ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s services exports rose 17.38 per cent during the first 11 months of just ended FY26, driven largely by higher earnings from the information technology (IT) sector, according to official data.

The steady expansion in services exports contrasts with mixed trends in merchandise shipments, with the sector maintaining uninterrupted growth throughout 2025-26. The government projects IT export earnings to reach between $4.5 billion and $4.6bn in the outgoing fiscal year.

Data compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed that services exports increased to $9.09bn during July-May FY26, up from $7.75bn in the corresponding period last year.

In May alone, services exports rose 15.99pc to $838.28 million, compared with $722.74m in the same month last year. However, exports fell 7.28pc on a month-on-month basis.

IT growth pushes earnings to $9.09bn in 11MFY26

Monthly growth remained positive throughout the period, with exports increasing by 8.27pc in July, 8.41pc in August, 14.85pc in September, 17.61pc in October, 22.26pc in November, 15.94pc in December, 31.12pc in January, 16.89pc in February, 16.17pc in March and 21.71pc in April.

The number of domestic internet connections increased from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.1m in 2026. The expansion in connectivity is expected to support further growth in the country’s IT exports.

In FY25, Pakistan’s services exports rose 9.23pc to $8.39bn from $7.68bn a year earlier.

Services exports have recorded positive growth since February 2024, mainly owing to a surge in IT exports and other business services. However, exports contracted by 6.5pc in August 2024.

According to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan, exports of telecommunications, computer and information services rose 20.41pc to $4.184bn during July-May FY26, compared with $3.475bn in the corresponding period last year.

Exports of other business services increased 24.25pc to $1.937bn during the period under review, up from $1.559bn a year earlier. By contrast, transport services exports declined 8.55pc to $855m from $935m.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2026