Pakistan exempts BPOs, call centers during Islamabad lockdown
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — Pakistan has exempted business process outsourcing (BPO) firms and call centers from a security lockdown in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, allowing digital service providers to continue operations during heightened security measures tied to ongoing United States-Iran talks in the capital region, according to a report from Phoneworld.
“BPOs and call centers will remain operational during the twin cities’ lockdown imposed for ongoing US-Iran talks in the capital,” said Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
She added that IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) companies, particularly those engaged in outsourcing and customer support operations have been granted exemption from closure orders and timing restrictions.
Authorities imposed strict security measures across the twin cities, declaring April 9 and 10 as local holidays and restricting movement in sensitive areas, including the Red Zone and key transit routes, as diplomatic talks took place involving U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Security lockdown enforced across capital region
The lockdown comes as officials describe the negotiations as critical peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. Despite the sweeping restrictions, authorities emphasized that essential economic services would continue functioning to avoid disruption to international operations.
The exemption for IT-enabled firms is intended to ensure stability for companies serving global clients, many of which operate across multiple time zones and depend on uninterrupted workflows.
Officials said maintaining continuity in digital services was a priority even as security protocols tightened across the capital.
IT sector safeguarded to maintain global outsourcing operations
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized that maintaining operational stability in the IT sector is essential, given its growing contribution to Pakistan’s exports and digital economy. Islamabad and Rawalpindi have developed into major hubs for IT-enabled services, employing thousands in customer support, back-office processing, and software-related roles.
In the broader outsourcing landscape, the decision underscores Pakistan’s growing reliance on its IT-enabled services sector as a key driver of export earnings.
By keeping BPOs and call centers operational during periods of domestic disruption, authorities signal confidence in the industry’s resilience and global competitiveness.
As demand for 24/7 customer support continues to rise worldwide, Pakistan’s ability to maintain uninterrupted service delivery could strengthen its standing in the international outsourcing market, particularly in cost-sensitive but quality-driven segments.
