Google reported record quarterly earnings on Friday, the latest sign that global technology companies are paying closer attention to South Asian markets.
Several competitors have made similar bets. Bazaar Technologies expanded into Karachi earlier this year, while Tesla has been quietly hiring engineers in Lahore and Islamabad.
Industry observers say the timing is significant. Pakistan's software exports sector grew 12% last year, according to the Pakistan Software Export Board, even as venture funding across South Asia slowed sharply.
Key takeaways
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.
"Students who learn to work with AI tools today will define the workforce of 2035."
Hira Mirza, economist at NetSol Technologies
The numbers tell part of the story. Freelancers in Pakistan brought in $18 million in Q4 2025, and the country remains one of the largest suppliers of online talent in the world.
The view from investors
The move comes as regulators tighten oversight. the Pakistan Software Export Board issued new guidelines in June requiring companies to store customer data locally and to report security incidents within 72 hours.
Key points
- Competitors including Tajir are expected to respond within months
- Roughly 120 jobs expected over the next two years
- Funding round values the company at about $30 million
- Partnership with NED University to train local engineers
The challenge now is execution. Previous attempts to build large-scale technology infrastructure in the country have stalled because of financing gaps and bureaucratic delays.
Analysts at TPL Trakker estimate that the addressable market could be worth $45 million by 2030, driven by a young population and rising smartphone ownership.
Reporting by the WritePures newsroom. Have a tip? Contact our editors.
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