ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exports surged to $437 million in December 2025, setting a new monthly record and marking the first time the sector’s exports have crossed the $400 million threshold, according to official figures.
The strong performance represents a 23 percent month-on-month increase, up from $356 million in November 2025, highlighting sustained momentum in the country’s fast-growing digital services sector.
Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) sector has been declared as one of the fastest-growing segments of the national economy, according to the National Economic Survey 2024-25.
IT and ICT exports recorded 26 percent growth
On a year-on-year basis, IT and ICT exports recorded 26 percent growth, compared to $348 million in December 2024, reflecting rising global demand for Pakistan’s software development, IT-enabled services, and digital solutions.
The robust monthly growth contributed to a solid performance in the first half of fiscal year 2025–26, during which total ICT exports reached $2.24 billion, representing a 20 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Strengthening country’s external sector
Analysts say the continued expansion of IT and ICT exports is playing a vital role in supporting Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings and strengthening the country’s external sector.
With services exports increasingly driven by technology-based industries, the sector is emerging as a key pillar of economic growth, employment generation, and long-term export sustainability.
During the first half of fiscal year 2025–26, Pakistan’s total ICT exports amounted to $2.24 billion, positioning the sector as the strongest contributor to services exports. Officials noted that ICT services generated the largest trade surplus among all services sectors, highlighting its growing importance to the national economy.
The consistent expansion of IT and ICT exports has played a key role in supporting Pakistan’s foreign exchange inflows and stabilizing its external trade position at a time of broader economic adjustment.
Analysts attribute the growth primarily to rising global demand for software development, IT-enabled services, and digital solutions provided by Pakistani firms.
Critical pillar for sustainable export growth
With services exports increasingly driven by IT and ICT, policymakers view the sector as a critical pillar for sustainable export growth, job creation, and long-term economic resilience.
The government has set an ambitious target of $5 billion for IT exports in FY26.
However, projections suggest more conservative growth of 18-20%, leading to an estimated $4.5 billion in total exports by the end of the fiscal year, up from $3.8 billion in FY25.
As part of the Uraan Pakistan national economic plan, the government aims to achieve $10 billion in IT exports by FY29, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27%.
