The report says Pakistan could improve its ranking to 11 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 ranks 16th out of 193 countries in the 2026 Global Outsourcing Talent Index by Ataraxis, placing it in the top 9% globally, Information Technology and Telecommunications Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Saturday.
The country has been growing at an average rate of about 20% annually, reflecting what the minister described as a steady expansion in Pakistan’s technology sector.
In a statement, Fatima said Pakistan in particular had outperformed several major economies in the index, including the UK (29th), Spain (49th), France (73rd) and Germany (84th). It is also ahead of China (37th), Vietnam (32nd) and Colombia (31st).
According to the 2026 Global Outsourcing Talent Index by Ataraxis, 🇵🇰 ranks #16 out of 193 countries – placing us in the top 9% globally.
Our talent score of 80/100 ranks #8 globally, ahead of all EU. Middle Eastern and African country in the index.#techdestinationpakistan pic.twitter.com/epAMRmRkgz
— Shaza Fatima Khawaja (@ShazaFK) 25 April 2026
She said the report suggested Pakistan could improve its ranking to 11th globally with further improvements in digital infrastructure.
The ministry highlighted ongoing initiatives including expansion of telecom spectrum, a national fiberization plan, addition of submarine cables and improved terrestrial connectivity with China and Central Asia.
She also pointed to efforts to develop digital skills, including training programs aimed at one million young people in artificial intelligence, the government’s Digiskills.pk platform and various apprenticeship and traineeship schemes aimed at supporting freelancers and IT companies.
The minister said Pakistan was also focusing on international outreach, noting participation in more than 40 global technology events over the past 18 months, alongside efforts to promote the country’s technology branding in major global markets.
The initiatives, she said, were aimed at positioning Pakistan as a competitive destination for technology services and outsourcing.
Read: Cyber law is critical to digital investment
Last month, speaking at a cyber security-related event, she said that strengthening cyber security is critical to building investor confidence and ensuring the success of Pakistan’s digital transformation.
The minister said that without a strong cyber security framework, it would not be possible to create complete confidence among foreign investors and companies seeking to operate in Pakistan’s digital economy.
She 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, she emphasized that further growth in the digital sector and greater foreign investment will depend on strengthening the country’s legal, political and institutional framework from a cyber security perspective.
The minister noted that cyber security was no longer limited to technical infrastructure alone, but had broader implications for society and the state.
