2.91 billion, accounting for 86 per cent of total ICT export earnings and marking a 20 per cent increase from the previous year.
Freelance exports also posted remarkable growth, reaching $856.3 million during July-March FY2026, compared to $567.5 million a year earlier, representing an increase of 51 per cent.
According to the survey, Pakistan participated in 20 major international technology events across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including GITEX Global, LEAP, London Tech Week, Web Summit Qatar and the Game Developers Conference. More than 300 Pakistani IT and ITeS firms showcased their products and services, generating 4,228 qualified business leads and reported business worth $73.89 million.
The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) continued efforts to promote the sector internationally through a multi-channel marketing strategy that generated more than two billion media impressions. Its digital outreach campaign reached 75.84 million social media impressions and attracted around 135,000 followers.
To support export growth, PSEB has adopted targeted marketing strategies for key international markets while pursuing the national goal of achieving $15 billion in annual IT exports.
The survey noted that PSEB currently manages more than 50 Software Technology Parks (STPs) across the country, hosting over 350 IT and ITeS companies. These facilities provide employment to more than 18,000 IT professionals, including 21 per cent women, and contribute over $245 million to the economy.
In addition, the board plans to establish 10 to 12 new Software Technology Parks during FY2026 to further strengthen digital infrastructure.
Under the National Co-Working Space Programme, more than 80 e-Rozgaar Centres have been established across Pakistan with a capacity of around 6,000 freelancers. About 4,600 freelancers are currently working from these centres, while the programme aims to expand to 250 centres nationwide.
The survey also highlighted major infrastructure projects, including a state-of-the-art IT Park in Islamabad spread over 720,000 square feet. Expected to be completed in 2026, the project is projected to create around 7,500 jobs and generate annual IT exports worth $60 million.
Another major IT Park project in Karachi, covering 1.12 million square feet, is expected to become operational in 2028. The facility is projected to create 13,400 jobs, accommodate more than 220 ICT companies and increase IT exports by up to $90 million annually.
The survey described the IT and telecommunications sector as one of the most dynamic pillars of Pakistan’s economy, contributing to productivity growth, export diversification, digital transformation and inclusive economic development.
It noted that Pakistan is advancing a comprehensive digital transformation agenda under the Digital Pakistan Vision and URAAN Pakistan initiative. Key institutions, including the Universal Service Fund (USF), National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), PSEB and Ignite National Technology Fund, are playing important roles in expanding connectivity, strengthening cybersecurity, promoting innovation and developing digital skills.
During FY2026, the government accelerated the implementation of the Digital Nation Pakistan framework through initiatives such as the Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025, Indus AI Week 2026, the expansion of broadband services, and preparations for a 5G spectrum auction.
The survey said 2025 was declared the “Year of 5G,” with targets to achieve broadband speeds of 50 to 100 Mbps and increase fibre connectivity to 60 per cent under the National Fiberization Policy.
The government also promoted local IT manufacturing, including the launch of a Chromebook assembly line in partnership with Google.
The survey noted that more than 1,300 startups are operating through National Incubation Centres, while digital governance reforms gained momentum through the approval of the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025 and partnerships aimed at improving cybersecurity and public service delivery.
In the area of digital inclusion, more than 240,000 women received digital skills training, while 800,000 digital wallets were activated within a month. The government is also integrating national identity numbers with medical records to establish a unified health database.
According to the survey, these initiatives aim to transform Pakistan into a digitally empowered economy and enhance its competitiveness in the global technology market.