Pakistan IT export receipts stand at over $400mn in July 2026

Pakistan’s exports of telecommunications, computer and information services surged by around 18% year-on-year to $417 million in July 2026, indicating continued strong momentum in the country’s technology-driven export earnings, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Tuesday.

IT exports stood at $354 million in July 2025.

The increase represents a rise of $63 million, underscoring the growing contribution of the IT and digital services sector to Pakistan’s external account.

On a full-year basis, exports of telecommunications, computer and information services increased to $4.6 billion during FY2025-26, compared with $3.814 billion in FY2024-25, showing growth of around 21%.

Also read: Pakistan’s IT exports surpass $4bn for first time

The data shows that the sector remained the largest contributor to Pakistan’s services exports during FY2025-26. Total services exports reached $10.02 billion during the year, compared with $8.45 billion in FY2024-25.

The figures suggest that technology and digital services continue to outperform several traditional services categories and are emerging as a key source of foreign exchange for the country.

Within services exports, transport services stood at $916 million, travel at $1.116 billion and other business services at $2.155 billion during FY2025-26.

The government has been seeking to accelerate IT and digital exports by expanding broadband connectivity, promoting freelancing and software services, and facilitating technology companies and exporters.

The strong July performance provides an encouraging start to FY2026-27, with technology-related services maintaining their upward trajectory despite broader external-sector pressures.

Pakistan’s overall services exports rose to $927 million in July 2026 from $728 million in July 2025, an increase of around 27%.

Dr Noman Said, CEO of SI Global Solutions, said growth in the IT sector was expected to accelerate in the coming years due to consistent government policies aimed at facilitating IT exporters and increasing foreign exchange earnings.

He said stakeholders in the IT sector should formulate an aggressive export strategy to achieve the $10 billion target set under the government’s Uraan programme by FY2028-29, describing the target as ambitious but achievable.

“All stakeholders need to work extensively to strengthen the country’s IT sector and identify and address its weaknesses at the local level,” he said. “Capacity building of human capital is the need of the hour to create a strong foundation for the industry, while consistently exploring new clients and expanding existing markets.”

Pakistani IT companies have continued to explore new markets by participating in major international technology trade fairs. With government support, IT exporters have also participated in trade shows and exhibitions in Europe and the United States.

Saad Shah, CEO of Hexalyze, said IT exporters should shift their focus towards high-value projects in international markets, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, machine learning, AI-driven automation and enterprise solutions.

He said Pakistani IT companies and freelancers were still engaged in low-value, traditional assignments, while securing major projects through collaboration with local and international companies could significantly enhance their capabilities and generate higher export earnings.

Ibrahim Amin, Chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), said the number of freelancers and digital workers in Pakistan was increasing as awareness of new global work trends continued to grow.

He noted that Pakistani freelancers were contributing valuable foreign exchange to the country and should be recognised at the national level to encourage students and aspiring freelancers to pursue freelancing as a viable career.

Amin demanded that the government establish a fund and a tax incentive programme to encourage freelancers to begin their entrepreneurship journey and set up a small-sized company to generate jobs in the country.

It is pertinent to mention that the government has extended the 0.25% tax rate for registered IT companies and freelancers to support the growth of the IT sector.