AI, IT exports hold key to Pakistan’s economic future: Ahsan Iqbal

LAHORE: Federal Minister Planning, Development and Special Incentives Ahsan Iqbal has said that artificial intelligence and information technology exports are key to Pakistan’s economic future and prosperity.

He was addressing the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 3rd IT Freelancing Awards 2026 to recognize the achievements of Pakistan’s talented freelancers in Lahore on Saturday.

Ahsan said that success in the IT sector does not require large factories or heavy investments; talent, knowledge and innovation are the real assets. He said Pakistani youth have proven that with determination and skills, they can work for clients in Europe, the United States and other parts of the world from anywhere in Pakistan.

He said freelancers are earning valuable foreign exchange for the country and that export growth is the foundation of Pakistan’s economic independence. Comparing Pakistan’s export performance with regional competitors, he pointed out that Vietnam, which once exported less than Pakistan, has now become an exporter four times larger.

He added that overseas Pakistanis send around USD40 billion in remittances annually, while a population of 250 million generates exports of only about USD30 billion, creating continued dependence on international financial support.

Ahsan Iqbal described freelancers and IT professionals as the “pilots of the future economy,” saying that while the government’s role is to formulate policies, the private sector must take Pakistan’s economy to global markets.

He stressed the need to make “Made in Pakistan” a symbol of quality and excellence worldwide through close cooperation between the government and private sector.

He assured the business community that their concerns and recommendations would be conveyed to the prime minister, emphasizing that no country can achieve sustainable growth without respecting and encouraging its private sector. He further stated that the world is rapidly moving towards a technology-driven economy and that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming the defining force of future success.

He urged all sectors to adopt IT and AI technologies and prepare for the ongoing technological revolution

The event was attended by LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja Ur Rehman, former LCCI President Mian Anjum Nisar, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Convener Standing Committee on IT Muddasir Naeem, and a large number of representatives from the business and IT sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that innovation and the digital economy are key pillars of the national vision, “Uraan Pakistan.”

He welcomed the government’s focus on promoting the IT sector and knowledge economy, adding that strong collaboration between the government and private sector could significantly increase Pakistan’s IT exports and help establish the country as a leading digital economy hub in the region.

He said that Pakistani IT professionals and freelancers have the potential to turn this vision into reality.

Appreciating the efforts of both federal and provincial governments for maintaining economic stability and fiscal discipline, he expressed confidence that business-friendly policies and consultation with the private sector would further support emerging sectors such as IT and freelancing.

Faheem said that LCCI is the only business chamber in the country providing such extensive support to freelancers, and this was the third IT Freelancing Awards ceremony organized in the last three years.

He noted with pride that nearly 50 percent of the winners from the first two editions have successfully established their own software houses. He also highlighted the substantial growth in the number of freelancers and their earnings since 2018.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, awards were presented to outstanding freelancers in various categories.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026