Hajra Naz
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has set a new target of $5.2 billion in IT exports for the next fiscal year. This goal was shared during a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on IT, led by Senator Palwasha Khan.
Officials said Pakistan could reach $3.8 billion in IT exports by the end of this year, if there are no internet shutdowns and the sector gets enough budget support. Last year, exports were around $2.6 billion, so this shows some growth, though challenges still remain.
Challenges Undermining Sector Potential
The committee’s discussion focused on the persistent issues hampering progress in the IT sector. Chief among them were:
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Internet disruptions during national events and security incidents, which have led to client dissatisfaction and project delays for export-focused companies.
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Policy inconsistency, with frequent changes in tax regimes, data protection rules, and lack of streamlined regulations across provinces.
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Underutilization of public-private partnerships, despite their potential to drive innovation and skill development.
Officials acknowledged that periodic internet shutdowns, even if brief, undermine investor confidence and delay deliverables to international clients. While the impact in the current year was not deemed “severe,” it was enough to highlight the fragility of the digital ecosystem.
Read More: IT Sector Needs Relief: P@SHA Urges Govt for Tax Exemptions in FY26
Export Growth Hinges on Reforms
Ministry representatives emphasized that achieving the $5.2 billion target will require strategic reforms, including:
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Ensuring 24/7 internet connectivity, especially for companies working with offshore clients in different time zones.
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Incentivizing tech startups and freelancers, who now constitute a significant share of the export base.
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Enhancing IT training programs in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission and industry bodies to address the digital skills gap.
They also pointed to recent initiatives such as the Special Technology Zones (STZs) and freelancer support schemes, which could serve as growth enablers if properly funded and implemented.
Parliamentary Oversight and Accountability
Senator Palwasha Khan asked the ministry to be more active and open. She said they should set clear goals, work better with private companies, and take responsibility for project delays. She also raised concerns about how ready they are for using AI, cybersecurity, and 5G, which are important for staying competitive worldwide..
