Pakistani youth play a significant role to run this high-voltage
industry, thus their transformative training on national bases
is essential, Founder & CEO UrApp : Tech Tayub Bilwani discloses it to TFD
Muhammad Umar Waqqas
KARACHI: Pakistan’s information technology exports maintained their growth as they fetched $292 million in September 2024, up 42% from the same month of last year and higher than the last 12-month average of $280 million. It is the 12th consecutive month of year-on-year (YoY) growth in IT exports, beginning October 2023.
A look at Startups and Innovation In recent years, Pakistan has emerged as a burgeoning hub for technology and innovation, driven by a unique confluence of factors, including a large and youthful population, increasing internet and smartphone penetration, and a growing interest from international investors. The country’s tech industry, once nascent and underdeveloped, is now witnessing incredibly rapid growth, with startups leading the charge in transforming the digital landscape.
Historically, Pakistan’s tech industry was largely centred around traditional IT services, with companies providing software development and outsourcing services to clients abroad. However, the landscape began to shift dramatically in the late 2000s and early 2010s as the country’s telecommunications infrastructure improved and internet access became more widespread.
During this transition, UrApp Tech paid sharp attention toward youth’s transformation, training and strategic support. Top management of UrApp Tech provided an inclusive learning and implementing atmosphere to a huge number of young employees who later turned into iconic IT professionals of the country.
Karachi based IT firm UrApp Tech provides a range of IT solutions and digital technology with a diverse range of services, from gaming to healthcare to domestic & international clientele.
Founder & CEO UrApp Tech Tayub Bilwani says “Pakistan’s tech industry is at a critical juncture, with the potential to become a major player in the global digital economy. The rise of startups and the growing interest from investors are encouraging signs, but sustained growth will require addressing the challenges that the industry faces. By continuing to invest in digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and supporting entrepreneurship, Pakistan can unlock the full potential of its tech industry and pave the way for a prosperous digital future.”
Tayub Bilwani says, “The IT Sector is one of the significant sectors of Pakistan, contributing about 1% of the GDP of Pakistan. The Pakistan IT sector, known for its immense potential, has experienced sluggish growth, falling short of expectations in the fiscal year 2023. Recent reports reveal that Pakistan’s IT exports reached a mere $2.6 billion, marking a 15% increase from the previous year.
“However, despite the slight growth, the rate has slowed down to its lowest level since FY2016, with export inflows remaining flat compared to the previous year. Pakistani youth is playing a vital role to run this high-voltage industry but there is no central mechanism for their strategic training. Currently, 64 percent of the nation is younger than 30 and 29 percent of Pakistanis are between 15 and 29 (an age group which we define as the youth).
“Pakistan now has more young people than it has ever had, and this is forecasted to continue to increase until at least 2050. But are we sincerely ready to transform this massive potential according to modern challenges? Youth has incredible power to transform a Country’s future. They could be the heavy-engines of development. Or their disillusionment could lead to significant social unrest. IT export is a drastic need of the country and the true potential of Pakistan’s IT exports and revenue lies in training and development of our youth.”
Bilwani stresses on youth development and training, says “When I say training I don’t mean those traditional short courses or diplomas. Such kind of strategic training and skill development is required which could equip our genius youth to perform and bring business in the country from the international markets. Pakistan is changing rapidly along with the world. Most of the companies and governments are focusing on relying on the latest emerging technologies such as AI, Block-chain and Cloud Security.
“There is still a huge demand for smaller services and products in international markets for which more than 60% of our youth may be capable if the country decently trains them. In recent years, the demand for AI and ML solutions has surged, driven by industries seeking to enhance efficiency and drive innovation. Pakistan, with its untapped potential, can leverage this trend to transform its IT industry and create thousands of new jobs.”
A study done by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) in 2023 found that the number of students enrolled in AI and ML-related courses grew by 45% between 2020 and 2023. This rise in interest generates a pipeline of qualified experts eager to contribute to the global AI and ML scenario. As the global landscape shifts towards artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), experts urge Pakistan to take proactive measures to capitalise on the burgeoning opportunities within the IT sector. With a young, tech-savvy population and a growing pool of software engineers, the country stands at a pivotal moment to establish itself as a key player in the global tech arena. According to a report by the International Data Corporation (IDC), AI-related investments are projected to reach $110 billion globally by 2024.
“The time for action is now, as Pakistan gears up to embrace the future of technology and create a sustainable, competitive IT industry that can thrive in the age of AI and ML,” Founder & CEO UrApp Tech Tayub Bilwani tells The Financial Daily.
