The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, is preparing to launch the National IT Industry Census, a nationwide initiative aimed at collecting comprehensive data on Pakistan’s IT sector.
The census is intended to provide an accurate picture of the industry’s size, structure, and capabilities across the country. Officials said it will gather detailed information on IT and IT-enabled services companies, including workforce strength, areas of specialization, geographic distribution, and operational scale.
According to PSEB, the initiative will help address long-standing gaps in reliable industry data by creating a unified national database for the IT sector. The availability of verified data is expected to replace estimates that have traditionally been used for planning and analysis.
The primary goal of the National IT Industry Census is to support evidence-based policymaking. By relying on verified industry data, the government aims to design more effective policies, regulatory frameworks, and incentive structures that reflect the actual needs and potential of the IT industry.
The census is also expected to support the growth of Pakistan’s IT sector by improving planning for exports, skill development, infrastructure expansion, and investment promotion. Industry stakeholders believe the exercise will help identify emerging IT hubs, underserved regions, and areas where targeted interventions are needed.
PSEB officials stated that the findings of the census will be shared with relevant government departments, policymakers, and industry bodies to support informed and strategic decision-making.