In a major economic milestone, Pakistan’s information technology (IT) exports have crossed the $1 billion mark in a single quarter for the first time in the country’s history. According to fresh data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), IT exports reached $1.057 billion during the first quarter of the 2025–26 fiscal year.
This marks a 20 percent jump compared to the same period last year, when IT exports stood at $877 million. The surge is being hailed as evidence of the sector’s growing global competitiveness and Pakistan’s increasing footprint in digital markets.
Expansion and Government Support Fuel Growth
Officials credit the achievement to a combination of strategic policy support and private-sector expansion. Pakistani tech companies are actively entering Gulf and European markets, offering services ranging from AI-based solutions to cybersecurity and enterprise systems.
Initiatives under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) have helped streamline regulations, improve investor confidence, and support IT exporters. Government programs focused on digital skills, freelancing, and foreign outreach are also playing a role.
Record Monthly Performance
September 2025 alone brought in a record-breaking $366 million in IT exports, the highest monthly total ever recorded by the SBP.
Industry analysts point out that Pakistan’s large pool of freelancers is significantly contributing to foreign exchange earnings. With demand for remote digital services rising globally, Pakistan has emerged as a leading freelance hub.
Meanwhile, institutions and private firms are training a new generation of IT professionals. These efforts in capacity building and skill development are helping maintain the sector’s momentum and create job opportunities.
Future Outlook: $4–5 Billion Within Reach
Following the strong first-quarter figures, experts now keep on believing that Pakistan’s total IT exports could reach $4 billion by the end of the fiscal year. The government’s target of $5 billion under the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative is being assumed as realistic if current trends continue.
In a related development, Pakistan’s overall foreign exchange reserves increased by $38.7 million, reaching $19.65 billion as of August 29. The SBP’s share rose to $14.3 billion, while commercial banks held $5.35 billion.
The SBP confirmed that during the week ending August 29, its reserves alone hiked up by $28 million. Economists keep on saying that this improvement, coupled with rising IT exports, could help in stabilizing the currency and support balance-of-payments requirements.
With the tech sector now proving its strength on the global stage, industry experts are hopeful that Pakistan has the capacity to become a major digital services exporter in the coming years.