Pakistan’s IT industry is facing a significant talent absorption challenge, according to fresh figures released in the PASHA Skills Survey 2025. In 2024, an estimated 72,952 students graduated with degrees in computer science and information technology across the country. National Computing Education Accreditation Council (NCEAC) data indicates that approximately 36,476 of these graduates came from Higher Education Commission (HEC)-accredited universities, with an almost equal number from non-accredited institutions. Despite this substantial talent pool, only 18.3% have secured positions within PASHA member companies, revealing a stark gap between academic output and industry intake.
This employment disparity underscores how critical it has become for Pakistan’s technology ecosystem to develop stronger linkages between educational institutions and employers. Many IT graduates enter the market with theoretical knowledge but lack exposure to practical skills that match the rapidly changing demands of the sector. Without adequate curriculum alignment and industry-driven training modules, graduates often struggle to transition from classrooms to workplace-ready professionals. PASHA’s survey brings attention to the need for a sustained and coordinated approach to address this issue, ensuring that the country’s growing number of CS/IT graduates are effectively utilized to power its digital economy.
The findings suggest that targeted upskilling initiatives could significantly boost employability. By partnering with academia to update curricula and offer specialized training programs, companies can help bridge the gap between education and employment. Such collaboration can also provide students with opportunities for internships, mentorship, and hands-on projects that better prepare them for core IT roles. PASHA has positioned this data as a call for stakeholders to focus on capacity-building measures that will equip graduates with the skills and adaptability needed for Pakistan’s evolving technology landscape.
At a time when Pakistan’s digital economy is expanding and demand for skilled professionals is rising, this low absorption rate raises important questions for policymakers, educators, and employers alike. With thousands of graduates entering the market every year, a more deliberate strategy that links academic preparation with industry expectations could create a stronger pipeline of talent for the sector. The survey invites not only reflection but action, highlighting the potential economic and social benefits of ensuring that a much higher proportion of IT graduates find their place in the workforce. Interested readers can explore the full PASHA Skills Survey 2025 report at this link.
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