Pakistan’s Exports Hit 20-Month High as IT and Freelance Earnings Surge
According to Shehzad, Pakistan’s goods exports reached $8.5 billion during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026–27, representing 7.7% growth compared to the corresponding period last year.
Pakistan’s goods exports reached $3 billion in September 2026, their highest monthly level in 20 months, while IT exports climbed to $435 million and freelancers recorded an all-time monthly high of $197 million, according to Khurram Shehzad, Adviser to the Finance Minister.
Goods exports increased by 23% compared to August and 15% year-on-year, driven by textiles, agriculture, rice and petroleum products.
According to Shehzad, Pakistan’s goods exports reached $8.5 billion during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026–27, representing 7.7% growth compared to the corresponding period last year.
🇵🇰 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀
Pakistan’s IT & Tech exports reached US$435 million in September 2026, the 2nd highest monthly level on record — just US$2 million short of the all-time high (US$437 million recorded in December 2025).
▪︎ +18% YoY
▪︎ +10% MoMThe momentum is building further:
▪️ 1QFY27 IT exports: US$1.25 billion
▪️ Growth: ~18% YoYTargeted incentives in Budget FY27 for the export sector in general, and the IT sector in particular, together with a strengthening digital economy, are increasingly supporting exports, non-debt foreign exchange earnings, high-value jobs and Pakistan’s integration with global markets.
Digital talent. Global markets. Growing exports. 🇵🇰
@GovtofPakistan @Financegovpk @MoITTOfficial @StateBank_Pak @MoIB_Official @PakPMO
#Pakistan #TechExports #ITExports #DigitalPakistan #EmergingPakistan #DigitalEconomy #Exports #Technology #EconomicGrowth
— Khurram Schehzad (@kschehzad) October 16, 2026
He described the recovery despite regional challenges as an encouraging sign for Pakistan’s efforts to develop a more competitive, export-oriented economy.
IT Exports Reach Second-Highest Monthly Level
Pakistan’s information technology and technology-related exports reached $435 million in September 2026, just $2 million below the all-time monthly record of $437 million registered in December 2025.
IT exports increased by 18% year-on-year and 10% month-on-month.
During the first quarter of FY2026–27, IT exports reached $1.25 billion, reflecting approximately 18% growth compared to the same period last year.
According to Shehzad, targeted incentives introduced in the FY27 federal budget, particularly for the IT sector, are supporting digital exports, high-value employment and non-debt foreign exchange earnings.
Freelancers Record All-Time High of $197 Million
Pakistan’s freelance export earnings reached a record $197 million in September 2026, registering an increase of 49% year-on-year and 11% compared to August.
During the first quarter of FY2026–27, freelancers generated approximately $550 million, marking 46% annual growth.
Pakistan’s total freelance export earnings stood at $1.76 billion during FY2025–26.
The figures highlight the increasing contribution of Pakistan’s young digital workforce to international markets, with freelancing emerging as an important source of foreign exchange and skilled employment opportunities.
Trade Deficit Remains a Challenge
Despite stronger export performance, Pakistan recorded a goods trade deficit of $3.53 billion as imports continued to exceed merchandise exports.
However, growing earnings from IT, freelancing and other services helped partially offset the trade imbalance.
Government initiatives, including Uraan Pakistan, and targeted budgetary incentives are aimed at supporting export diversification and strengthening Pakistan’s competitiveness in global markets.
The latest figures indicate positive momentum across traditional and digital export sectors, although sustaining growth and addressing the merchandise trade deficit remain important challenges for Pakistan’s economy.