Artificial Intelligence is reshaping work across the world, and Pakistan is entering this transition with both challenges and opportunities.
As students studying this subject, we believe that preparing our people for this new era is essential for national progress.
According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, information and communication technology exports reached USD 2.82 billion in the first nine months of fiscal year 2025, showing a rise of almost 24 percent from the previous year.
The same survey reports that the sector achieved a trade surplus of USD 2.42 billion, the highest among all services industries. By the end of the fiscal year, Pakistan’s total IT and IT enabled services exports crossed USD 3.8 billion, which is the highest figure recorded so far.
The freelance sector also demonstrates Pakistan’s growing digital capacity. National data shows that the country has around 2.37 million active freelancers.
The Pakistan Economic Survey states that freelancers earned nearly USD 400 million between July and March of Financial year 2025.
Independent studies, including those by digital policy researchers, estimate that Pakistan’s freelance economy could reach USD 1.6 billion by 2030 if digital skills training continues to expand.
The wider technology ecosystem is also growing.
According to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, more than 30,000 IT and IT enabled services companies are registered in the country. Public training initiatives have played a major role as well. Government reports confirm that more than 4.5 million people have completed courses under the DigiSkills program.
However, challenges remain. Pakistan has faced repeated internet disruptions. Despite this, official data shows that in December 2024, IT exports still reached USD 348 million. Experts from the Pakistan Software Houses Association have warned that continued disruptions could cause economic losses of up to USD 300 million if problem has not been addressed.
Pakistan must strengthen its digital infrastructure and modernise its education system to deal with the Artificial Intelligence. Government estimates show that the country will require at least 200,000 additional trained IT professionals in the coming years.
Artificial Intelligence is not a threat to Pakistan. It is an opportunity for economic growth and better employment, but only if we prepare our workforce with the right skills and stable connectivity. The future of work depends on the decisions we make today.
(First Semester BSE students at Comsats Univeristy Islamabad, Lahore campus have written this article under guidance of instructor Ayesha Aziz)
