Pakistan has set an ambitious target to raise ICT exports to $25.1 billion by 2030. The target includes $15.3 billion from IT and IT-enabled services and $9.8 billion from telecommunications. Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja shared the target in a written reply to the National Assembly. She said the government is working to improve the sector and expand Pakistan’s presence in global technology markets.
Pakistan’s ICT export remittances reached $4.6 billion in FY2025-26. That marks a 20.6 percent increase from $3.814 billion recorded in FY2024-25. ICT exports have grown steadily in recent years. They increased from $2.108 billion in FY2020-21 to $2.619 billion in FY2021-22, then fell slightly to $2.596 billion in FY2022-23.
Exports later picked up strongly, reaching $3.223 billion in FY2023-24. The figure then rose to $3.812 billion in FY2024-25 before reaching the latest $4.6 billion figure. The government says ICT remains the strongest part of Pakistan’s services sector. It also generates the country’s largest trade surplus within the sector.
To support exporters and freelancers, the Pakistan Software Export Board is working with banks and the State Bank of Pakistan. The effort focuses on making foreign payments and exchange transactions easier. Banks have also introduced dedicated desks and specialized branches for IT exporters. The State Bank has updated the Proceed Realization Certificate process and expanded the Digital Service Providers List.
The government has also set a one-working-day limit for processing export receipts and outward remittances from Exporters’ Special Foreign Currency Accounts. IT companies and freelancers now face fewer paperwork requirements for individual export transactions.
The threshold for Form “R” has also increased to transactions above $25,000. The government has standardized documents needed for outward remittances to make the process simpler. Tax measures are also part of the plan. The government has extended the 0.25 percent Final Tax Regime for IT exports through Tax Year 2029.
It has also cut advance tax on foreign card payments from 5 percent to 0.5 percent. In addition, venture capital funds have regained tax pass-through treatment. The government will continue the Section 65F technology tax credit. The measure aims to encourage investment and provide more support to technology startups.
PSEB has also opened new offices in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Its 24/7 MARKAZ helpdesk assists with registration, visa facilitation, and foreign remittance issues. To reach the $25.1 billion target, the government plans to invest in technology skills and workforce development. The program will include specialized training, international certifications, bootcamps, and apprenticeships.
The government also plans to expand IT parks, software technology parks, and special technology zones. Digital innovation facilities will form another part of the expansion.
Meanwhile, international marketing will receive greater attention. The plans include trade delegations, B2B matchmaking, and investor outreach to bring more global business to Pakistan’s technology sector.
