PM endorses IT export strategy, targets $25bn growth

January 15, 2025 (MLN): The steps are being taken to increase Information Technology (IT) exports to $25 billion over the next five years, with directives issued to relevant authorities to enhance IT infrastructure to achieve this target.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction with the progress and plans outlined, according to the press release.

While chairing a meeting on the IT sector, the prime minister instructed the relevant authorities to further streamline the existing Right of Way rules to facilitate the expansion of broadband services via fiber optics across the country.

He also issued directions to provide the youth with IT training as per international standards so that they could easily get jobs abroad.

PM Shehbaz Sharif directed the facilitation in visa issuance for businesspersons interested in investing in Pakistan’s IT sector.

The prime minister, following the recommendation of PSEB, directed that visa be issued within 24 hours for foreign businesspersons engaging with Pakistani IT companies.

He also emphasized the need to develop a strategy for marketing Pakistan’s IT sector globally.

During the meeting, he was briefed on the steps being taken to boost IT exports to $25 billion.

Efforts are underway to ensure public access to smartphones, expand broadband services to more areas, improve internet speed, and achieve other goals, the briefing highlighted.

The current number of 1.4 million freelancers in the country will be increased to 2 million over the next two years, the briefing revealed.

By June 2025, over 300,000 individuals will be trained under the DigiSkills program, and this number will be raised to 900,000 in the subsequent two years.

The meeting was informed that consultations on the National AI Policy are ongoing, and it will be presented for approval next month.

It was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, along with senior officials from relevant institutions.