Pakistan IT Exports Surge 19% to $1.8 Billion

Pakistan’s information technology sector has seen remarkable growth, with IT exports increasing by 19% year-on-year in the first five months (July-November) of the financial year 2025-26. According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), IT exports reached $1.8 billion during this period. This growth is largely driven by the expanding client base of IT companies, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, and positive policy measures from the government.

A key factor in this growth has been the relaxation of the permissible retention limit by the SBP, which now allows IT exporters to retain 50% of their foreign currency earnings in specialized foreign currency accounts. Additionally, the allowance for equity investment abroad has further encouraged IT companies to remit a larger portion of their profits back to Pakistan.

The IT sector’s performance has also been crucial in stabilizing the country’s current account deficit. Experts, including Muhammad Zohaib Khan, former chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association , have emphasized that continued supportive policies for the IT industry are essential to maintain this positive trend.

The government’s “aggressive strategy” to explore new markets, combined with the growth of freelancing in Pakistan, further strengthens the outlook for IT exports, with projections suggesting the sector may surpass $4 billion by the end of FY 2025-26.