Pakistan’s e-commerce sector is gearing up for a transformative phase as the government moves closer to approving its long-awaited E-Commerce Policy 2.0, a comprehensive framework designed to accelerate digital trade and expand the nation’s online economy to an ambitious $20 billion by 2030. The new policy is expected to introduce robust mechanisms for consumer protection, ensure transparency in online transactions, and foster the growth of digital entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and a delegation from Meta, where both sides discussed future collaborations in e-commerce, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital innovation. The discussions underscored Pakistan’s growing importance as a digital economy and its potential to attract global technology investment.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan described Pakistan as one of the fastest-growing digital economies in South Asia. The country currently produces more than 75,000 IT graduates each year, reflecting a strong talent pipeline for the technology and innovation sectors. He noted that Pakistan’s exports of IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) have surged by 18 percent, reaching $3.8 billion. In the first quarter of the current fiscal year alone, IT exports grew by 21 percent to $1.06 billion — an encouraging sign of the sector’s continued expansion.
The minister emphasized that the upcoming E-Commerce Policy 2.0 would strengthen the legal and regulatory foundation for online trade, enhance cross-border e-commerce facilitation, and enable better integration with global digital markets. He invited Meta to play an active role in developing AI ethics guidelines, advancing digital safety frameworks, and helping to establish transparent standards for Pakistan’s online marketplace.
He also highlighted key national initiatives such as the National AI Policy 2025 and the Digital Pakistan Act, which aim to position the country as a regional hub for innovation and technological advancement. Jam Kamal Khan encouraged Meta to collaborate on AI skilling programs and digital training opportunities for Pakistan’s youth, helping bridge the employability gap while nurturing a digitally empowered workforce.
Rafael Frankel, Meta’s Director for Emerging Markets, commended Pakistan’s rapid progress in digital transformation and expressed Meta’s commitment to supporting the local ecosystem. He noted that Meta intends to strengthen partnerships aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and digital content creators through capacity-building and access to online business tools.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring a secure online environment, and enabling economic empowerment through technology. With E-Commerce Policy 2.0 approaching its final approval stages, Pakistan is signaling a strong focus on digital trade modernization and global competitiveness.
If implemented effectively, the policy could unlock new growth opportunities for businesses, expand financial inclusion, and accelerate Pakistan’s shift toward a digitally driven economy — positioning the country as a key player in the region’s online commerce landscape by the end of the decade.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
