IN a significant development, Pakistan recorded its highest-ever monthly information technology (IT) exports at $437 million in December 2025, marking a 26 per cent increase compared to the same month last year.
During the first half (July-December) of 2025-26, IT exports reached $2.2 billion, posting a growth of 20pc over the corresponding period of the previous year. According to a report compiled by Topline Research, the year-on-year growth in December was driven by an expansion in the global client base of Pakistani IT exporters, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
This is not a mean achievement given the challenges and problems confronting the IT and telecom sector in Pakistan as highlighted by frequent shut downs, slow Internet speed and comparatively higher taxation. The growth in IT exports would have been much higher if there was better infrastructure and required governmental support. Pakistan has a worthwhile pool of IT work force, which has proved its mettle in the IT world as is evident from the quality services being provided both by formal companies and free-lancers. No doubt, the Government has taken a series of measures to promote IT and its exports like Digital Nation Pakistan, Digital FDI aimed at solidifying Pakistan’s role as a Tech Destination besides zero income tax for IT/IT-enabled services, 100% foreign ownership, and increased foreign currency retention (now 50%). However, there are still serious issues like Internet quality and disruptions in services, which must receive priority attention from the Government to meet IT export targets of $7 to 15 billion in medium to long term.
