Tech
PM directs roadmap to boost IT exports to $30bn
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday lauded the Ministry of Information Technology for surpassing last year’s IT exports target of $3.8 billion, and directed the formulation of a comprehensive action plan to achieve an ambitious $30 billion export goal in the coming years.
Chairing a meeting to review the performance and initiatives of the National Information Technology Board (NITB) and the Ministry of IT, the premier emphasised the government’s commitment to economic advancement through digital transformation and innovation, PTV World reported.
He called for the restructuring of the NITB in line with international best practices and urged the recruitment of top market talent to ensure competitive progress.
The prime minister said the development of a complete digital ecosystem would be key to achieving the $30bn export target.
He appreciated the establishment of IT training centres—particularly for youth and women—under initiatives such as the Digital Youth Hub, which he said had enabled thousands to secure respectable employment and develop globally competitive skills.
Prime Minister also observed that the widespread implementation of the e-Office system had helped government departments move toward paperless governance, leading to significant time and resource savings.
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During the briefing, it was revealed that Pakistan saw a 19 per cent growth in IT exports during the 2025 financial year, crossing the $3.8 billion mark.
Freelancers in the country increased by 91 per cent over the same period.
Under the National Incubation Centre, 386 new startups were supported, 14 were showcased internationally, and 40 e-employment centres were established in 26 cities.
Pakistani teams also earned global recognition, with four teams ranked among the top 50 at the Black Hat MEA event. Investment deals and MoUs totalling $700 million were signed.
Approximately 315,000 students—including 115,000 women—received professional IT training.
The National Incubation Centre backed 130 women-led startups and established dedicated training facilities for women nationwide.
In addition, 2,200 federal officers and staff were trained, alongside 3,000 students in cybersecurity.
Officials informed the meeting that the Pak-App platform facilitated the collection of Rs6.2 billion in taxes.
The e-Office system has been implemented in 98 per cent of federal offices, while 51 new digital systems have been introduced to improve governance and service delivery.
In the telecom sector, the target of extending 4G services to over 580,000 people was exceeded last year. Total telecom connections crossed the 200 million mark, with one million new internet users and a 24 per cent rise in internet consumption.
Work is also near completion on developing a modern, responsive NITB framework, aligned with contemporary needs.
The board is currently managing 179 websites, 31 mobile applications, over 113 portals, and 57 consultancy projects.
The restructuring plan focuses on user experience, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, risk management, innovation, governance, and increasing institutional capacity.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi, and other senior officials.
