Pakistan Inc. - The High Tech. Edition

By: Pakistan Inc. Editorial Committee

In 2004/05, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) undertook a Best Practices Study of Pakistan’s Software Industry (here). This study was the first comprehensive data collection exercise about the industry and since been cited as the only credible source of data on the industry. The 2004/05 data, however, is somewhat dated now and do not represent the current state of the industry anymore. In addition, the earlier data was limited in its coverage in that it only covered software development activities (excluding BPO and IT-Enabled Services that form a major portion of the industry today). Keeping in view the importance of having accurate and up-to date data on the industry on an ongoing basis, Pakistan Software Houses Association’s (PASHA) Executive Committee has decided to initiate Biennial Surveys of Pakistan’s Software Industry to be repeated on a regular basis. 

The purpose of this survey is three-fold:

a) To assess the current state of software industry in Pakistan through systematic data collection and observations of the performance. The survey will collect data on gross revenues, exports, employment, service-offerings, costs, and other measures of importance. 

b) To understand and investigate one (or more) issues of current relevance and particular concern to the software industry. This study will look at customer perception of Pakistan’s software industry. In particular, it will help generate credible data on how Pakistan’s export customers view the value offered by Pakistani software and ITES/BPO companies.

c) To assess performance of the industry over time in an attempt in stock-taking and reflection but also in re-energizing the private and public-policy debates on the health and future direction of the industry. A Biennial Review will create the critical data-series needed to carry out such an analysis.

Paper and mail surveys have been sent to members of PASHA for data collection purposes. In addition, an online version of the survey has also been made available for members’ convenience. If you are a PASHA member and have not received the mail survey or the online url, please contact PASHA Secretariat or write to secretariat(at)pasha.org.pk for further assistance. Over the next 2 months, the study team will carry out extensive interviews of industry’s top leaders and companies. The study report will be available by the end of 2007. We look forward to your participation in the survey and the study and a happy and prosperous future for the Industry.

PASHA Executive Committee, &

Biennial Reviews Advisory Committee

Mr. Ashraf Kapadia        Ms. Jehan Ara          Mr. Yousuf Jan        Mr. Jawwad Farid

President                          Advisor                       Member                    Member