Pakistan’s information technology exports are projected to reach between $4.5 billion and $4.6 billion in the current fiscal year, according to a briefing presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Monday.
The development came during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister to review performance and ongoing initiatives of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
Officials informed the meeting that domestic internet penetration had expanded significantly, with the number of connections rising from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.1 million in 2026. The briefing also highlighted that recent 5G spectrum auctions generated $509 million in revenue.
The PMO further noted progress in artificial intelligence and digital innovation, including the organisation of “Indus AI Week” in February 2025 across 30 cities, which reportedly attracted more than 100 international delegates and featured 88 pavilions.
Connectivity expansion efforts were also reviewed, including fibre internet provision to government schools and health facilities in Islamabad. The rollout of free public internet hotspots in the capital is in its final stages, while e-learning pods are being installed in Saidpur Model Village and Fatima Jinnah Park.
The meeting was also informed about ongoing efforts to expand digital service delivery, including the planned establishment of Asaan Khidmat Centres in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that strengthening the IT sector and increasing exports remain key government priorities. He directed authorities to accelerate efforts in collaboration with provincial governments to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural areas and ensure wider access to digital infrastructure.
He further emphasized the importance of leveraging Pakistan’s youth potential in the IT sector to support long-term economic growth.