Pakistan's ICT sector posts $2.91 billion trade surplus in first nine months of FY2026

Pakistan's ICT sector posted a trade surplus of $2.91 billion in the first nine months of FY2026, equal to about 86% of total ICT export remittances during the period.

The sector's low import dependency, rooted in local talent and digital services, allows most export revenue to convert directly into a net surplus.

Pakistan's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector recorded a trade surplus of $2.91 billion during the first nine months of fiscal year 2026, according to official data.

The surplus represented roughly 86% of total ICT export remittances for July-March FY2026. The figures reflect continued expansion of the country's digital economy in international markets.

ICT export remittances rose 19.7% to $3.38 billion during the nine-month period, compared with $2.83 billion in the same period a year earlier. Growth was driven by higher services exports and increased freelance earnings. The sector has emerged as the highest-earning services category in Pakistan's export mix.

How much are Pakistani freelancers earning in FY2026?

Tech freelancer exports were a standout contributor to ICT growth, rising 51% to $856.3 million from $567.5 million in the corresponding period last year. The increase reflected growing global demand for Pakistani digital services. Freelancers now account for a substantial share of total ICT export revenue.

On the workforce development front, DigiSkills.pk reported more than 5.14 million training completions during the period. Of those participants, 70% were men and 30% were women. The figures indicate broader participation in digital skills programs across the country.

What did Pakistan's 5G spectrum auction generate?

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority held a 5G spectrum auction on March 10, 2026, generating approximately $509.6 million, or PKR 142.6 billion, through the sale of radio frequency spectrum licenses to telecom operators. The auction marked a milestone in Pakistan's transition toward next-generation connectivity. Proceeds reflected strong operator interest in acquiring 5G spectrum.

Telecom sector revenues reached PKR 837 billion during July-March FY2026, supported by growth in connectivity and data usage. Total telecom subscriptions, including mobile and fixed-line connections, reached 207.22 million by March 2026. The increase pushed Pakistan's teledensity to 82.6%.

How much did Pakistan's telecom sector contribute in taxes?

The telecommunications sector contributed PKR 285 billion in taxes and duties during the nine-month period, underscoring its role in government revenue generation. The figure reinforces the sector's position as a major fiscal contributor alongside its export earnings. Combined with ICT performance, the data points to a digital economy increasingly central to Pakistan's macroeconomic stability.