Key points:

• Pakistan’s IT exports reached approximately $4.5 billion in FY2025-26.
• Exports increased from $3.475 billion recorded a year earlier.
• Pakistani technology firms expanded into Asia-Pacific markets, including Japan and Singapore.
• Software, BPO, SaaS and gaming emerged as key growth segments.
• Industry leaders credited the growth to Pakistan’s skilled and competitive workforce.
• Payoneer expanded support for exporters through multi-currency payment solutions.

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s information technology (IT) exports reached approximately $4.5 billion during fiscal year 2025-26, marking a record high as technology companies expanded beyond their traditional markets in the United States and Europe.

Official data compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed that IT exports maintained steady growth throughout the fiscal year. The sector generated $4.5 billion, compared with $3.475 billion in FY2024-25.

Asia-Pacific emerges as a key market

Pakistani small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) increasingly targeted Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets, particularly Japan and Singapore, as part of efforts to diversify export destinations.

The expansion reduced dependence on traditional markets and opened new opportunities for technology companies across the region.

Software, BPO and gaming drive growth

The IT sector continued to benefit from demand for software development services.

At the same time, high-growth segments such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and gaming expanded their global presence.

Industry experts attributed the growth to Pakistan’s young, skilled and cost-competitive workforce, which continues to provide digital services to international clients.

Payoneer highlights expanding opportunities

Nagesh Devata, Senior Vice President and Head of APAC at Payoneer, said the sector’s performance reflected sustained international demand for Pakistan’s digital services.

He added that Pakistani businesses were increasingly focusing on building diversified revenue streams across multiple global markets.

However, he noted that expansion into Asia-Pacific also requires businesses to navigate different payment systems and financial regulations.

Payoneer said it continues to support Pakistani exporters through multi-currency payment solutions, allowing businesses to receive and manage payments in major currencies, including the US dollar, euro, British pound, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Japanese yen and Singapore dollar.

Read more: Audi cuts prices of most models after Budget 2026-27 tax changes

Key points:

• Strategic Procurement: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police acquired 76 state-of-the-art KP Police surveillance drones to upgrade aerial monitoring.
• Advanced Technology: The fleet includes DJI Mavic 4T and DJI Matrice 400 RTK models equipped with thermal night-vision sensors.
• Target Operations: High-tech aerial units will support counterterrorism missions, intelligence operations, and emergency rescue services.
• Widespread Deployment: The equipment serves 27 districts and 7 specialized police units alongside mandatory operator training.

LAHORE – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police department has officially expanded its operational capabilities by deploying 76 advanced KP Police surveillance drones. This specialized aerial fleet introduces high-resolution thermal imaging and modern tracking systems to the front lines.

The new equipment will immediately enhance aerial monitoring, emergency disaster management, and counterterrorism efforts across the province.

During an official distribution ceremony at the Central Police Office in Peshawar, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed handed over the units. Representatives from 27 districts and seven distinct police departments received the newly acquired DJI Mavic 4T aircraft.

Thermal Night-Vision Empowers Counterterrorism Units 

To support high-risk security operations, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) received specialized DJI Matrice 400 RTK platforms.

These heavy-duty KP Police surveillance drones feature advanced thermal sensors. This specialized tech allows operators to safely track suspects, monitor isolated locations, and run search missions in absolute darkness.

Tech-driven policing remains a major development goal for provincial security. The integration of thermal night-vision allows field teams to track the movement of miscreants at night while keeping ground personnel out of harm’s way.

According to official specifications, these aircraft offer high flight speeds, long operational ranges, and stable payload capacities.

“Modernizing our infrastructure with automated surveillance tools ensures a faster response to threats and directly protects our officers,” IGP Hameed noted during the presentation.

To ensure long-term efficiency, specialized training programs are mandatory for all assigned pilots. These courses focus on flight safety, tactical tracking, and real-time data analysis.

Widespread Distribution Across 27 Districts 

The deployment spans major regional divisions, including Peshawar, Swat, Abbottabad, Mardan, and Dera Ismail Khan. Specialized branches—such as the Elite Force, Special Branch, and the Frontier Reserve Police (FRP) have also integrated the new platforms into their active patrol structures.

 Project Overview 

Why did the KP Police introduce these new surveillance drones? 

The fleet was acquired to improve provincial safety, assist in nighttime counterterrorism missions, monitor large public gatherings, and accelerate search-and-rescue operations during natural disasters.

What makes these specific drones different from commercial models?

These professional-grade platforms feature advanced thermal sensors capable of reading heat signatures in the dark, extended battery life for long-range operations, and higher payload capacities for specialized law enforcement gear.

Which divisions will operate the thermal drones? 

The drones are distributed across 27 districts and specialized combat divisions, including the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), the Elite Force, and the Special Branch.

LAHORE – The federal government has withdrawn the 20 per cent federal excise duty (FED) on certain low-sugar sports and hydration beverages through an amendment to the Finance Bill 2026 as part of the FY2026-27 budget.

Under the amendment, mineral water, aerated water, hydration drinks and electrolyte beverages specifically formulated to support hydration and electrolyte replenishment will no longer be subject to the 20pc FED if they contain artificial sweeteners or sugar, or both, not exceeding five grams per 100 millilitres.

The exemption is expected to benefit products such as Gatorade and Revive, sports drink brands marketed by PepsiCo, which had been at the centre of a tax dispute with authorities.

While the Federal Board of Revenue maintained that the products fell within the scope of the excise duty on beverages, the companies argued that their low sugar content and electrolyte formulation distinguished them from sugary drinks subject to the levy.

The change has been introduced through amendments to the Federal Excise Schedule under the Federal Excise Act via the Finance Bill 2026. Previously, the 20pc FED applied to mineral water, aerated water, hydration drinks and electrolyte beverages irrespective of their sugar or artificial sweetener content.

The amended provision excludes “mineral water, aerated water, hydration drinks, or electrolyte beverages specifically formulated to support hydration and electrolyte replenishment, containing artificial sweeteners or sugar, or both, not exceeding 5g per 100ml” from the scope of the excise duty.

The amendment follows concerns raised by the United States Embassy in Islamabad, which had urged the Ministry of Finance to address tax and customs disputes affecting multinational beverage companies operating in Pakistan.

The embassy said resolving issues related to customs classification, taxation and the FED would help support PepsiCo Pakistan’s manufacturing operations and encourage future foreign direct investment.