Brain drain hits Pakistan’s IT sector
LAHORE, PAKISTAN — The ongoing economic challenges in Pakistan are leading to a talent exodus in its local IT sector, with a notable portion of these professionals seeking opportunities abroad.
Qazafi Qayyum, CEO of AI software and solutions firm TenX, said that many departing professionals are tech-savvy, making it easier to secure overseas roles.
He also stressed that the local talent pool is depleting rapidly, hindering potential growth.
“The industry’s demand for IT professionals far surpasses the supply, making scaling up a daunting task. While I may achieve 5-7% growth in my business in Pakistan, achieving 15-20% growth is impossible due to the manpower shortage,” Qayyum added.
The TenX CEO also mentioned that foreign clients from the United States, European Union, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand often perceive Pakistan as a high-risk country due to its location.
Additionally, infrastructural issues, such as frequent internet and power disruptions, raise operational costs and hinder growth. Addressing these challenges is crucial to position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global IT market.
Despite these setbacks, Pakistan’s software exports are on an upward trajectory, currently standing at $2.5-3 billion. Qayyum believes the industry could soar to $10 billion with the right interventions from the government.
