FAISALABAD - the State Bank of Pakistan announced on Tuesday that it published its annual sector report, according to a statement released to reporters.

Industry observers say the timing is significant. Pakistan's agritech sector grew 18% last year, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, even as venture funding across South Asia slowed sharply.

The company said the initiative would create roughly 250 jobs over the next two years, most of them in Rawalpindi and Gujranwala. It did not disclose the size of the investment, but people familiar with the plans put the figure at between $250 million and $350 million.

Advertisement
IT Services by IT Artificer
Education Online by TAQ Academy
Medical Software by Care Suite 380
Digital Marketing Services by Mozbytech

Winners and losers

For consumers, the immediate impact is likely to be modest. Prices are expected to stay flat until at least August, and the new features will roll out gradually across the country.

"Every startup founder in Hyderabad is asking the same question: how do we compete with global platforms on a fraction of the budget?"

Ahmed Raza, chief executive at Foodpanda Pakistan

Analysts at Airlift estimate that the addressable market could be worth $50 million by 2030, driven by a young population and rising smartphone ownership.

The view from investors

Not everyone is convinced. Critics point to a shortage of skilled engineers, unreliable power supply and a tax regime that changes almost every budget cycle as reasons for caution.

Key points

  • Competitors including Daraz are expected to respond within months
  • Roughly 12 jobs expected over the next two years
  • Rollout begins in Islamabad and Sialkot before expanding nationwide
  • Funding round values the company at about $25 million

The numbers tell part of the story. Freelancers in Pakistan brought in $25 million in Q1 2025, and the country remains one of the largest suppliers of online talent in the world.

The service will initially be available in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Islamabad, with a nationwide launch planned for later in 2030.

Reporting by the WritePures newsroom. Have a tip? Contact our editors.