Islamabad:Pakistan’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector achieved a remarkable 23.7 percent growth in exports during FY 2025 (July–March), reaching a record US$ 2.825 billion.
This surge, combined with rapid expansion in telecom services—where total subscribers approached 200 million—highlights Pakistan’s accelerating digital transformation and growing global competitiveness.
According to Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, Pakistan’s information and communication technology (ICT) and telecom sectors have marked a period of unprecedented growth and transformation during FY 2025 (July–March), reflecting the country’s expanding digital economy and increasing role on the global tech stage.
Data shows that over 30,000 IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) companies are now registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), highlighting rapid sector development. ICT exports surged by 23.7 percent to reach US$ 2.825 billion, up from US$ 2.284 billion in the corresponding period last year. This growth contributed to a trade surplus of US$ 2.429 billion in IT and ITeS, the highest among all services sectors.
Freelancers from Pakistan also played a significant role, sending approximately US$ 400 million in remittances during the period. Supported by the government’s DigiSkills.pk initiative, more than 4.55 million people have been trained to date, with freelancers earning a cumulative US$ 1.65 billion through the platform as of December 2024.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported substantial improvements in telecom infrastructure and coverage. Mobile services now reach 91 percent of the population, with 4G connectivity available at 96.2 percent of operational cell sites. Broadband subscribers surged to 147.2 million by March 2025, raising broadband penetration to 59.8 percent, nearly doubling since 2019. Overall telecom subscriptions, including mobile and fixed lines, reached nearly 200 million.
PTA’s efforts to advance wireless technologies included the unlocking of the 6 GHz spectrum band, making Pakistan the 10th Asian country to adopt Wi-Fi 6E. Preparations for the nationwide 5G rollout are underway, targeting a mid-2025 launch, with infrastructure and regulatory frameworks progressing steadily.
Cybersecurity gained momentum, with Pakistan climbing to the top 40 in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index by the International Telecommunication Union, achieving Tier-1 “Role Modeling” status — a significant leap from its previous 79th position.
Furthermore, the National Space Policy approved in December 2023 lays the foundation for satellite communication advancements, fostering competition and expanding connectivity options through next-generation satellite broadband providers.
Telecom revenues hit Rs 803 billion during the period, while sector investments totaled US$ 621 million. The government collected Rs 271 billion in taxes and duties from the telecom industry. PTA continues to monitor service quality nationwide to ensure customer satisfaction and compliance with key performance standards.
Affordability remains a hallmark of Pakistan’s telecom market, with mobile data priced at a competitive US$ 0.10 per GB — one of the lowest rates globally — representing a 65 percent drop since FY 2018.
With these achievements, Pakistan’s ICT and telecom sectors are set to remain key drivers of economic growth, technological innovation, and digital inclusion in the coming years.
