ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) sector has showcased a remarkable economic upturn, securing an impressive US $2.177 billion in revenue through the export of diverse IT services across international markets during the initial seven months of the fiscal year 2024-25.
This figure reflects a substantial growth trajectory of 26.53 percent when juxtaposed with the US $1.720 billion generated within the corresponding timeframe of the preceding fiscal period, as per insights disclosed by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
A granular analysis of the data reveals that computer-related services played a pivotal role in this surge, witnessing a significant leap of 32.72 percent. The earnings from this domain escalated from US $1.397 billion in the prior fiscal period to an impressive US $1.855 billion in the July-January window of 2024-25.
Within the computer services sector, software consultancy services emerged as a key contributor, experiencing a robust increase of 35.51 percent. The revenue from this niche expanded from US $476.017 million to US $645.036 million. Similarly, hardware consultancy services exhibited modest growth of 4.39 percent, progressing from US $3.338 million to US $3.485 million.
Conversely, the trade of computer software services witnessed a minor contraction, slipping by 4.27 percent from US $359.618 million to US $344.260 million. However, other computer-related services counterbalanced this dip, achieving an exceptional expansion of 54.52 percent, as earnings escalated from US $557.415 million to US $861.326 million.
In parallel, the sector of information services demonstrated unparalleled acceleration, surging by a staggering 736.66 percent. The revenue catapulted from a modest US $2.097 million to an impressive US $17.551 million.
Delving deeper, news agency services experienced a remarkable upswing of 1197.51 percent, soaring from US $1.269 million to US $16.475 million. Additionally, other information services also exhibited an upward trend, climbing by 29.96 percent from US $0.828 million to US $1.076 million.
Despite these strides, the telecommunications sector faced a slight downturn, contracting by 5.05 percent. Earnings within this domain dwindled from US $320.891 million to US $304.675 million.
Among telecommunication-related services, call center operations showcased resilience, registering a commendable 25.22 percent increase. Revenue in this segment climbed from US $144.326 million to US $180.728 million. However, other telecommunications services encountered a considerable decline of 29.80 percent, with earnings receding from US $176.565 million to US $123.946 million, as per the PBS report.
The overall performance of Pakistan’s IT exports underscores the sector’s critical role in driving economic momentum and fortifying its global presence. While certain segments encountered minor setbacks, the overarching trend remains optimistic, cementing Pakistan’s position as a growing hub for IT services on the international stage.