Pakistan IT Industry Seeks Special Package in Upcoming Budget

Former Chairperson of P@SHA, Muhammad Zohaib Khan, urges Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to introduce a special package for the IT industry in the upcoming budget. He emphasized the need for strong policy reforms and incentives to ensure sustainable growth, given the Prime Minister's vision for a digital economy. Khan highlighted the IT industry's projected $3.6 billion in exports this year, attributing it to the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Ministry of IT & Telecom. He stressed that Pakistan must take extraordinary measures to become a global tech leader. Khan called for policies that facilitate ease of business, tax relaxation, targeted funding for skill development, a Brand Pakistan campaign, and mobilization of Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) incentives exclusively for the IT sector. He noted the budget as a critical opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to the IT sector, which can drive economic growth and boost exports. He believes the IT sector has the potential to surpass $5 billion in exports with the right policies and immediate action.