Historic Milestone for Pakistan’s IT Sector
Pakistan’s information technology (IT) sector achieved a remarkable milestone in September 2025, recording $366 million in exports, the highest monthly figure in the nation’s history. This record-breaking achievement underscores the continued growth and global competitiveness of Pakistan’s technology industry, which has emerged as a key driver of economic progress and foreign exchange earnings.
The $366 million figure represents a 25% year-on-year increase compared to September 2024 and a 9% month-on-month rise from August 2025. It also exceeds the 12-month average of $326 million, reflecting strong and sustained momentum within the sector. This steady performance highlights the expanding footprint of Pakistani IT companies in international markets, particularly in software development, business process outsourcing (BPO), and digital services.
Policy Reforms Fueling Export Growth
One of the major factors behind this surge is the proactive policy support extended by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The central bank recently introduced significant reforms to enhance liquidity and business flexibility for IT exporters. Among the most notable changes is the increase in the retention limit in Exporters’ Specialized Foreign Currency Accounts from 35% to 50%.
This policy adjustment allows IT firms to retain a larger portion of their export earnings in foreign currency, making it easier for them to reinvest in infrastructure, talent acquisition, and overseas expansion. The move has been widely praised by industry leaders, who view it as a major step toward creating a more enabling environment for technology-driven enterprises.
The SBP’s supportive approach, coupled with streamlined regulations and improved banking channels for remittances, has encouraged exporters to bring more revenue into the formal economy. This has strengthened confidence among investors and positioned Pakistan’s IT sector as a reliable player in the global digital services market.
Expanding Global Client Base Boosts Earnings
Pakistan’s IT companies have been successful in diversifying their client base, especially across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, North America, and Europe. This diversification has reduced dependency on traditional markets and opened up new avenues for growth. The GCC region, in particular, has witnessed increased demand for Pakistani expertise in software engineering, cybersecurity, and cloud computing solutions.
As businesses around the world accelerate digital transformation, Pakistan’s competitive advantage in cost efficiency and skilled workforce continues to attract international clients. The growth of freelancing platforms and remote work opportunities has further enhanced the country’s visibility as a global IT outsourcing hub.
Industry experts credit this expansion to improved digital infrastructure, rising English proficiency among professionals, and government incentives for startups and export-oriented firms. The combination of these factors has created a fertile ecosystem for technology innovation and export growth.
Quarterly Performance Highlights Strong Momentum
For the first quarter of fiscal year 2025–26 (Q1 FY2025–26), Pakistan’s total IT exports reached $1.06 billion, marking a 21% increase compared to the same period last year. This robust performance indicates consistent progress and sets a positive tone for the remainder of the fiscal year.
The sustained growth in IT exports not only contributes to the country’s foreign exchange reserves but also supports employment generation, innovation, and digital transformation across sectors. With continued policy support and expanding international collaborations, Pakistan’s IT industry is well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory in the coming months.
