Muhammad Umar Waqqas
KARACHI: Omair Ahmed Siddiqui has long been a prominent voice advocating for a revolution in Pakistan’s IT industry. Over the years, he has consistently shared his insights, suggestions, and analyses on how the sector can achieve new heights. His ideas have been met with both appreciation and criticism, yet many of his recommendations have gradually begun to shape government initiatives. He has repeatedly emphasized the importance of boosting IT exports, investing in youth training and development, strengthening the government’s role, and establishing essential infrastructure such as IT parks, data centres, and modern facilities. Furthermore, he has highlighted the need for effective negotiations with international stakeholders, periodic evaluation of PSEB, and greater government attention. With unwavering hope and determination, he envisions Pakistan emerging as a global IT hub in the near future.
A summary of governmental actions taken in response to such visionary people’s suggestions is presented below.
What the government / stakeholders have done / are doing
1. IT Exports
> Pakistan’s IT exports have been on a strong upward curve. For example, in FY25 they crossed US$3.8 billion, showing about 18-19% growth. (Dawn)
> The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) relaxed the “foreign currency retention” rules: IT exporters can retain a larger percentage of their export proceeds abroad, easing reinvestment and foreign operations. (Pakistan Today)
> A National IT Export Strategy was unveiled (Dr. Umar Saif) aimed at boosting exports, scaling up the workforce, and setting targets for growth in priority sub-segments. (The Nation)
> Proposals around tax incentives: tax relief for freelancers/small IT exporters; export repatriation incentives; exemptions or tax credits for imports of hardware/software essential for exports. (ProPakistani)
2. Youth Training and Development
> Large-scale training programmes: e.g. govt’s plan to provide ICT training to 300,000 youth in collaboration with Huawei, including in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing. (Pakistan Today)
> National Freelance Training Program (NFTP) by PITB/MoIT&T to train youth in freelancing, creative design, content marketing etc., via centres spread across Pakistan. (Punjab Information Technology Board)
> DigiPakistan: a national skills development initiative with online/distance/digital training in technical, non-technical, and high tech domains for all provinces + overseas Pakistanis. (digipakistan.org)
> Programs like “Digital Youth Hub” which offer a “one-window platform” for skills, internships, job placement, startup and investment support. (Dawn)
> Pakistan Skill Incubation Program (PSIP): many free/high impact courses, technical & non-technical, digital skills, etc. (psip.org.pk)
> High-tech IT skills training by National Vocational & Technical training Commission (NAVTTC): (AI, blockchain, cloud, robotics), industry-academia partnerships (e-commerce, chip design), and digital certification platforms. Meta Frolic Labs (Pvt) Ltd may part with NAVTTC in training the youth on emerging technologies.
3. Government Role / Policy / Regulatory Measures
> Creation of strategies like the National IT Export Strategy. (The Nation)
> Proposals by the Ministry of IT & Telecom for categorizing ICT/ITeS as SMEs, streamlining tax and regulatory burdens, simplifying registration, etc. (ProPakistani)
> Setting up / supporting Special Technology Zones (STZs) for infrastructure, tax?holidays etc. (as proposed in recent years). (Reddit)
> Restructuring of government bodies (e.g. NITB) and recruiting talent from the private sector to improve governance of digital infrastructure. (Dawn)
> The recent meetings of the Prime Minister with President Trump and later with Bill Gates mark a positive step toward strengthening ties with the United States, which remains Pakistan’s largest single destination for IT exports. To sustain and grow these numbers, we must stay aligned with their vision and remain well-informed of future policies to mitigate any external factor.
4. IT Parks, Data Centres, Infrastructure
> Some movement towards data centres / AI infrastructure: plans to use surplus electricity for AI data centres, discussions underway. (Reuters)
> Special zones / technology parks are being proposed / developed to provide better infrastructure and incentives. (Reddit)
> Negotiations with International Authorities / External Collaboration
> Collaborations: e.g. with Huawei for training & ICT portal. (Pakistan Today)
> Export policies / foreign currency / trade facilitation changes that align with international trade norms. (Pakistan Today)
> Strategy papers that study global markets and recommend segments where Pakistan can compete internationally. (The Nation)
> PSEB’s representation at international trade shows and IT events is highly commendable.
6. Addressing Lack of Government Attention / Institutional Gaps
> Many of the initiatives are specifically in response to the criticism of insufficient attention: e.g. training programs, digital hubs, restructuring of ministries/departments. (Dawn)
> Proposals to simplify tax, duty, regulatory regimes for IT / freelancers to reduce friction. (Pro Pakistani)
7. Hope / Determination / Vision of Pakistan as a Global IT Hub
> The policy rhetoric is now consistent: the government has set explicit targets (e.g. export growth, building workforce, increasing IT/ITeS contribution). (The Nation)
> Investments in human capital and infrastructure (training programs, STZ proposals, data centres) are intended to lay the foundation.
> Reform proposals (tax, export remittances etc.) and institutional restructuring underscore seriousness.
Gaps, Challenges, and Things Still Needing More Attention
Omair Siddiqui highlights significant challenges, he says “While many measures are in motion, several challenges persist:
> Infrastructure / Real-data centre capacity: scaling data centre, cloud infrastructure, reliable power, high-speed internet, connectivity remain challenges.
> Regulatory clarity: the proposals (e.g. on tax, “Made in Pakistan” policies, import/export duties) are good, but implementation and consistency across provinces can lag.
> Payment Processing: The challenge persists as freelancers and SMEs continue to face difficulties in receiving international payments through merchant accounts.
> Quality of training vs market needs: ensuring that skills being taught align with industry demand (AI, ML, etc.), plus soft skills, internships, real projects.
> Monitoring and evaluation of programs: to avoid duplication, ensure outcomes (jobs, exports) are delivered, accountability.
> International perception / market access: competition globally is high; improving Pakistan’s image, reliability, data security, IP protections etc. are important.
> Sustained funding & incentives: maintaining momentum, consistent policy support, especially across changes in government or economic cycles.
Omair Siddiqui says “Pakistan has moved from just talking about “IT potential” to putting in place real programs, strategies, and incentives. The recent export growth, large-scale training, institutional reforms, tax proposals etc. all suggest that the country is serious about becoming a global player in IT / IT-enabled services. If the government continues in this trajectory – focusing on execution, ensuring high-quality training, infrastructure, regulatory consistency, and strong evaluation and feedback loops – it is plausible that Pakistan could make a credible run to being a “global IT hub,” at least in certain niches.”
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