Pakistan’s IT exports hit all-time high of $3.8 billion as global outreach expands

Pakistan’s technology sector closed FY25 on a historic note, with IT exports climbing to $3.8 billion, an impressive 18 percent growth over the previous year. June alone contributed $338 million, up 14 percent year-on-year, marking one of the strongest months for the industry.

A report by Topline Securities highlights that the monthly figure surpassed the year’s average of $314 million, underscoring the sector’s consistent upward trend.

So, what fueled this surge? Analysts point to a combination of policy reforms and market expansion:

  • Greater global presence: IT firms have aggressively expanded into GCC markets and strengthened ties with North American and European clients.

  • Flexible foreign currency retention: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) allowed IT exporters to retain 50 percent of their earnings in specialized accounts, up from 35 percent.

  • Equity investment abroad: For the first time, export-oriented IT companies could invest in foreign entities using their retained earnings, thanks to SBP’s new Equity Investment Abroad (EIA) category.

  • Exchange rate stability: A relatively stable rupee incentivized exporters to repatriate a larger share of their foreign income.

Pakistan’s IT companies have also stepped up international engagement. Many took part in London Tech Week 2025 and the Pak-US Tech Investment Conference, forging new partnerships and strengthening Pakistan’s tech footprint. A P@SHA survey shows that nearly two-thirds of IT firms now maintain specialized foreign currency accounts, signaling a maturing industry.

Topline expects this momentum to continue, projecting 10–15 percent growth in IT exports for FY26 as more firms scale globally and benefit from investor-friendly regulations.

The record numbers reflect more than just revenue—they signal a shift in Pakistan’s digital economy, showing that with the right policies, the tech sector could become one of the country’s most reliable foreign exchange earners.

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