- June 12, 2026
- Posted by: Tresmark
- Category:
Pakistan’s IT sector emerged as a key source of foreign exchange in FY2026
Pakistan’s IT sector emerged as a key source of foreign exchange in FY2026, with ICT export remittances increasing by 19.7 percent to USD 3.38 billion during July-March, compared with USD 2.83 billion in the same period last year, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26 released on Thursday.
The country also formally moved toward the 5G era through a spectrum auction worth around USD 509.6 million. However, the Survey indicates that the real test now lies in expanding fiber infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity and introducing forward-looking regulation to support next-generation connectivity and sustain Pakistan’s digital growth momentum.
Information Technology and Telecommunication sector continued to strengthen Pakistan’s transition toward a digitally enabled, innovation-driven and knowledge-based economy through progress in connectivity, exports, digital governance, infrastructure development and human capital formation.
The Survey further noted that the ICT sector posted a trade surplus of USD 2.91 billion during July-March FY2026, which was equal to 86 percent of the total ICT export remittances. The surplus was 20 percent higher than USD 2.43 billion recorded during the same period last year.
Freelancer exports also witnessed a major increase, rising by 51 percent to USD 856.3 million during July-March FY2026, compared with USD 567.5 million in the corresponding period of last year. The Survey claimed this reflected the growing strength of Pakistan’s freelance economy and its increasing role in global digital services.
The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) remained active in promoting the country’s IT industry in international markets. The survey said the PSEB participated in 20 international technology events, generating 4,228 qualified business-to-business leads and reported business worth USD 73.9 million.
The PSEB was managing more than 50 Software Technology Parks across the country, facilitating more than 350 IT and IT-enabled service companies. Work also continued on major IT Park projects in Islamabad and Karachi.
By March 2026, Pakistan had 34,420 IT and IT-enabled service companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The Survey also noted that more than 1,300 startups were operating through the National Incubation Centers.
Human capital development remained a major focus area during the year. DigiSkills.pk conducted more than 5.14 million training programmes during July-March FY2026, while freelancers trained under the programme earned around USD 1.65 billion. Various programmes under PSEB and Ignite supported artificial intelligence training, semiconductor design, freelancing, startup incubation and advanced digital skills.
The Survey noted that the government approved Pakistan’s Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025 to accelerate AI adoption, innovation, skills development and digital transformation across key sectors of the economy.
In the telecom sector, total subscriptions reached 207.2 million by March 2026, while broadband subscribers increased to 161 million. Broadband penetration rose to 64.2 percent.
Telecom revenue reached Rs837 billion during July-March FY2026, while the sector contributed Rs285 billion to the national exchequer. Telecom investment stood at USD 567 million during the period under review.
The Economic Survey said Pakistan achieved major milestones in digital infrastructure and regulatory reforms. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority successfully conducted the 5G spectrum auction on March 10, 2026, generating approximately USD 509.6 million through the auction of 480 MHz spectrum across multiple bands.
The PTA also retained its “G5 Regulator Advanced Level” status by the International Telecommunication Union, reflecting Pakistan’s progress in regulatory governance and digital transformation.
The Survey further highlighted adoption of Wi-Fi 7, progress on the National Fiberisation Plan, satellite communication licensing initiatives and strengthening of cybersecurity frameworks as key developments in Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
The Universal Service Fund (USF) continued to expand broadband and fiber connectivity in underserved and rural areas, while the National Telecommunication Corporation modernised government communication networks and deployed secure AI-integrated digital infrastructure.
The Survey said digital inclusion also improved, with more than 240,000 women trained in digital skills and 800,000 digital wallets enabled within a month.
Pakistan’s IT and telecommunication sector remained central to export growth, digital inclusion and future economic competitiveness, but sustained investment in fiberisation, cybersecurity, innovation ecosystems and regulatory reforms would be critical to converting digital progress into long-term economic gains, it added.
Source: Business Recorder
