It says a report suggests Pakistan could improve its ranking to 11th with further improvements in digital infrastructure.
Shaza also revealed that Chinese satellite internet companies including Galaxy Space and Shanghai Space have expressed interest in entering the Pakistani market. PHOTO: APP
Pakistan is ranked 16th among 193 countries in the Global Outsourcing Talent Index 2026 by Ataraxis, placing it in the top 9% globally, Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Saturday.
The country has been growing at an average rate of around 20% annually, reflecting what the minister described as a steady expansion in Pakistan’s technology sector.
In a statement, Fatima said that Pakistan, in particular, had surpassed several major economies in the index, including the United Kingdom (29th), Spain (49th), France (73rd) and Germany (84th). It is also ahead of China (37th), Vietnam (32nd) and Colombia (31st).
According to Ataraxis’ 2026 Global Outsourcing Talent Index, 🇵🇰 ranks 16th out of 193 countries, placing us in the top 9% globally.
Our talent score of 80/100 ranks 8th globally, ahead of all EU countries. Middle East and Africa country in the index.#techdestinationpakistan pic.twitter.com/epAMRmRkgz
– Shaza Fatima Khawaja (@ShazaFK) April 25, 2026
He said the report suggested Pakistan could improve its ranking to 11th globally with further improvements in digital infrastructure.
The ministry highlighted ongoing initiatives including the expansion of the telecom spectrum, a national fiberization plan, the addition of submarine cables and better land connectivity with China and Central Asia.
He also highlighted efforts to develop digital skills, including training programs targeting one million youth in artificial intelligence, the government’s Digiskills.pk platform, and various apprenticeship and internship programs aimed at supporting freelancers and IT companies.
The minister said Pakistan was also focusing on international outreach, highlighting participation in more than 40 global technology events over the past 18 months, along with efforts to promote the country’s technology brand in major global markets.
The initiatives, he 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, at a cybersecurity-related event, he said strengthening cybersecurity is essential to building investor confidence and ensuring the success of Pakistan’s digital transformation.
The minister said that without a robust cybersecurity framework, it would not be possible to establish complete trust among foreign investors and companies seeking to operate in Pakistan’s digital economy.
He further added that the government had already digitized more than 32 government services, while access to National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) documents had also been enabled through mobile applications.
However, he highlighted that further growth in the digital sector and greater foreign investment would depend on strengthening the country’s legal, political and institutional frameworks from a cybersecurity perspective.
The minister noted that cybersecurity was no longer limited solely to technical infrastructure, but had broader implications for society and the State.
