By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD  – Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has outlined a bold $25 billion export target for Pakistan’s IT sector over the next five years, emphasizing better utilization of resources and workforce training to achieve the milestone.

Chairing a review meeting on IT sector reforms, the premier expressed optimism about meeting the target, directing stakeholders to ensure swift implementation of the proposed action plan, according to Dawn.

The Ministry of Information Technology presented a detailed five-year roadmap to address challenges in the IT sector and boost exports. The plan includes:

• $15 billion from IT exports
• $1 billion from the telecom sector
• $10 billion through digitization initiatives

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced that these goals will be pursued with a focus on international-standard education and training for youth, leveraging Pakistan's talented manpower.

PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of cooperation across institutions to overcome barriers in the IT sector. He tasked the Higher Education Commission (HEC) with preparing a comprehensive plan to enhance youth skills in line with global standards.

“There is significant demand for Pakistani IT experts in Gulf countries. These opportunities must be leveraged with timely actions,” the prime minister urged.

The premier emphasized setting specific timelines and targets to increase IT exports while promising to personally monitor the reforms.

PM Shehbaz expressed confidence in Pakistan's ability to harness its IT potential, stating, “We have no shortage of talent or resources. What we need is the right strategy and its execution.”

He called on the IT Ministry to expedite its reforms and implement solutions to make Pakistan a competitive player in the global IT market.

The Prime Minister statement came after his government crackdown on social media in the country.

Islamabad suspended X, formerly known as Twitter , since Feb. this year while always suspend internet and mobile services whenever opposition party PTI announce protest in capital Islamabad.