Pakistan’s call centre exports rose 23.6% to $101.3 million in July to September 2026, according to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data. That is about Rs. 28 billion, earned from foreign clients in just three months.
The same period last year brought in $82 million. This means call centres and back-office service firms earned about $19.3 million more than a year ago. These three months are the first quarter of Pakistan’s financial year, which runs from July to June.
On track to beat last year’s record
The growth is faster than last year’s. In the full year to June 2026, call centre exports hit a record $392 million, up 19% from $329 million the year before.
If the sector keeps earning at this quarter’s pace, it would bring in about $405 million this year. That would be a new record, though monthly earnings can rise or fall.
In rupee terms, the sector is now earning roughly Rs. 9.3 billion a month from abroad. This uses the SBP’s rate of about Rs. 277 per dollar.
AI helps firms win more work
Nadeem Elahi, country manager for Pakistan and the Middle East at call centre firm ibex, said in comments to local media that the sector has grown over the past two years. Nadeem Elahi credited good service and low prices. Nadeem Elahi is also a former chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), the main IT industry group.
He said local firms are now using AI and automation to work faster and serve foreign clients better. This has helped them sign up more customers abroad.
Most of that work comes from the United States, which makes up nearly 70% of the sector’s business. Pakistani firms also serve clients in Western Europe and East Asia.
Nadeem Elahi said the sector could grow further by moving into new industries, such as retail, banking, cars and healthcare. He warned that firms must keep quality high and prices low to win those clients. Nadeem Elahi also said fast, reliable internet is essential. Without it, firms cannot compete abroad or create jobs for young people.
Over a million jobs
More than 1,000 call centres are registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), the government body that supports IT exporters. Around 500 other large call centres also operate across the country.
About 90% of these centres serve foreign clients. The rest handle customer service for multinational companies and utility providers inside Pakistan. Many software houses, digital agencies and online shops also run small call centre teams.
Together, these businesses employ more than one million people.
The sector still has a reputation problem. Some call centres have been linked to scams and fraud. Government ministries and law enforcement agencies have stepped up action against suspected operators. They are also working with genuine firms to protect the industry’s name abroad.
