Pakistan's IT sector looks promising

Pakistan's IT sector has been performing above expectations for the last three years, with exports exceeding the set targets for the last two years. Further investment is also expected by the Japanese, especially in Pakistan's IT Park in Karachi.

This sounds extremely promising and reassuring for Pakistanis, especially keeping in mind the rapid growth in the IT sector in their neighbouring country, which to a great extent is concentrated in their city, Bangalore, also known as the second Silicon Valley. India's IT industry contributes on average $ 40 billion annually, which forms nearly 5.8% of their GDP.

Pakistan's IT exports exceeded by $13 million in 2006-07 and by $8 million in 2007-08 and were recorded at $175 million and $116 million respectively. (Figures from Jang group)

In the last two years, the IT industry alongside Pakistan's other industries has seen a decline because of the looming energy crisis. Unless or until the Pakistani government finds a permanent solution to this crisis, many industries will continue to suffer and not reach their full potential.

Despite all of Pakistan's problems, software houses in Pakistan are doing a remarkable job of meeting the targets but this is a sector where growth and opportunities are endless and Pakistan should do its utmost to have its presence felt in the world.