Islamabad: Pakistan is aiming high in its economic and digital transformation, with the government setting up the 5G Technology and an ambitious $25 billion revenue target, a tenfold increase from the previous $2.4 billion, according to Shaza Fatima Khawaja the Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication. During the first meeting after taking oath, economic ministers were called by the Prime Minister to discuss the targets, and the initiative immediately divided into two key verticals: boosting the “Export Sector” and developing a “Digital Nation Pakistan.”
Skilling Youth and Strengthening the Workforce
Under the Prime Minister’s hands-on approach, the government has redefined key performance indicators for training programs. Rather than tracking how many people are trained, authorities now measure success by employment rates, promotions or new business creation. Consequently, the government is supporting nearly a million young Pakistanis this year with free tech trainings ranging from low-tech skills to advanced certifications, enabling them to become freelancers or entrepreneurs.
Incentives for IT and Freelancers
Meanwhile, Pakistan has removed income tax for freelancers and remote workers, creating one of the strongest incentives globally. Furthermore, the government maintains zero-rating only for the IT sector, even amid IMF constraints, reflecting strong cross-ministerial support. As a result, ministries including Finance and Planning actively back the tech sector, which has been growing at nearly 20% annually.
Payment Gateway Expansion and Global Partnerships
To address challenges in international transactions, Pakistan is negotiating with major payment gateways, including PayPal and has established interoperable solutions such as NayaPay with Alipay. These measures aim to formalize IT export remittances and home remittances while facilitating seamless digital payments.
High-Tech Manufacturing Boost
Pakistan also celebrated the opening of a Google Chromebook assembly plant, marking a major step into high-tech manufacturing. Alongside direct job creation, the initiative strengthens the broader industrial ecosystem. Google’s physical presence and MOU with the Ministry of IT, which includes AI labs and tech education programs, highlight Pakistan’s commitment to digital innovation.
Whole-of-Government Support
The success of these projects reflects coordinated efforts across government agencies, including SIFC, NRTC and the Ministry of Defence Production. Officials emphasize that this unified approach has removed bottlenecks, accelerated implementation and reinforced investor confidence in Pakistan’s economic future.
