IT Exports Hit Record High in March 2025

Pakistan’s technology sector achieved a remarkable milestone in March 2025, as IT exports reached an all-time record, reflecting the country’s growing dominance in the global digital economy. This surge underscores the nation’s progress toward becoming a regional IT powerhouse, driven by innovation, skilled talent, and strategic government initiatives.

Record-Breaking Growth in IT Exports

• IT exports surpassed $300 million in March 2025 — the highest in Pakistan’s history.
  

• Growth fueled by software development, BPO, and IT-enabled services.
  

• Major export destinations include the United States, United Kingdom, Middle East, and Europe.
  

• Freelancers and startups played a crucial role in pushing export numbers upward.
  

• Government tax incentives and digital reforms supported the upward trend.
  

• Collaborations with international firms and incubators further boosted global visibility.
  

• Annual revenue from IT exports is projected to exceed $3.5 billion by the end of 2025.
  

According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB),
IT & IT-enabled services (ITeS) exports reached $310 million in March 2025 — up from $260 million in the same month last year.

That’s a 15% increase month-over-month and 19% year-over-year growth, a clear indication of accelerating digital expansion.

Top-performing categories included:

• Software consultancy and custom development
  

• Mobile app design and engineering
  

• Digital marketing and content management
  

“This record highlights the strength of Pakistan’s IT professionals and the global trust in our digital services,” said Ameen Haq, Chairman of the Pakistan Software Export Board.

Key Factors Behind the Surge

1. Global Demand for Remote Tech Talent

The post-pandemic shift to remote work has created massive demand for affordable, English-speaking tech professionals. Pakistani developers, engineers, and designers are increasingly being hired by startups and SMEs in Western markets seeking cost-efficient outsourcing solutions.

2. Rapid Growth of the Freelance Economy

Pakistan now ranks among the top five countries globally for freelance income.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com saw record activity from Pakistani talent in early 2025, with freelancers contributing nearly $50 million to export earnings in March alone.

3. Government Support and Digital Policy Reforms

• Tax exemptions on IT exports extended until 2030
  

• “Digital Pakistan Vision 2.0” launched to promote skill development and ease of doing business
  

• TechLift program aims to train 100,000 IT professionals by the end of 2025
  

These initiatives are reshaping Pakistan’s tech landscape and positioning it as a key outsourcing hub in South Asia.

Major Export Markets (March 2025)

Startups and Incubators Fuel the Growth

The startup ecosystem has played a major role in this record achievement.

• Over 120 new startups began exporting digital services in Q1 2025.
  

• National Incubation Centers (NICs) provided mentorship, funding, and infrastructure.
  

• Tech parks in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi offered affordable office spaces and global connectivity.
  

This startup boom has created new jobs, expanded export capacity, and attracted international investors.

Tech Education and Skills Development

Educational reforms and private-sector collaboration have also contributed significantly.

• Over 75,000 developers trained through local tech bootcamps in the last 18 months.
  

• Partnerships with Coursera, Google, and Microsoft enabled youth to earn global certifications in AI, Data Science, and DevOps.
  

• Initiatives like Digiskills.pk helped thousands of students enter the freelance and IT export market.
  

Pakistan’s Digital Future

March 2025 will be remembered as a landmark month in Pakistan’s IT journey. The record-breaking export figures showcase not only the country’s technical expertise but also the effectiveness of its digital-first policies.

If this momentum continues, Pakistan is on track to become one of the top global digital exporters — powered by innovation, code, and creativity.