Pakistan Makes Major Progress in Digital Economy and AI

Pakistan is making significant progress in developing its digital economy and artificial intelligence sector. With support from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the country is moving toward greater global competitiveness in IT, AI and the digital economy.

Pakistan’s IT sector has reached important milestones and is gaining recognition internationally. During fiscal year 2026, IT and ICT exports increased by 21 percent to a record $4.6 billion.

The IT sector also recorded a trade surplus of $3.9 billion, the largest surplus in Pakistan’s services sector. Meanwhile, freelancers’ remittances rose by 78 percent to $1.76 billion during FY26.

Government initiatives, including digital skills training, tax incentives, foreign currency accounts and skill development programs, have helped support the growth of the IT sector.

The government has also introduced the National AI Policy 2025 and allocated $1 billion by 2030 for AI research and advanced computing. The Sino-Pak Centre for AI in Haripur and the National Centre of Artificial Intelligence at NUST are also supporting education, research and development in the field.

With SIFC support and government reforms, Pakistan is working to strengthen its position in the global digital economy and expand its role in IT and artificial intelligence.