PM Shehbaz Sharif aims for $25b IT export target in five years

Aiming to bolster IT exports, PM directs focus on workforce training and collaboration among institutions.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the country’s information technology exports could surpass $25 billion within five years, calling for clear objectives to boost the sector through workforce training and collaboration among state institutions.

The announcement came during a review meeting on IT sector reforms in Islamabad, where the Ministry of IT presented a detailed roadmap for reaching the ambitious export target, Express News reported.

The PM, noting Pakistan’s skilled workforce and abundant resources, emphasised that efficient resource utilisation and educational development would be essential in scaling the IT sector.

“Pakistan’s IT exports can exceed $25 billion if we leverage our talented workforce and optimise resource usage,” PM Sharif stated, instructing ministries to work collaboratively to overcome challenges facing the sector. “I will personally oversee the implementation of IT reforms to ensure progress,” he added.

The Ministry of IT outlined various reforms addressing current sectoral challenges, emphasising the need for robust training and skill development to equip Pakistan’s youth with international standards in education and technical expertise.

According to the ministry, skilled IT professionals are in demand in the Gulf region, presenting potential growth for overseas job markets as well.

Shehbaz Sharif directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to formulate a plan for equipping Pakistani youth with skills on par with global standards, particularly to meet demand in the Gulf.

"The demand for Pakistani IT specialists in the Gulf region must be addressed," he noted, asking for actionable proposals.

To drive export growth, the PM also called for establishing a committee to foster collaboration across institutions and ensure that each action has a specific timeframe.

In light of reforms’ potential to reshape Pakistan’s digital economy, Sharif emphasised the importance of efficient implementation of the presented strategy.

Focus on Governance and Telecom Sector Reforms

The review meeting also highlighted recent progress in e-governance, with Pakistan reportedly improving its global ranking by 14 places. Over the past four months, the country has registered 2,500 new IT companies, pushing its IT ranking from 79th to 40th globally, according to the ministry.

The ministry revealed that Pakistan aims to generate $15 billion in IT exports, $1 billion in telecom exports, and $10 billion through digitalisation over the next five years. Updates on the current state of IT exports and the labour management system were also discussed.

Attendees received a briefing on the proposed labour management system, designed to streamline workforce potential by using industry data to match demand with skills. A framework for supporting freelancers in managing remittances more efficiently was also shared. The Prime Minister called the proposed international payment gateway improvements "a significant step" and instructed that implementation proceed without delay.

Prime Minister Commends IT Ministry’s Efforts

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the proposed roadmap and praised the efforts of the Ministry of IT, led by State Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Federal Minister of Economic Affairs Ahsan Iqbal, IT officials, and high-level representatives attended the meeting.

The Prime Minister’s office underscored that Pakistan's IT exports have increased by 34% in the past four months, reflecting the country’s shift toward digital transformation.