Pakistan’s Marketing Services Exports Jump 19% as Agencies Target Global Markets
Islamabad, November 9, 2026 — Pakistan’s advertising and market research services exports recorded a 19% year-on-year increase during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, reaching $30.7 million compared with $25.8 million in the corresponding period last year, according to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data.
The growth highlights the expanding potential of Pakistan’s digital marketing industry as local agencies increasingly look towards international markets.
The development was highlighted at Payoneer Connect Lahore, where more than 40 marketing agencies gathered to explore opportunities for securing international clients, expanding operations and strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global marketing services industry.
Hosted by global financial technology company Payoneer, the event was held under the theme “The Export Era of Global Marketing.” It brought together agency leaders, representatives of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), Google and artificial intelligence (AI) professionals.
Professional Services Exports Also Record Growth
Pakistan’s broader professional and business services sector also demonstrated strong performance during the July–September 2026 period.
According to SBP figures, exports of other business services, a category that includes public relations, consulting and technical services, reached $620 million, reflecting a 27% increase compared with the same period last year.
Within this category, consulting and public relations services exports increased by 22% to $81.2 million.
AI Emerging as a New Growth Opportunity
The role of artificial intelligence in transforming Pakistan’s marketing industry was another key focus of the event.
During a fireside discussion on agentic AI, Ali Imran Memon, Founder and CEO of Kitsune AI, explored how Pakistani agencies could move beyond traditional freelancing and outsourcing models towards developing AI-powered agents and products.
The discussion highlighted the importance of shifting from charging clients for working hours to offering technology-driven solutions. Participants also examined different pricing models for AI services, including subscriptions, task-based payments and outcome-based pricing.
Google’s Customer Solutions team also demonstrated how AI-powered localisation tools can help Pakistani businesses enter international markets more efficiently and reach customers across different languages and regions.
P@SHA Highlights Policy Support for Digital Exports
Addressing the industry’s long-term growth prospects, P@SHA Vice Chairman Samad Saleem discussed ongoing policy and advocacy initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s digital services exports.
He highlighted the importance of an enabling policy environment to help local technology and marketing businesses expand internationally.
The discussions come as the government pursues its ambitious target of increasing Pakistan’s IT exports to $15 billion by 2030.
With rising services exports, growing adoption of artificial intelligence and increasing international demand, Pakistan’s marketing agencies have an opportunity to become stronger players in the global digital economy.
