IT sector jobs in Pakistan shrink because of AI: Survey

PASHA Skill Survey states that demand for mid-to-senior level professionals in Fullstack JavaScript, .NET, and Python is strong
An undated image. — Canva
An undated image. — Canva

Much aligned with the extreme fears associated with artificial intelligence (AI), Pakistan's IT sector job market has shrunk substantially, as highlighted in the recent PASHA Skill Survey.

The considerable drop in job opportunities opening the tech space nationwide illustrated the global trend of AI replacing human workers across industries, notwithstanding the steady growth of the overall IT industry.

How many IT professionals did Pakistan hire in 2024?

The survey pointed out that Pakistan's IT sector hired around 32,685 technical professionals and 1,969 non-technical staff in 2024. However, with advancements in AI tools catching pace, many routine tasks can now be automated and yet deliver enhanced efficiency.

This has compelled IT companies to streamline their hiring processes, seeking professionals with a blend of technical, analytical, and AI skills.

How to remain competitive as AI replaces humans in IT sector?

The survey also underlined that organisations prefer multi-skilled individuals who can code, design, and use AI to automate tasks and improve productivity. Instead of hiring specialists for each role, companies are looking for versatile team members who can adapt and leverage AI to enhance their contributions.

With the IT industry job saturation in place, workers must be adaptable and able to integrate AI into their roles to remain competitive.

Top IT skills and rolls to pursue in the age of AI

The demand for mid-to-senior level professionals in Fullstack JavaScript, .NET, and Python is strong, with .NET roles being particularly sought after, as observed in the report.

On the mobile development front, particularly for entry-level positions, there is a growing need for React Native, Flutter and similar hybrid frameworks.

The CRM market has also shown a rise in demand for Salesforce and Dynamics experts, whereas AWS Developer Certifications remained highly important for newcomers.

Kubernetes is in demand for senior roles, and there is a strong need for software testing professionals. The creative tech sector is thriving, particularly in Game Development and UI/UX design for early-career professionals.