ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s information and communications technology (ICT) export earnings rose 20.6% to $4.6 billion during fiscal year 2025-26, according to figures submitted by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication to the Senate, underscoring the growing contribution of the digital economy to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

ICT export-related remittances stood at $3.8 billion in FY2024-25, before climbing to $4.6 billion in the latest fiscal year, according to the written details.

The strongest growth came from Pakistani IT freelancers, whose export remittances surged 49.4%, reaching $1.16 billion in FY2025-26 compared with $779.4 million a year earlier.

The sharp rise in freelancer earnings highlights the expanding role of Pakistan’s independent digital workforce, which increasingly serves international clients in software development, digital marketing, design, artificial intelligence and other technology-related fields.

The figures were presented to the Senate as the government seeks to expand Pakistan’s technology exports and strengthen the country’s position in the global digital economy.

The increase in ICT earnings comes amid continued efforts to improve digital infrastructure, develop technology skills and support freelancers and IT companies seeking international markets.

The latest figures also underline the growing importance of the technology sector as Pakistan looks to diversify its export base and generate more foreign exchange through services rather than relying predominantly on traditional goods exports.

With freelancer remittances recording particularly strong growth, policymakers are increasingly looking towards Pakistan’s large pool of young digital workers as a potential driver of future export growth.