Minister for Information Technology & Telecom, Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said Pakistan’s IT industry had been growing aggressively and the size of the IT market in the country now stood at well over $700 million which is a respectable number by any standards. The IT industry has become one of the leading industries generating direct employment for over 120,000 persons and indirectly affecting every enterprise in the country, he said, during a meeting with representatives and thought leaders of the IT industry.
Attending the meeting were the President and some of the Executive Committee members of P@SHA, heads of major national and multinational IT companies in the country and senior officials of the Ministry of Information Technology.
Attendees noted that there had never been a better time for doing IT and ITeS business in Pakistan. The IT industry is already experiencing a 40 to 50 percent growth year on year which reflects on the strength of the IT industry and the government’s industry-friendly policies.
The minister said time had changed and an increasing number of businessmen from abroad were coming to Pakistan to see how perceptions are much worse than reality. We have a thriving economy and the process of growth has been witnessed in all key sectors of the economy, he said, adding that consistent policies and market liberalization had contributed significantly to raise the country’s credibility and prestige among businessmen around the world.
The industry leaders present at the meeting discussed with the Minister the necessity for a broad based study on the IT and ITeS sector. Without accurate data it was difficult to assess where we were and where we should be headed. The need for large IT park infrastructure in Karachi and Lahore and increased facilities in Islamabad, was also emphasized.
The meeting provided important feedback on the progress made so far in the IT industry and took gave critical input on the various initiatives of the PSEB and the Ministry of IT. Addressing the gathering Pakistan