One-hundred and forty three percent. This is how much Pakistan’s technology exports have grown over the last five years, climbing from just $1 billion in fiscal year 2018 to almost $2.6 billion in 2023, according to data provided by the State Bank of Pakistan.
And while Pakistan’s policymakers have been drawing attention to this growing sector, setting big targets and highlighting the overall export potential, the fact is that their actions are undermining the potential and long-term viability of the technology ecosystem.
The key driver of this uncertainty are arbitrary internet shutdowns, which are casting a shadow over what is one of the few economic success stories in Pakistan. Should these shutdowns continue — even if they are limited to certain social media platforms — they are likely to have far-reaching implications for investor confidence, export growth, and the country’s reputation in the global technology market.
