Pakistan’s exports of telecommunications, computer and information services reached $1.246 billion during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, covering July to September 2026, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The figure represents a 17.7% increase compared with $1.059 billion recorded during the corresponding period last year, generating an additional $187 million in export receipts. The latest figures highlight the growing contribution of technology-related services to Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings as software companies, IT service providers and other digital businesses continue to serve international markets. IT and telecom services accounted for nearly 46% of the country’s total services exports during the quarter, making the sector a significant contributor to overseas service revenue.
September recorded $435 million in IT and telecom export receipts, compared with $394 million in August, representing month-on-month growth of 10.4%. The September figure was also approximately 18% higher than the $368 million recorded in September 2025. According to figures shared by Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad, the latest monthly total was the second-highest on record, falling just $2 million short of the $437 million achieved in December 2025. The monthly increase indicates that export earnings remained strong towards the end of the first quarter. However, maintaining this performance throughout the fiscal year will depend on continued demand from overseas customers and the ability of Pakistani technology businesses to secure and deliver additional international contracts.
The export figures cover a broad range of services, including software development, computer services, information services and telecommunications. Pakistani companies and freelancers earn foreign exchange by supplying services to clients in North America, Europe, the Middle East and other markets. Digital delivery allows these businesses to serve international customers without shipping physical products, creating opportunities for skilled workers and technology firms to participate in global supply chains. Schehzad attributed the recent growth partly to targeted incentives for exporters introduced in the federal budget for FY2026-27, particularly measures supporting the IT sector, alongside the expansion of the digital economy. The figures show the value of export receipts but do not independently establish how much growth came from individual policy measures or specific service categories.
Pakistan’s total services exports also increased during the quarter, reaching $2.719 billion compared with $2.214 billion in the same period last year, an increase of 22.8%. Other business services exports rose to $622 million from $486 million, while transport services exports increased to $295 million from $269 million. IT and telecom services remained the largest contributor among these major services-export categories. Sustaining technology export growth will require continued investment in professional skills, reliable digital infrastructure, access to international payment channels and a business environment that enables companies to compete for higher-value projects. While the first-quarter result provides a positive start to FY2027, subsequent quarterly figures will show whether the sector can maintain its momentum and expand its contribution to Pakistan’s overall export earnings.
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