Pakistan’s information technology (IT) and telecommunications sectors continued to show resilience and growth during the fiscal year 2024–25, according to the Economic Survey released by the government on Monday.
The survey revealed that IT exports reached $2.825 billion, reflecting the sector’s growing importance in the national economy despite global economic challenges. A significant boost also came from freelancers, who contributed $400 million in remittances.
The telecommunications sector generated revenue of Rs803 billion, marking a substantial contribution to the economy.
The survey also reported a strong increase in internet user base, with broadband subscribers rising to 147.2 million and the total number of telecom subscribers reaching 199.9 million.
On the other hand, Pakistan has set ambitious trade and economic goals under the Annual Development Plan for the fiscal year 2025-26, aiming to boost exports, streamline imports, and maintain a sustainable current account deficit, according to official sources.
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As per budget proposals, the total exports of goods and services for the upcoming fiscal year have been targeted at $44.9 billion, with a breakdown of $35.3 billion for goods exports and $9.6 billion for the services sector.
On the import side, the government has proposed a target of $65.2 billion for goods imports, while imports of services are expected to reach $14 billion, taking the overall import volume significantly higher than export figures.
Remittances and current account outlook
A key stabilizing factor in the economy, workers' remittances, is projected to bring in $39.4 billion during FY2025-26. To manage external financial pressures, the government has proposed keeping the current account deficit limited to 0.5% of the GDP, which in absolute terms could amount to around $2.1 billion.
Budget tomorrow
According to official sources, the government is set to present a Rs17,600 billion federal budget in parliament. With estimated revenue collection at Rs19,400 billion, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been given a tax collection target of Rs14,130 billion.
