ISLAMABAD, November 10, 2026: Pakistan’s exports of advertising and market research services increased by 19% year-on-year to $30.7 million during July–September 2026, reflecting growing international demand for the country’s marketing and digital services.
According to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data, exports in the sector rose from $25.8 million in the corresponding quarter of 2025.
The growth was highlighted at Payoneer Connect Lahore, where more than 40 marketing agencies gathered to discuss international client acquisition, business expansion and the use of artificial intelligence to strengthen their global competitiveness.
Organised by global financial technology company Payoneer under the theme The Export Era of Global Marketing, the event brought together agency executives, representatives of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), Google and AI industry professionals.
The increase in marketing services exports was accompanied by broader growth in Pakistan’s professional services sector.
SBP figures showed that exports under the wider other business services category, which includes consulting, public relations and technical services, increased by 27% year-on-year to $620 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026–27.
Within that category, consulting and public relations services exports rose by 22% to $81.2 million.
Discussions at the event focused on how Pakistani marketing agencies could move beyond traditional outsourcing models and develop higher-value services for international clients.
During a fireside discussion, Kitsune AI founder and CEO Ali Imran Memon explored the potential of agentic artificial intelligence to transform agency business models.
The discussion examined whether Pakistani agencies could convert their expertise into AI-powered products and automated services instead of relying primarily on hourly billing.
Participants also discussed alternative pricing models for AI services, including subscriptions, task-based charges and outcome-based payments.
Google’s Customer Solutions team highlighted how AI-powered localisation tools could help Pakistani businesses adapt their marketing strategies for different countries and reach international customers more efficiently.
The session explored the potential of artificial intelligence to reduce the costs associated with entering new markets and expanding cross-border operations.
P@SHA Vice Chairman Samad Saleem outlined ongoing policy and advocacy initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s digital services export ecosystem.
He also discussed the importance of regulatory and industry support as the government works towards its target of $15 billion in IT exports by 2030.
The discussions highlighted the growing role of technology, specialised expertise and international market access in helping Pakistani agencies compete for higher-value global business.