Pakistan's IT exports surge to $1.86b: Shaza

Pakistan’s IT exports have risen by 28%, reaching $1.86 billion, with further growth expected in the coming months, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced Sunday.

Speaking at LEAP 2025 during the Pakistan-Saudi Business Forum, Khawaja highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding Pakistan’s digital economy. She described the Digital Nation Act 2025 as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the country's tech and innovation landscape.

"The Digital Nation Act 2025 is a pledge to transform Pakistan’s digital economy," she said, adding that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are enhancing their digital and economic partnership.

Khawaja also announced that Pakistan will soon host a Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Forum in Islamabad, bringing together global investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s tech sector.

She reaffirmed that under the Pakistan-Saudi Vision 2030, both countries are committed to strengthening ties in emerging technologies. The government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, has adopted a comprehensive strategy to drive digital economic growth.

The surge in IT exports and increased foreign collaboration signal Pakistan’s ambition to position itself as a regional technology hub, leveraging strategic partnerships to accelerate growth in the digital sector.

She stressed that Pakistan seeks a strong tech partnership under Saudi Vision 2030, urging Saudi investors to explore opportunities in fintech, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

“This is a golden opportunity for digital investment and technological collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” she said, adding that Pakistan offers world-class digital services with lucrative investment prospects.

Highlighting Pakistan’s largest-ever participation in LEAP 2025, the minister shared that over 100 tech companies and 1,000 participants from Pakistan are attending the event. “We are not just signing MoUs; we are securing real economic growth through strategic agreements,” she asserted.

She acknowledged the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) as a key partner in Pakistan’s digital progress.

She also praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, stating that his vision is fostering a conducive environment for digital growth and foreign investments.

Shaza credited the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for its pivotal role in enhancing Pakistan’s investment landscape. She emphasized that SIFC’s initiatives have improved the ease of doing business and attracted international investors.

The Pakistan-Saudi Business Forum at LEAP 2025 witnessed the participation of DCO Secretary General Deemah AlYahya, alongside top Saudi government and business officials, as well as a large number of Pakistani and Saudi delegates.

With Pakistan positioning itself as a key player in the global digital economy, the minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fostering innovation, expanding its IT sector, and strengthening international partnerships.