Pakistan’s IT & Telecom Exports Hit $1.25 Billion in First Quarter of FY2027

Pakistan’s information technology and technology-related export receipts reached approximately $1.25 billion during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026–27, covering July to September 2026, according to figures shared by Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad.

The reported total represents growth of around 18% compared with the same period last year, reflecting continued demand for Pakistani digital services and technology-related work in international markets.

September contributed approximately $435 million, making it the second-highest monthly export figure on record at the time. The amount was just $2 million below the previous reported monthly record of $437 million, recorded in December 2025.

September Exports Rise 18% Year-on-Year

Pakistan’s IT and technology exports increased by approximately 18% year-on-year in September and 10% compared with August, according to the figures reported by Schehzad.

The September performance indicates that export receipts remained strong at the start of FY2027. However, a single month’s increase does not establish whether the same pace of growth will continue throughout the fiscal year.

The figures were reported publicly by the finance adviser and covered by Pakistani business and technology news outlets.

What Is Driving the Growth?

Schehzad attributed the performance partly to targeted incentives for exporters introduced in the FY2026–27 federal budget, particularly measures aimed at the IT sector. He also pointed to the expansion of Pakistan’s digital economy.

Pakistan’s technology export activity includes software development, IT-enabled services and other digital work supplied to overseas customers. Freelancers and technology companies contribute to foreign earnings through services delivered to international clients.

Sustaining growth will depend on more than monthly export receipts. Access to international markets, skilled workers, reliable digital infrastructure, payment channels and consistent policy implementation can all influence the sector’s longer-term performance.

Why IT Exports Matter for Pakistan

Technology services are an important source of foreign exchange because Pakistani firms and freelancers can earn revenue from customers abroad without exporting physical goods.

Higher export receipts can support technology businesses, employment and demand for skilled professionals. They can also contribute to Pakistan’s overall services-export earnings.

However, export growth alone does not show how income is distributed across the industry, how many jobs have been created or how much of the revenue remains with local businesses. Those outcomes require separate data.

Pakistan’s $10 Billion IT Export Ambition

Pakistan has set a target of increasing annual IT exports to $10 billion by FY2028–29 under its broader economic growth agenda.

The first-quarter result provides a positive start, but the target remains ambitious. Maintaining momentum over several years would require sustained growth in export receipts, stronger international market access and continued development of the local technology workforce.

The $1.25 billion quarterly figure should not be treated as proof that the annual target will be achieved. Future quarterly results will provide a clearer indication of whether the sector is progressing at the required pace.

What This Means for Pakistan

For software houses, freelancers and technology professionals, stronger export receipts may indicate continued overseas demand for Pakistani digital services. For the wider economy, the figures highlight the role technology services can play in generating foreign exchange.

The key question is whether this growth can be sustained across the fiscal year and translated into more productive jobs, stronger local companies and a broader base of international customers.

TEKZARO Takeaway: Pakistan’s IT and technology exports reached approximately $1.25 billion in the first quarter of FY2027, with September contributing $435 million. The result signals a strong start to the fiscal year, but continued growth and progress toward the $10 billion target will depend on sustained performance in the months ahead.

FAQ

How much did Pakistan earn from IT exports in the first quarter of FY2027?

Approximately $1.25 billion from July through September 2026, according to figures reported by the finance adviser.

How much were IT exports in September 2026?

Approximately $435 million, the second-highest monthly figure on record at the time of reporting.

How much did exports grow year-on-year?

Reported IT and technology exports rose approximately 18% in both September and the first quarter compared with the corresponding periods a year earlier.

Has Pakistan achieved its $10 billion IT export target?

No. The $10 billion figure is a government target for FY2028–29, not a current export result.