Prime Minister Highlights IT Sector Achievements and Outlines Future Strategies
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently commended the Ministry of Information Technology for successfully meeting its $3.8 billion IT exports target in the previous year. During a meeting focused on reviewing the initiatives of the National Information Technology Board (NITB) and the Ministry, he emphasized the need for a comprehensive action plan to surpass the ambitious $30 billion export goal in the coming years.
The prime minister highlighted the government's efforts to modernize the economy through digitization, ensuring alignment with global standards. He called for the establishment of a complete digital ecosystem to support this vision, urging the restructuring of NITB and the recruitment of top talent from the market.
He also praised the creation of centers aimed at empowering youth, especially women, by providing them with employment opportunities in the IT sector. These initiatives have enabled thousands of young people to secure respectable jobs through the Digital Youth Hub, equipping them with the skills needed to compete internationally.
The implementation of e-Office has significantly improved governance by reducing paperwork and saving time and resources across government offices. During the briefing, it was reported that Pakistan's IT sector achieved a 19% growth in the financial year 2025, exceeding the $3.8 billion target. The number of freelancers in the country increased by 91%, showcasing the growing potential of the sector.
Under the National Incubation Center, 386 new startups were supported, with 14 of them reaching the global stage. Additionally, 40 e-employment centers were established in 26 cities nationwide. Four Pakistani teams ranked among the top 50 globally at Black Hat MEA, and investment agreements worth $700 million were signed.
Approximately 315,000 students, including around 115,000 women, received professional IT training, promoting equal opportunities for women in the sector. The National Incubation Center supported 130 women-led startups, and dedicated training centers for women were set up across the country. Furthermore, 2,200 federal government officers and 3,000 students received cybersecurity training.
The meeting also discussed tax collection through Pak-App, which generated Rs. 6.2 billion in revenue. E-Office implementation reached 98% in federal government offices, and 51 new systems were introduced to improve governance.
In the telecom sector, last year’s target of providing 4G access to over 580,000 people was surpassed. Telecom connections exceeded 200 million, with 1 million new internet users and a 24% increase in internet usage during the last financial year.
Regarding NITB, work is underway to create a modern system aligned with contemporary requirements. The board is managing over 179 websites, more than 31 mobile applications, over 113 portals, and 57 consultancy projects. The restructuring focuses on enhancing user experience, preparing for future changes, building modern infrastructure, improving governance and service delivery, strengthening cybersecurity, risk management, research, innovation, and increasing workforce capacity.
Tourism Sector Strategy and Development
In addition to IT sector strategies, the Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting to review and strategize the promotion of tourism across Pakistan. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive and actionable plan to enhance both domestic and international tourism, highlighting the country’s vast untapped potential.
"Pakistan is immensely blessed by nature," the Prime Minister remarked. He noted the country’s unique landscapes, from snow-covered mountains and lush forests to rivers, deserts, and a vibrant coastline. He stressed the importance of showcasing Pakistan’s heritage, home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, through better infrastructure and hospitality.
PM Shehbaz called for modern infrastructure, efficient transport connectivity, and high-standard recreational facilities in scenic regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He directed authorities to swiftly draft an action plan for promoting tourism in Islamabad, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
He instructed relevant ministries and departments to develop practical tourism projects that can be completed in the short term. The focus includes building top-quality hotels, resorts, and other tourism facilities in northern regions to cater to both local and international visitors.
The Prime Minister advised that all new construction and infrastructure in tourist destinations must consider the impacts of climate change, ensuring environmentally sustainable development. To support coordination at the national level, he called for a detailed briefing on revitalizing the National Tourism Coordination Board (NTCB).
During the meeting, the Prime Minister's Coordinator on Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas, presented proposals to elevate Pakistan's tourism sector. Initiatives include increasing the number of foreign tourists, making tourism a significant contributor to GDP, and developing 20 new tourist destinations across the country.
Plans to leverage religious and medical tourism were also highlighted. A National Tourism Expo and Investment Conference will soon be held in Islamabad to attract investors and promote Pakistan as a global tourism destination.
Recent tourism initiatives, such as the successful Mango Festival 2025 in Multan, were reviewed. The meeting included Federal Ministers, senior officials, and advisors, underscoring the government’s commitment to boosting tourism and economic growth.