Pakistan’s IT Exports Surpass $3.5 Billion Amid Strong Digital Growth: Minister Shaza Fatima
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s IT exports have crossed the $3.5 billion mark during July to April, with IT services alone contributing $3.14 billion, announced Minister of State for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, on Sunday.
She emphasized that the country is making steady progress towards achieving the Digital Pakistan vision, where technology fuels economic development and inclusive growth. She noted that the IT sector trade surplus stands at approximately $2.3 billion, the highest among all service sectors in the country.
Digital Transformation Underway in Pakistan
While addressing the media, Ms. Khawaja stated that Pakistan has shifted from economic instability to sustainable growth, thanks to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership and strategic reforms.
“Just two years ago, Pakistan was grappling with severe economic issues, including potential default, plummeting exports, and low investor confidence,” she said. “Through decisive government action, we’ve managed to stabilize the economy and create a conducive environment for growth—particularly in the digital sector.”
Despite facing global economic headwinds, such as reduced demand and trade barriers, Pakistan’s IT industry has continued to grow, backed by government policies, improved macroeconomic indicators, and rising global competitiveness.
Mobile Connectivity and Digital Inclusion on the Rise
The minister also announced a key milestone in digital accessibility: Pakistan now has over 200 million mobile subscribers—a significant achievement in the country’s digital transformation journey.
She highlighted the impact of the Gender Digital Divide Policy, revealing that eight million women accessed mobile internet for the first time in 2024, contributing to a total of 13 million new users this year. This initiative helped reduce the gender gap in mobile internet usage from 38% to 25%, marking a significant stride toward digital equality.
Government Committed to a Digitally Empowered Economy
Ms. Khawaja reaffirmed the government’s commitment to driving tech-led economic growth, creating more opportunities for freelancers, IT companies, and youth entrepreneurs.
The government’s digital inclusion efforts and targeted IT policies are positioning Pakistan as a rising technology hub in the region, with a focus on sustainable development, job creation, and global competitiveness.
Published on 19 may 2025
