Pakistan could improve its ranking to 11th place with further improvements in digital infrastructure, according to a report.
Shaza also revealed that Chinese satellite internet companies including Galaxy Space and Shanghai Space have expressed interest in entering the Pakistani market. PHOTO: APPLICATION
Pakistan ranks 16th out of 193 countries in the Ataraxis Global Outsourcing Talent Index 2026, placing it among the top 9 percent in the world, Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Saturday.
The country is experiencing an average annual growth of around 20%, reflecting what the minister described as a steady expansion of Pakistan’s technology sector.
In a statement, Fatima said Pakistan notably outperformed several major economies in the index, including the United Kingdom (29th), Spain (49th), France (73rd) and Germany (84th). It also ranks ahead of China (37th), Vietnam (32nd) and Colombia (31st).
According to Ataraxis’ Global Outsourcing Talent Index 2026, 🇵🇰 ranks 16th out of 193 countries, placing us in the top 9% globally.
Our talent score of 80/100 ranks 8th in the world, ahead of every EU. Middle East and African countries in the index.#techdestinationpakistan pic.twitter.com/epAMRmRkgz
– Shaza Fatima Khawaja (@ShazaFK) April 25, 2026
She said the report suggested that Pakistan could improve its ranking to 11th in the world with further improvements in digital infrastructure.
The ministry highlighted ongoing initiatives including the expansion of telecommunications spectrum, a national fiber plan, the addition of submarine cables and improved terrestrial connectivity with China and Central Asia.
She also highlighted efforts to develop digital skills, including training programs targeting a million youth in artificial intelligence, the government platform Digiskills.pk and various apprenticeship and internship programs aimed at supporting freelancers and IT companies.
The minister said Pakistan was also focusing on its international outreach, noting its participation in more than 40 global technology events over the past 18 months, as well as its efforts to promote the country’s technology brand in major global markets.
These initiatives, she said, were aimed at positioning Pakistan as a competitive destination for technology services and outsourcing.
Read: Cyber ​​law is vital for digital investment
Last month, addressing a cybersecurity event, she said strengthening cybersecurity was key to boosting investor confidence and ensuring the success of Pakistan’s digital transformation.
The minister said that without a strong cybersecurity framework, it would not be possible to establish complete trust among foreign investors and companies seeking to operate in Pakistan’s digital economy.
She further added that the government has already digitized over 32 government services, while access to National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) documents has also been enabled through mobile applications.
However, she stressed that continued growth of the digital sector and increased foreign investment would depend on strengthening the country’s legal, policy and institutional frameworks from a cybersecurity perspective.
The minister stressed that cybersecurity was no longer limited to technical infrastructure alone but had broader implications for society and the State.
