LAHORE — In a seminal address delineating Pakistan's technological trajectory, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has proclaimed that artificial intelligence and information technology exports constitute the paramount foundation of the nation's economic prosperity and future growth.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry's 3rd IT Freelancing Awards 2026 on Saturday, the minister articulated a comprehensive vision positioning Pakistani freelancers and IT professionals as the "pilots of the future economy," emphasizing that success in the technology sector requires not massive factories or considerable capital investments, but rather talent, knowledge, and innovation as the real assets.

The minister presented a perturbing comparative analysis of Pakistan's export performance vis-à-vis regional competitors, noting that Vietnam, which once exported less than Pakistan, has now become an exporter four times larger. He underscored that while overseas Pakistanis remit approximately USD 40 billion annually, a population of 250 million generates exports of only about USD 30 billion, creating continued dependence on international financial support.

Navigating a Labyrinthine Economic Transformation

Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that while the government's role is to formulate policies, the private sector must take Pakistan's economy to global markets. He stressed the imperative need to make "Made in Pakistan" a symbol of quality and excellence worldwide through close cooperation between the government and private sector, assuring the business community that their concerns and recommendations would be conveyed to the prime minister.

"The world is rapidly moving towards a technology-driven economy and Artificial Intelligence is becoming the defining force of future success," the minister articulated, urging all sectors to adopt IT and AI technologies and prepare for the ongoing technological revolution. He characterized this transition as navigating a labyrinthine economic landscape that requires strategic vision and sustained commitment.

LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, speaking on the occasion, described innovation and the digital economy as key pillars of the national vision "Uraan Pakistan." He welcomed the government's focus on promoting the IT sector and knowledge economy, adding that strong collaboration between the government and private sector could significantly increase Pakistan's IT exports and help establish the country as a leading digital economy hub in the region.

Notably, Saigol revealed that nearly 50 percent of the winners from the first two editions of the IT Freelancing Awards have successfully established their own software houses, demonstrating the reciprocal benefits of such recognition programs. He highlighted the substantial growth in the number of freelancers and their earnings since 2018, noting that LCCI is the only business chamber in the country providing such extensive support to freelancers.

The event was attended by Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja Ur Rehman, former LCCI President Mian Anjum Nisar, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Convener of the Standing Committee on IT Muddasir Naeem, and a large number of representatives from the business and IT sectors. At the conclusion of the ceremony, awards were presented to outstanding freelancers in various categories, recognizing their contributions to Pakistan's burgeoning digital economy. Read the full original report here.

Official Event Coverage:

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal emphasizes AI and IT exports as the cornerstone of Pakistan's economic future at LCCI's 3rd IT Freelancing Awards 2026 in Lahore.

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