Pakistan’s services exports recorded a sharp increase during the first two months of FY2026-27. The sector earned $1.811 billion during July-August, marking a $406 million rise year-on-year.
State Bank of Pakistan data showed services exports increased from $1.405 billion during the same period last year. Therefore, the sector posted growth of around 29% during the two-month period.
The increase also exceeded the growth recorded by Pakistan’s goods exports. Goods exports rose by around $217 million during July-August, reaching $5.455 billion compared with $5.238 billion previously.
IT Sector and Freelancers Lead Services Export Growth
Information technology and freelance services remained major contributors to Pakistan’s services export earnings. Together, they generated around $952 million during the period under review.
Meanwhile, other business services also contributed significantly to export receipts. These included research and development, professional and management consulting, legal and accounting services.
The category also covered public relations and advertising, market research and public opinion polling. Furthermore, technical, trade-related, architectural, engineering, scientific and other technical services added to export earnings.
Government services generated around $122 million during July-August. These receipts included consular and military services.
IT Exports Seen as Key Growth Opportunity
Former Pakistan Software Houses Association chairman Muhammad Zohaib Khan said Pakistan’s IT sector could significantly increase exports. He said stronger IT earnings could also help address the country’s current account challenges.
According to him, government incentives and marketing initiatives were supporting consistent growth in the IT sector. However, he noted that several issues still required attention to sustain and expand that progress.
“Consistent policies and greater collaboration among stakeholders can help increase monthly IT export inflows from around $420 million to $450 million,” he said.
He added that higher monthly inflows would support the government’s target of reaching $10 billion in IT exports under the Uraan Pakistan plan by FY29.
Freelancers Add to Pakistan’s Foreign Exchange Earnings
Pakistan Freelancers Association Chairman Ibrahim Amin also highlighted the growing contribution of IT professionals and freelancers. He said their earnings were becoming increasingly important for strengthening the country’s foreign exchange receipts.
He noted that freelancing gives young people and students an opportunity to develop in-demand skills. Additionally, it can help improve livelihoods while generating foreign exchange for the country.
According to Amin, around three million freelancers were active across different freelancing platforms and social media. However, only a limited number knew about government incentives and facilities available to them.
Recently, PAFLA organised a recognition ceremony for high-performing freelancers. The event aimed to encourage the freelancing community and motivate students and young people toward freelancing and entrepreneurship.
Smaller Services Segments Also Contribute
Other services also recorded export earnings during the two-month period. Recreational and cultural services generated around $18.5 million in July-August.
Financial services followed with approximately $13 million during the same period. Although these segments remain smaller contributors, experts see room for further expansion.
Experts said Pakistan’s services sector has considerable growth potential, particularly in IT and other business services. However, they stressed that consistent policies and an enabling business environment would remain important for future expansion.
They also called for greater attention to smaller segments, including cultural, recreational and financial services. Expanding these areas could help diversify Pakistan’s services export base while supporting broader export growth.
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