PM Sharif Aims to Boost IT Exports to $30 Billion

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed officials to create a detailed strategy, including annual benchmarks, to elevate Pakistan’s IT exports to $30 billion. This follows the IT sector’s record-breaking achievement of $3.8 billion in the fiscal year 2025.

The directive was issued during a gathering in Islamabad on Friday, convened to assess advancements in IT sector reforms and the restructuring of the National Information Technology Board (NITB).

“We are prioritizing measures to digitize Pakistan, enhancing the economy and adapting it to modern requirements,” stated the Prime Minister.

He further added, “To realize $30 billion in IT exports, a comprehensive digital framework and associated infrastructure are being established.”

The Prime Minister also directed that the NITB’s infrastructure be revamped and that leading professionals be recruited from the market.

He lauded the creation of centers designed to empower young people, especially women, in the IT sector, fostering self-reliance.

“The adoption of e-Office for paperless operations in government offices is generating savings in both time and resources,” he noted.

Pakistan’s Software Service Exports Exceed $1 Billion

During the session, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of the Digital Youth Hub in securing employment for numerous young individuals. “We are furnishing our youth with IT education and expertise to improve their global competitiveness,” he said.

Attendees were briefed on the ongoing NITB restructuring and various initiatives by the Ministry of IT.

Officials reported that due to the Ministry’s endeavors, Pakistan’s IT exports saw a 19% increase in FY2025, reaching $3.8 billion, alongside a 91% rise in the number of freelancers.

Under the National Incubation Centre (NIC), 386 new startups received support, 14 were facilitated for international exposure, and 40 e-employment centers were launched across 26 cities. Four Pakistani teams achieved top 50 rankings globally at Black Hat MEA, and $700 million worth of investment deals and MoUs were formalized.

The meeting also heard that approximately 315,000 students, including about 115,000 women, received specialized IT training, ensuring equitable opportunities in the IT sector. The NIC backed 130 startups led by women, and specialized training facilities for women were established countrywide.

Furthermore, 2,200 federal government employees and around 3,000 students underwent cybersecurity training.

In a briefing on governance improvements through digitization, it was revealed that Rs6.2 billion in taxes had been collected through the Pak-App. The e-Office system had been implemented in 98% of federal government offices, and 51 new systems had been introduced to streamline governance.

Regarding the telecom sector, officials reported that over 580,000 individuals gained access to 4G services in the past year, the number of telecom connections exceeded 200 million, one million new internet users were added, and internet usage grew by 24%.

Regarding NITB’s development, it was conveyed that the creation of new systems tailored to modern needs is in its final stages. NITB is currently managing over 179 websites, 31 mobile applications, 113 portals, and 57 consultancy projects.

The NITB’s transformation is centered on enhancing user experience, preparing for future technological advancements, constructing a modern infrastructure, strengthening governance and service provision, reinforcing cybersecurity, and improving risk management, research, innovation, and workforce capabilities.