Last Updated on 10 Dec, 2025

IT Sector in Pakistan – Growth, Opportunities & Future Trends (2025)

by Admin

5 minute read

The IT sector in Pakistan has been declared as the fastest-growing segment in the national economy by a recent survey called the National Economic Survey 2024-25, released on Monday. The current size of the Pakistan IT industry stands at approximately $3.5 billion and is projected to reach $7–10 billion in the next 3–4 years, driven by strong Pakistan software exports and the ambitious Pakistan digital policy economic plan. It includes 2.825B–$3B+ in IT exports, the highest record in FY 2017 to 2018.

There’s a 30% year-on-year export growth over the last 5 years, further contributing to the digital strength of the country. Pakistan ranked 4th globally for freelance developments under different sectors of technology.

IT Sector In Pakistan

Pakistan’s IT sector is growing faster than any other part of the economy right now, according to the National Economic Survey 2024-25. This year, IT exports reached $2.825 billion, up 23.7% from last year, with $342 million coming in March alone. The sector created the largest trade surplus at $2.4 billion, and freelancers added another $400 million.

More than 1,900 startups received training, and over 12,000 women joined special tech and business programs. Almost 200 million people now use mobile and internet services, helping telecom companies earn Rs 803 billion and contribute Rs 271 billion to the government.

A new Pakistan-China IT Working Group has been launched to boost digital growth and online safety. The industry aims for $4 billion in exports this year and $10 billion by 2029 under the “Uraan Pakistan” plan. Moreover government has invested thousands of dollars in technical education programs like E-Rozgaar, NAVTTC, Digiskills, and many others.

IT remains the only sector capable of rapid growth, sustainable job creation, and meeting the world’s increasing demand for Pakistani tech skills. However, regulatory issues, taxes, foreign exchange limits, and slow IT park development still pose significant challenges.

Breakdown of Pakistan’s IT Export Categories

The IT export of Pakistan in different categories, such as Computer software, software consultancy services, and other computer services, has shown a great improvement over the years.

Export Category	Description	Export Value (USD)	Share
Computer Software	Full software products developed in Pakistan	2,428,758	60%
Software Consultancy Services	Expert advice, custom development, and solution design	1,033,481	25%
Other Computer Services	Data processing, IT support, integration, and related services	539,972	13%
Hardware Consultancy Services	Guidance on hardware systems and infrastructure	27,855	Small
News Agency Services	Export of digital news and media content	11,476	Small
Other Information Services	Misc. information-based digital services	7,016	Very Small
Maintenance & Computer Repairs	Technical repair and maintenance services	6,923	Very Small

Growth Drivers Of Pakistan’s IT Sector

The main growth drivers of Pakistan’s IT sector include government support, tech special economic zones, IT sector expansion, improving digital connectivity, and the growth of incubators and software houses.

Government Support & Foreign Collaboration

The Government of Pakistan is supporting making IT modern and strong, as they know this is the only way in this advanced era to improve their economy. They’re investing heavily in the Information technology industry of Pakistan. Recently, a PKR 10 billion deal with South Korea has been conducted that will build advanced tech parks in Islamabad, creating awareness and jobs in IT. It will help people have more ideas about IT and also attract foreign partners who will further make the IT sector stronger.

Tech Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

Special tech zones are famous all over the world for making technology grow quickly. Pakistan included these zones in the Prime Minister’s new package to invite foreign companies. They offer lower taxes, good roads and electricity, and easier rules, so more companies come and set up their offices here.

Rapid IT Sector Expansion

In just four years, the IT industry has grown from a relatively small base to $3.7–4 billion, and it is expected to reach $7 billion within the next two to four years. This fast growth is happening due to the many foreign companies’ investments, new emerging startups, and the increasing IT exports of the country in the form of digital services and software.

Skilled & Cost-Effective Workforce

Pakistan has many smart IT professionals who work efficiently and charge less money than in many countries. Big companies from America and Europe love to give jobs here because the workers learn fast, speak good English, and deliver top quality at lower prices.

Improving Digital Connectivity

The Internet is reaching more homes every day because cheap 3G and 4G are available everywhere. When more people get online, shopping on phones, freelancing, and using online services grow quickly. This also helps villages join the digital world and makes the whole market bigger for everyone.

Growth of Incubators & Tech Startups

New incubation centers and startup helpers are opening in every big city. Every year, more than 10,000 fresh IT graduates come out of universities ready to build companies. Because of this support, young people are starting their own tech businesses more than ever before.

Rise of Digital Payments (m-Wallets)

People are now using mobile wallets a lot. In 2018 alone, mobile wallets processed over 21.8 million transactions worth $3.07 billion, and the number is much bigger today. This shows everyone is quickly accepting digital money on phones, which helps online shopping and brings banking to more people.

Incentives Boosting Pakistan’s IT Exports

There are incentives to the IT exports as well, which are further encouraging more and more people to get into IT and contribute to it. Such incentives include:

How Digital Pakistan Policy Help The IT Sector In Pakistan?

The digital Pakistan policy is an initiative of the government that turns Pakistan into a digital economy by boosting internet connectivity, digital skills, e‑governance, innovation, and regulation.

Holistic Digital Strategy: It covers new laws, better internet, training people, and online government services altogether in one strong plan.
Sectoral Digitalization: It brings computers and apps to farming, health, energy, shopping, courts, and schools, so every part of life becomes modern and fast.
E/M-Commerce: The policy helps sell Pakistani software abroad, supports startups, builds incubation centers, and makes it easy to start IT businesses.
Youth and Women Empowerment: Special programs like ICT for Girls teach coding and tech to young people and women so they can get good jobs.
Startups / Incubators / Entrepreneurship: It gives money, offices, and training to new companies, freelancers, and researchers so more people create their own tech businesses.
Software Exports / IT Remittances: The policy makes rules easy and gives rewards so companies send more software abroad and bring dollars back home.
ICT Ranking of Pakistan: By doing many smart projects, Pakistan is climbing higher on world lists that show how good a country is at technology.
Digital Inclusion: It creates apps in Urdu and local languages, helps disabled people use tech, and supports free open-source software for everyone.
E-Governance: Government offices are going online with the same rules everywhere, so people can get services quickly from home through computers or phones.
FDI: Better internet and friendly rules invite foreign companies to put their money and offices in Pakistan’s IT sector.
Persons with Disabilities: Special apps, voice tools, and training make sure people with disabilities can also study and work in technology easily.
Standardization: Same technology rules in every department make everything work together smoothly and save time and money for the country.

Take Away

The IT sector in Pakistan has become the fastest-growing in the national economy, as per the recent survey. The growth drivers for it include the Pakistan digital policy, government support to the IT sectors, and incentives to IT & ITeS exports for maximizing earnings to encourage the youth to come towards it. The government is partnering with countries like South Korea, with already established digital economies, to bring new digital ideas, technologies, and awareness to Pakistan for further enhancing the digital strength of the country.

The current Pakistan IT industry is worth $3.7–4B, which is expected to grow to $7 billion within only 3 to 4 years.

If you’re thinking of making your career in software development, web development, mobile app development, MERN development, or any other digital skills, Uptech Institute is right at your service. We offer government-approved free NAVTTC courses that help you start your digital skills career. Take action now, as it is the right time to learn IT skills it in Pakistan, as its demand is going to increase in the upcoming years.

FAQS

Is there any IT sector in Pakistan?

Yes, Pakistan has a real and growing IT sector. Thousands of companies and freelancers make software and apps for people all over the world and bring dollars home every month. Artificial intelligence, automation, software development, and many other skills are on the rise in the IT sector these days.

What is the future of Pakistan IT industry?

The future of Pakistan’s IT industry is bright as the government is heavily investing in it, bringing innovative tech ideas into the country and opening new tech zones and parks. It’s making more and more people aware of IT and contributing to it, which is the reason the Pakistan IT sector’s worth is expected to grow up to $7 billion in the upcoming years.

What is the size of the IT market in Pakistan?

Right now, the IT market is about $3.7–4B and still growing quickly. Exports already passed $3 billion, and the whole digital market is expected to touch $7 billion with good plans.

Which IT field is best in Pakistan?

Software development and mobile apps are the best fields today because they’re in demand and offer high-paying jobs. AI, cybersecurity, and cloud are also growing very fast for young people.