Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move to bolster Pakistan’s digital economy, the government has set an ambitious target to increase IT exports to $25 billion by 2029. The plan includes expanding tech services and captive IT businesses to achieve this goal.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif presided over a crucial review meeting focusing on the affairs of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom and the National Information Technology Board. During the meeting, he emphasized Pakistan’s vast potential in information technology and the government’s vigorous steps to promote the IT industry.
“The IT industry should support the government to play its role in the economy of the country,” stated the Prime Minister. He acknowledged the significant contributions of Pakistani entrepreneurs in promoting and developing the IT sector.
Highlighting the recent surge in Pakistan’s IT exports by 39% in January 2024, Prime Minister Sharif directed immediate steps to improve the quality of 4G services and enhance coordination between the government and the IT industry to address and resolve industry issues promptly.
The Prime Minister outlined several measures to increase IT exports, including removing banking obstacles for software product exporters’ debit card and foreign currency transactions. He also stressed the need to increase the number of IT professionals in the country, urging the Higher Education Commission, universities, and training institutes to prioritize this.
Aligning the IT curriculum with industry needs, consulting the private sector for start-up promotion, and forming a special committee to examine the performance of the National Information Technology Board were among the key directives.
The Pakistan Digital Commission is underway, with necessary legislation being drafted. The Pakistan Digital Nation project aims to digitize government affairs and the economy, driving innovation across health, education, agriculture, and other sectors.
A significant goal is to train 1.5 million people in the IT sector over the next five years, including 200,000 individuals in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Public-private partnerships will facilitate international certifications for IT professionals, and Master Trainer Programs will be launched.
Three IT parks and 250 e-Job Centers are planned for establishment. Proposals for the development and promotion of the telecommunications sector include achieving 100 Mbps mobile broadband coverage and 12% fiber penetration. Facilities and tax exemptions for start-ups in health tech, artificial intelligence, financial tech, and agri-tech are also on the agenda.
The Prime Minister reiterated the need to fully exploit Pakistan’s potential in information technology, calling for enhanced coordination between the government and the IT industry to foster economic growth and innovation.
