Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Sunday said that Pakistan has transitioned from the brink of economic collapse to a trajectory of sustainable growth and digital transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Speaking to the media, she said that just over two years ago, Pakistan faced serious economic challenges, including fears of default, falling exports, and low investment. However, she added that strong government efforts helped improve the overall economic condition.
“The interest rate, which was as high as 23 percent, is now down to 11 percent. Inflation, once nearly 40 percent, has dropped to below 5 percent,” she added.
She said exports have increased, and overseas Pakistanis sent record remittances, all due to better planning and teamwork across government institutions. “The government’s strategy has not only stabilized the economy but also put us on a sustainable growth path,” she said.
On the digital front, the minister shared that Pakistan’s IT exports — including earnings from freelancers and IT companies — reached over $3.5 billion between July 2024 and April 2025. Of this, $3.14 billion came from IT services alone in the first 10 months of the fiscal year.
She said Pakistan is moving steadily towards the vision of a ‘Digital Pakistan,’ where technology supports the economy and ensures inclusive growth. “Our IT sector’s trade surplus is the highest among all service sectors, at around $2.3 billion,” she stated.
Despite global challenges like reduced demand and trade barriers, Pakistan’s IT sector has remained strong and growing. She credited this to a better economic environment and the Prime Minister’s coordinated policies, particularly through platforms like the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which boosted investor confidence.
A major achievement, she said, was the country’s first Digital FDI Forum, organized with the support of the Saudi-based Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO).
The event drew over 500 participants, including 100 international investors, global tech CEOs, development leaders, and government officials.—APP
