Amir Saeed

Pakistan’s IT sector is rapidly growing as a key driver of economic development fuelled by strategic policies and investments in infrastructure and human capital.

Talking to WealthPK, Muhammad Zohaib Khan, former chairman of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), said that Pakistan’s IT sector is rapidly emerging as a vital economic lifeline, driven by a significant surge in exports and sustained policy support.

He highlighted that the IT export figures for March 2025 alone reached $348 million, and from July to March, the total exports stood at $2.8 billion. He projected that by the end of June, this figure could touch $4 billion, marking a remarkable achievement for the industry.

“This growth is largely attributed to the continuity of supportive policies and the establishment of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which has fostered trust and facilitated easier repatriation of dollars into Pakistan,” he noted.

Zohaib emphasised that the ease of doing business, particularly cooperation among the State Bank, Federal Board of Revenue, and the IT industry, is critical for further expansion.

He recalled his tenure as P@SHA chairman when measures like retaining 50% of dollar accounts and introducing corporate debit cards were implemented to support the sector. However, he also called for tax relief for IT companies and freelancers, noting that the current tax rates of 8-12% could be softened to encourage more virtual bank accounts and repatriation of funds.

Looking ahead, Zohaib is optimistic that if the current growth trajectory continues, Pakistan’s IT exports could reach $12-15 billion in the next three to four years.

He stressed the importance of a comprehensive government package in the upcoming budget focused on marketing, branding, skill development, and tax relaxation, especially for IT workers and remote employees. Such measures, he believes, will position Pakistan as a global tech destination and enable the IT sector to expand its footprint worldwide.

Talking to WealthPK, Awais Ahmad, Director of the Tech Solutions Pro, highlighted that artificial intelligence and IT solutions will become key drivers of progress across various sectors, including education, business, and government.

He stressed the importance of improving internet infrastructure and connectivity to fully harness these technologies, which will be essential for sustaining economic growth and overcoming emerging challenges in the digital age.

He emphasised the importance of government collaboration with industry stakeholders to maintain the sector’s momentum. He pointed out that while the IT industry appreciates initiatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of IT & Telecom, and SIFC, there is a pressing need for FBR and State Bank of Pakistan to expedite regulatory reforms.

Ahmad further highlighted that conventional regulations often create bottlenecks and that a pro-investment, pro-business federal budget is essential to match the rapid expansion of the IT and IT-enabled services industry. He also stressed the importance of skill development and marketing to help Pakistani IT companies penetrate emerging markets and sustain growth.

Credit: INP-WealthPk