Information technology in Pakistan

Information technology in Pakistan is a growing and successful industry. The Ministry of Information Technology helps guide its development. Even during tough financial times, the IT sector has kept doing well and shows great promise for the future.

Overview

The first IT policy was approved in August 2000 under the leadership of Atta-ur-Rahman, the Federal Minister of Science and Technology. This helped start the growth of the IT sector in Pakistan, with a focus on quality education in universities.

In December 2015, a new Telecom Policy was announced, and in May 2018, the National Digital Pakistan Policy was approved. From 2013 to 2018, big changes happened in the sector after the launch of 3G/4G technologies.

In 2021, Pakistan's technology sector had a record year, partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, between 2022 and 2024, funding for tech dropped sharply, and many startups closed or changed their focus. Frequent internet shutdowns caused big financial losses.

Some companies like Google have started investing in Pakistan. In 2025, Microsoft changed its approach in Pakistan, moving from selling software directly to using a service-based model. The IT ministry said this was not a leave but a change in how they offer their services.

E-government

Main article: E-Government in Pakistan

The Government of Pakistan has made information technology very important in its plans to create a modern "Information age" in the country. They have worked hard to build smart computer systems for important parts of the government, like the police and other services. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has created computer systems to give out important papers like identity cards and passports.

A study by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific says that Pakistan uses information technology a lot when it works on government services and buying and selling things online. The country’s communication system works well, and people are learning to use email, the Internet, and other technology. This helps the government and creates new chances for businesses.

Local-language computing

Further information: Urdu Informatics, Urdu keyboard, and Urdu localization of open-source software

In 1994, a company from India worked with a company from the UK to create special software for Urdu writing for newspapers in Pakistan.

The Center for Research in Urdu Language Processing studies how to better use Urdu and other languages in computers. This includes work on speaking and writing these languages.

The Sindhi language has also been made easier to use on computers. Special tools help people write and read Sindhi without trouble.

Software development in Pakistan

Software development is growing quickly in Pakistan. The government helps by creating programs that support making software and selling it to other countries. Pakistani IT companies have made software for many different businesses and services.

Locally made software is available at good prices for schools, hospitals, supermarkets, and other places. Big control systems, like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, have been created for industries such as textiles, medicines, food, and drinks.

The rise of Android smartphones, tablets, and Apple iPads has helped the mobile app industry grow. With just a little money, people can make these apps from home using a computer and the internet. Schools have started offering courses to teach young people how to develop software and apps.