AI is Eating Jobs in Pakistan’s IT Sector, Survey Reveals Key Skills in Demand for 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is significantly impacting job openings in Pakistan’s IT sector, with a noticeable decline in hiring despite steady industry growth, according to the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA) Skills Survey 2025. The rapid rise of AI tools and applications in recent years has transformed how tech companies operate, reducing the need for large teams to handle routine tasks.

In the past year, Pakistan’s IT industry recruited 32,685 technical professionals and 1,969 non-technical professionals. However, as AI-driven tools become more advanced and accessible, companies are streamlining their hiring processes, prioritizing professionals with a combination of technical, analytical, and AI-integration skills.

The survey highlighted that organizations increasingly seek multi-skilled individuals who can not only code or design but also use AI to automate workflows, generate insights, and boost productivity. Instead of hiring separate specialists for each function, companies now prefer versatile employees capable of leveraging AI to maximize their impact.

Key Skills in Demand

• Software Development: Mid-to-senior level professionals skilled in Fullstack JavaScript, .NET, and Python are highly sought after. Since .NET Fullstack and C# .NET overlap, demand for .NET roles surpasses JavaScript Fullstack positions.

• Mobile Development: Entry-level roles show strong demand for hybrid frameworks, particularly React Native and Flutter, making these essential for early-career skill development.

• CRM Platforms: Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics professionals are in demand across experience levels due to the widespread adoption of digital transformation strategies.

• Cloud and DevOps: AWS Developer Certifications are especially favored at entry level (0–2 years), while Microsoft Azure and DevOps tools maintain steady demand across experience levels. Kubernetes is critical for senior-level professionals (5+ years), reflecting its importance in scaling production environments.

• Software Testing: Tools like ISTQB, Selenium, and Cypress are in high demand, with ISTQB most relevant for entry-level and Cypress valued for senior roles.

• Creative Tech: Game development and UI/UX design roles are booming for early-career professionals (0–2 years).

• Blockchain: Emerging roles focus on Ethereum, appealing to developers interested in decentralized applications, smart contracts, and Web3 ecosystems.

• Databases: Relational databases such as Oracle, MySQL, and MS SQL remain foundational across all experience levels, especially for entry-level professionals.

The survey involved 256 companies, reflecting the overall composition of Pakistan’s IT and tech industry.

Industry Perspective

Senior Vice Chairman of PASHA, Muhammad Umair Nizam, emphasized that human capital is the IT industry’s most valuable asset and must be continuously upgraded through capacity building. He noted that without investing in human resources, including both new entrants and existing professionals, Pakistan’s IT sector cannot meet its ambitious export targets. He also described the skills gap as both a challenge and an opportunity for the country to develop the youth’s capabilities in emerging technologies, improving employment opportunities and living standards.

The PASHA Skills Survey 2025 aims to identify new employment opportunities, guide strategic training initiatives, and bridge the gap between talent supply and market demand, ultimately strengthening Pakistan’s tech ecosystem for the future.

Read More: iPhone 17 Air to iPhone 20: Here’s Apple’s 3-Year Plan for Crazy iPhone Redesigns