Information technology in Pakistan

The 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 Atta-ur-Rahman. This helped start the growth of IT in Pakistan, with a focus on education.

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 after the launch of 3G/4G technologies.

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

Some companies like Google have started investing in Pakistan. In 2025, Microsoft changed its approach in Pakistan, moving from selling software to using a service-based model. The IT ministry said this was a change in how they offer services.

E-government

Main article: E-Government in Pakistan

The Government of Pakistan sees information technology as very important. They are working to make government services better with smart computer systems. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) uses computers to issue important documents like identity cards and passports.

A study by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific shows that Pakistan uses information technology a lot for government services and online trade. The country’s communication system is strong, and people are learning to use email, the Internet, and other technologies. This helps the government and opens up new opportunities for businesses.

Local-language computing

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

In 1994, a company from India and one from the UK made special software for Urdu writing for newspapers in Pakistan.

The Center for Research in Urdu Language Processing works on better ways to use Urdu and other languages on computers. This includes helping people speak and write these languages.

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

Software development in Pakistan

Software development is growing fast in Pakistan. The government helps by making programs to support creating 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.