Digital exports: path to high-value knowledge economy

An Express Tribune commentary argues that Pakistan's digital economy is becoming a growing source of foreign exchange, jobs and investment. The writer says digital services fit the country's push to diversify exports because they can serve overseas markets with limited physical infrastructure. Connectivity is cited as the base for remote work, e-commerce and cloud services, though the author warns it alone will not drive export growth.

Official figures cited in the column show ICT export remittances rose 19.7% to $3.38 billion in July-March FY2026, up from $2.83 billion a year earlier. Tech freelancer exports grew 51% to $856.3 million, according to the same survey. The State Bank's annual report for 2024-25 placed ICT services exports at $3.8 billion in FY2025, an 18.3% increase.

The piece highlights State Bank measures introduced in April 2026 for IT firms and freelancers, including no longer requiring Form "R" for export receipts. It also presents the National Artificial Intelligence Policy and Web 3.0 as areas needing clear rules and skills, arguing that focus should rest on commercially useful blockchain services rather than speculative assets. The writer adds that moving up the value chain will require investment in advanced skills such as AI, cybersecurity and cloud computing.