Islamabad: Pakistan’s services exports rose sharply by 17.68% during the first 10 months of FY2025-26, reaching $8.27 billion, with the information technology sector emerging as the main growth driver, according to official data.
According to Beyond Time News, the steady rise in services exports highlights improving performance in the external sector, even as goods exports show mixed trends.
IT Sector Leads Export Growth
Government projections indicate that the information technology sector alone is expected to generate $4.5–4.6 billion in export earnings by the end of June, strengthening its position as the country’s top services export segment.
Data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics shows services exports rose from $7.03 billion last year to $8.27 billion in July–April FY26.
Strong Monthly Growth Trend
Exports showed consistent monthly growth throughout the period, with notable increases including:
- January: 31.12%
- November: 22.26%
- April: 21.71%
In April alone, services exports reached $914.98 million compared to $751.75 million a year earlier.
IT and Business Services Expand
According to State Bank data, major sectors driving growth included:
- Telecom, computer, and IT services: $3.81 billion (+21.14%)
- Other business services: $1.76 billion (+25.41%)
- Travel services: $872 million (+39.52%)
Transport services, however, declined by 6.88% to $798 million.
Mobile Internet services suspended in IIOJK’s Kishtwar district
Internet Growth Supports Digital Expansion
Domestic internet connections increased significantly from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.1 million in 2026, supporting expansion in digital services and IT exports.
The growth outlook is also linked to the recent 5G spectrum auction, which generated $509 million in revenue.
Services Imports and Trade Balance
Services imports rose by 8.56% to $10.31 billion during the same period. However, imports of transport and travel services accounted for the largest share.
Despite higher imports, the services trade deficit narrowed by 17.38% to $2.04 billion, compared to $2.47 billion last year.
FAQs
1. What is Pakistan’s total services export value in FY26?
$8.27 billion during July–April FY26.
2. Which sector is driving export growth?
The information technology sector.
3. How much is IT expected to earn in exports?
Around $4.5–4.6 billion by June 2026.
4. What is the trend in internet connections?
They increased from 1.9 million to 5.1 million.
5. Has the services trade deficit changed?
Yes, it narrowed by 17.38% to $2.04 billion.
