Key Takeaways
- Pakistan’s IT and telecom exports hit a record $4.6 billion in FY2025-26.
- The sector grew by 20.6 percent year-on-year, missing the government's $5 billion target.
- June 2026 saw strong growth with exports reaching $416 million.
Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) and telecom export remittances reached a record high of $4.6 billion in fiscal year 2025-26, according to official figures from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). This marks an impressive 20.6 percent increase compared to the previous fiscal year, despite falling short of the government’s ambitious target of $5 billion.
The sector showed robust growth throughout the fiscal year, with exports peaking at $413 million in March and hitting a record $423 million in April before ending the year on a strong note. In June 2026, exports reached $416 million, marking both month-on-month and year-on-year growth.
However, the IT sector faced some volatility during parts of the fiscal year. For instance, exports dipped to $374 million in January from $437 million in December 2025, before rebounding to $413 million in March. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend was positive, with cumulative export remittances reaching $4.184 billion during the first eleven months of FY2025-26, compared to $3.475 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year.
The growth in IT and telecom exports can be attributed to several factors, including rising global demand for software and IT-enabled services, increasing freelance earnings, and the expanding international presence of Pakistani technology companies. These factors have contributed significantly to the sector’s performance, making it one of Pakistan’s best-performing export industries.
While the $4.6 billion figure is a significant achievement, it falls short of the government's target by $400 million. This shortfall may be due to various economic and market conditions that affected the sector during certain months of the fiscal year. Nonetheless, the overall trajectory indicates steady progress and potential for future growth.
The SBP data also revealed some volatility in monthly export figures. For example, exports declined from a record $423 million in April to $373 million in May 2026, marking an 11.8 percent month-on-month decline after consecutive months of exceptional performance. However, this dip was followed by strong growth in June, suggesting that the sector is resilient and capable of rebounding from temporary setbacks.
The success of Pakistan’s IT and telecom exports can be attributed to a combination of factors, including government support, international recognition, and the increasing global demand for technology services. The sector's performance highlights the potential for continued growth and development in this critical area of the Pakistani economy.
