Pakistan is targeting a shift from exporting information technology services towards developing technology products, digital platforms and technology-driven industries as part of its broader economic transformation agenda. Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal outlined the direction while speaking at the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi. He said Pakistan’s information technology and information and communication technology exports reached a record $4.6 billion during the last fiscal year, but the government now wants to move beyond service exports and create greater value through technology products and digital platforms. The approach is being pursued under Uraan Pakistan, the government’s economic transformation programme, with the digital economy forming a key part of its plans for exports, productivity, innovation, investment and human resource development.
Ahsan Iqbal described digitalisation as a broader economic transformation programme rather than an agenda limited to the technology sector. E-Pakistan is one of the five pillars of Uraan Pakistan, reflecting the government’s focus on using digital technologies across different parts of the economy. Pakistan’s digital user base has now surpassed 150 million, while data usage has increased by around 25 percent over the past two years. Fibre connections have also grown from approximately 3 million to more than 5 million, with the government targeting wired broadband access for 10 million households. The minister also highlighted progress in reducing the digital gender gap, saying the difference in mobile internet usage had narrowed from 35 percent to 8 percent, while women’s mobile internet usage increased from 33 percent to 45 percent. He said greater participation by women would be important for ensuring that digital transformation contributes to both economic activity and wider inclusion.
The government is also expanding its focus on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, semiconductors and advanced industry. Seven artificial intelligence centres are being established to connect research, skills, startups and industry and help turn technological capabilities into commercial opportunities. Iqbal also highlighted Pakistan’s geographical position between China, Central Asia and the Middle East, saying digital and physical connectivity could be converted into greater regional competitiveness. He linked this opportunity with CPEC 2.0 and Special Economic Zones, which could help connect Chinese technology and Pakistani businesses with markets across the region. According to the minister, digital technologies can improve efficiency in sectors including agriculture, industry, mining and energy, while CPEC 2.0 is focused on development, employment, innovation, green energy and regional connectivity.
Pakistan has also proposed several areas for practical digital cooperation through the SCO. One proposal is the creation of a digital trade corridor designed to make cross-border commerce faster, easier and more cost-effective through greater integration of customs systems, logistics, electronic trade documentation, digital signatures and cross-border payment systems. Pakistan has additionally proposed an SCO framework for artificial intelligence infrastructure and governance covering joint research, multilingual AI models, university partnerships and human resource development. Iqbal said digital development should extend beyond major cities and large corporations to include women, youth, rural communities, small farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises. He stressed that the success of these initiatives should ultimately be measured through the trade, investment, technology partnerships and employment opportunities they generate. The shift towards technology products and digital platforms therefore represents an attempt to increase the value generated by Pakistan’s technology sector while connecting domestic capabilities with regional markets and international demand.
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