Pakistan’s IT industry generates over $2 billion in annual exports: Ali Dar

-Punjab advancing towards becoming South Asia’s leading IT hub

By Muhammad Shahzad Lahore Pakistan

LAHORE: Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on AI and Special Initiatives Ali Dar attended the P@SHA (Pakistan Association of Software Houses) CXO Networking Dinner as Chief Guest, alongside Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, who also attended as Co-Chief Guest. The event brought together nearly 200 CEOs from Pakistan’s leading technology companies, senior government officials, business leaders, and representatives of the U.S., U.K., and other diplomatic missions.

Addressing the gathering, Ali Dar said that Pakistan’s IT industry, with annual exports exceeding US$2 billion, has emerged as one of the country’s strongest economic sectors. He emphasized that Artificial Intelligence, the digital economy, and the broader technology sector hold immense potential to accelerate exports, strengthen foreign exchange reserves, attract foreign investment, and create high-value employment opportunities for Pakistan’s youth.

Ali Dar said that under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab is rapidly moving towards becoming South Asia’s leading AI and technology hub. He noted that the Punjab Government is actively building a world-class AI ecosystem by promoting innovation, digital transformation, and strategic collaboration with the private sector to position the province as a regional leader in emerging technologies.

He further stressed that stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector is essential for building a knowledge-based economy and enhancing Pakistan’s global competitiveness. He added that equipping young people with advanced AI and digital skills remains a top priority of the Punjab Government, while organizations such as P@SHA continue to play a vital role in strengthening the country’s technology ecosystem and expanding Pakistan’s presence in international markets.