Pakistan’s information technology and technology exports reached $435 million in September 2026, marking the second-highest monthly total on record, according to Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad. The figure was just $2 million below the previous monthly record of $437 million, recorded in December 2025. September’s exports increased by 18% compared with the same month last year and rose 10% from August 2026. The latest figures highlight the continued contribution of Pakistan’s technology sector to export earnings and foreign exchange inflows, as software services, technology businesses and digital professionals serve international markets.
Cumulative IT exports during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, covering July to September, reached $1.25 billion, representing an increase of approximately 18% compared with the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. Schehzad attributed the growth to targeted incentives introduced in the federal budget for FY2027, particularly those aimed at exporters and the IT sector, alongside the expansion of Pakistan’s digital economy. He said the increase in technology exports was contributing to non-debt foreign exchange earnings, supporting high-value employment opportunities and improving Pakistan’s integration with global markets. The quarterly performance indicates that export growth has continued beyond a single strong month.
Freelancers also recorded a significant increase in overseas earnings during September. According to Schehzad, Pakistan’s freelance export earnings reached a record $197 million for the month, increasing 49% year-on-year and 11% month-on-month. Total freelance export earnings for the first quarter of FY2027 stood at approximately $550 million, up 46% from the same period a year earlier. The figures underline the growing contribution of independent digital professionals who provide software development, design, content, consulting and other online services to international clients. Freelancers’ earnings, alongside exports generated by established IT companies, are becoming an important part of Pakistan’s broader digital services economy.
The latest results build on the technology sector’s export performance in the previous fiscal year and reflect the potential of digital services to generate foreign exchange without creating additional external debt. Sustaining this growth will depend on factors such as access to international payment channels, reliable internet connectivity, skilled workforce development, business-friendly regulations and continued investment in technology companies. Government incentives may also influence exporters’ decisions to retain earnings and expand operations in Pakistan. Although September’s performance brought IT exports close to the monthly record, continued growth over the coming months will be important in determining the sector’s overall contribution to Pakistan’s export targets for FY2027.
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