Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised a 21% increase in IT exports to $4.6 billion.
- The minister directed third-party validation of all IT training programmes.
- Alibaba is collaborating with various public sector organisations on AI initiatives.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the country’s annual information technology (IT) exports, which grew by 21 percent to reach $4.6 billion in fiscal year 2025-26. This growth reflects government efforts to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the IT sector.
At a meeting on the IT sector roadmap, the prime minister reiterated that boosting technology-driven exports remains a key priority. He emphasized the need for a competitive and innovation-focused environment and directed third-party validation of all IT training programmes to ensure international standards are met.
The minister also highlighted improvements in digital infrastructure, including an increase in available mobile spectrum from 274 MHz in June 2025 to 880 MHz by June 2026. This expansion aims to improve connectivity and internet speeds across the country.
Freelancers contributed significantly to IT exports, adding $1.1647 billion last fiscal year. Additionally, 130 government services were digitised under the Digital Nation Pakistan initiative, enhancing administrative efficiency and public service delivery.
The meeting was informed that 942,646 IT training certificates were issued, alongside the completion of 5,053 high-end training programmes and 2,700 leadership and soft skills sessions. The Women Innovation and Startup Empowerment Lab project is set to promote women’s participation in the technology and startup ecosystem.
Alibaba is collaborating with several public sector organisations on AI initiatives, including the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Ministry of Railways, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), Ministry of National Food Security, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), Pakistan Single Window, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), Pakistan Post, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The meeting was attended by key ministers including Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, IT Minister Shaza Fatima, Education Minister Khalid Maqbool, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, State Minister for Finance Bilal Kayani, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments.
