Muhammad Zohaib Khan, former Chairman of P@SHA (Pakistan IT Industry Association), has urged Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to introduce a special package for the IT sector in the upcoming budget. Given the Prime Minister’s commitment to a digital and knowledge-driven economy through initiatives like Uraaan Pakistan, it is essential to implement strong policy reforms and incentives for sustainable industry growth.
Pakistan’s IT industry is expected to achieve $3.6 billion in exports this year, reflecting the focused efforts of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Ministry of IT & Telecom, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and other key stakeholders. However, to sustain and accelerate this progress, Pakistan must take bold measures to establish itself as a global technology leader.
“A well-designed IT package is crucial to unlocking Pakistan’s tech potential. The government must implement business-friendly policies, tax relaxations, targeted funding for skill development, a strong Brand Pakistan campaign, and dedicated incentives from the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) exclusively for the IT sector,” stated Muhammad Zohaib Khan.
He emphasized that with the national budget approaching, the government has a vital opportunity to reinforce its commitment to the IT industry—an engine for economic growth, high-value job creation, and export expansion.
“With the right policies and incentives, Pakistan’s IT exports can surpass $5 billion in the near future. However, this requires decisive action and immediate reforms,” he added.
Industry leaders continue to advocate for a supportive regulatory and fiscal environment to ensure Pakistan’s IT sector remains competitive on the global stage.