
#Employment #exports #challenges #Political #Economy
He has the ability to change Pakistan’s economy in the Information Technology (IT) and IT -powered Services (ITES) industry. For decades, traditional industries have been the most important employment provider. However, the digital revolution is changing the parable. It is estimated that 20,000 graduates of IT enter the job market every year. They are equipped with degrees in computer science, software engineering and its associated articles. With the total workforce of more than 600,000 IT professionals, Pakistan is strengthening its position as a key player in the global digital economy.
Selection is tough for these graduates. This is either a limited job of IT firms or a safe job or potentially profitable freelancing. Pakistan is one of the first five freelancing countries in the world, with more than 1.5 million freelancers participating in foreign exchange income. Although freelancing has gained immense popularity, the benefits of formal jobs cannot be ruled out. Organized career development, financial stability, precision benefits, and teachers’ opportunities make formal employment an attractive option for many.
In the past few years, a growing number of businessmen has taken a decision, which has set up small and medium -sized IT companies that offer a work environment. These companies provide platforms where software engineers, data analysts and developer can develop in the corporate framework. Some of these businesses have achieved significant success and are now employing thousands of IT professionals and are contributing to the economy. Daviesk is a prominent example of IT Entrepreneurship in Pakistan, along with its 1,200+ employees and a customer base spanning 23 countries around the world. “Pakistan’s IT sector has its real strength in its people. We are committed to nurturing skills, providing development opportunities and enabling professionals globally. Our aim is to make Pakistan a center for global IT solutions,” an important Pakistani ITS provider, Usman Asif.
The IT sector in Pakistan is changing. Many companies are investing in talent development. These firms are incorporating fresh graduates through internships, coding boot camps, and teachers programs, ensuring that young professionals move to the industry without interruption. The demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersonicity, games and app development and fantasy solutions is running the market for skilled professionals, and is positioning it as one of the most promising employment sectors in the country. Working with the formal sector provides professionals for international exhibition opportunities as some Pakistani IT companies engage with global clients. Recently, some prominent firms have participated in programs such as Oslo Innovation Week 2024 and Pak-YS Tech Investment Conference.
Despite the progress, the IT industry is still facing structural challenges. The absence of harmony policy framework, tax imposing issues and limited foreign direct investment has reduced its growth.
Despite the progress, the IT industry is still facing structural challenges. The absence of harmony policy framework, tax imposing issues and limited foreign direct investment has reduced its growth. Nevertheless, the flexibility of Pakistani IT professionals is uncertain. Pakistan’s IT exports have seen a significant growth, which is increasing by 27 % in the current financial year to touch a $ 2 billion milestone, which reflects the capacity of the sector despite the ongoing economic and regular challenges. Recognizing this, the government has exported a $ 25 billion target, indicating the commitment to promote the industry through better policies and infrastructure development.
To achieve these exciting goals, key structural reforms are essential. Pakistan Software Export Board is working on policy recommendations to promote IT exports and talent maintain. Industry experts argue that better Internet infrastructure, tax concessions for IT companies and smooth rules for international payments can significantly improve the competition of this sector. As an encouragement, a number of government -backed training measures, such as Digicals.PK, have trained thousands of IT professionals and freelancers, and have provided them with the skills needed to compete globally.
In addition, the rise of special IT parks and innovation centers in major cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad is proof of efforts to support and facilitate the government’s industry. These centers not only provide ultra -modern infrastructure but also promote the culture of innovation and cooperation. By raising startups and small medium -sized businesses (SMEs), this environmental system can advance employment creation and attract foreign investment, which can further strengthen Pakistan’s status in the global IT field.
There is a skill, demand is increasing and the global digital economy is expanding. This ability is needed to utilize this potential and establish Pakistan as a global IT powerhouse. These businessmen need to intensify their efforts to bring corporate culture into the industry and offer more opportunities for the formal job of IT professionals. To understand this ability, a joint effort is needed by all stakeholders, including the government, industry, academia and professionals. Investing in startups and providing employment safe platforms to IT professionals across the country is an important step towards building Pakistan and ITES power houses in the world.
Nahyan Mirza is a corporate and development expert who has a keen interest in economic, social and current affairs. She is available on nahyan_mirza@yahoo.com