IT exports set to hit $4.6 billion
Pakistan is expected to achieve IT exports worth $4.5 to $4.6 billion in the current fiscal year, the Prime Minister's Office said on Monday as Premier Shehbaz Sharif chaired a review meeting on the affairs of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT).
The prime minister reiterated that the promotion of the IT sector and growth in IT-related exports remain among the government's top priorities. "There is immense potential among Pakistan's youth regarding IT, from which full benefit should be derived," he said.
He also directed that work on establishing Easy Service Centres in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir be expedited, and called for efforts to launch Easy Services facilities in the provinces in collaboration with provincial governments. He further urged cooperation from provincial and district governments to reduce the IT gap between urban and rural areas.
The meeting was briefed on a range of measures taken to promote IT across the country. The number of domestic internet connections rose from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.10 million in 2026, according to the PMO.
Regarding Fifth Generation (5G) services, the briefing revealed that an auction was recently held in the country and was the world's largest in this regard since 2016, generating revenue of $509 million for Pakistan.
On the promotion of artificial intelligence (AI) in Pakistan, the meeting was told that the Indus AI Week was organised in February 2025, with events held in 30 cities, over 100 international delegates participating and 88 pavilions set up.
The meeting was also informed that fiber connectivity has been provided to government schools and health units in the federal capital. The provision of free internet hotspots in Islamabad is also in its final stages, with e-learning pods being installed in Saidpur Model Village and Fatima Jinnah Park.
The review meeting was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with other senior government officials.
The prime minister on Monday stressed that export-led industrial growth was essential for achieving the country's economic development targets and reiterated that the government was fully focused on enhancing exports and providing facilities and support to industries.
The prime minister chaired a high-level meeting to review strategies aimed at increasing Pakistan's exports and strengthening the country's export-oriented industries.
The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to formulate a comprehensive plan to facilitate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which played a crucial role in boosting exports.
He also asked to develop strategies for promoting new businesses and industries that could contribute to swelling country's export volume, PM Office Media Wing said in a statement.