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Payoneer has opened nominations for the sixth edition of the Payoneer Pakistan Cross-Border Excellence Awards 2026. The awards will recognise Pakistani businesses, entrepreneurs and independent professionals who are expanding their reach in international markets.
The launch comes as Pakistan’s digital economy reports strong export growth. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, IT and IT-enabled services exports reached a record $4.6 billion in FY2025-26, up nearly 21% from $3.8 billion in the previous fiscal year.
Momentum continued into the new fiscal year. IT exports totalled $435 million in September 2026, marking a 19% increase compared with the same month last year.
The government has set a target of reaching $10 billion in IT exports by FY2028-29 under its Uraan Pakistan plan. Against this backdrop, Payoneer says the awards will highlight the businesses and professionals contributing to Pakistan’s growing presence in global markets.
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Commenting on the launch, Nagesh Devata, Senior Vice President and Head of APAC at Payoneer, said Pakistani businesses across several sectors were securing international clients and expanding their operations.
“Pakistan’s export growth is being driven by businesses that win global clients every day: software houses, AI start-ups, gaming studios and consumer brands, many based well beyond the major cities. These awards recognise the innovation and resilience it takes to compete in global markets,” Devata said.
The awards feature eight categories designed to reflect the range of Pakistan’s cross-border economy. They are open to businesses of all sizes, from established exporters employing hundreds of people to independent professionals working individually.
Technology and services exporters will compete in four categories:
Commerce-focused businesses will be recognised in two categories:
The remaining two categories will celebrate individual achievements:
This structure allows businesses and professionals from different sectors to receive recognition for their contributions to international trade and services.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lahore on November 27, 2026. The event will bring together service exporters, business founders, industry organisations and international partners.
Through the awards, Payoneer aims to spotlight the people and businesses building Pakistan’s presence in global markets. The initiative also highlights the growing role of digital services, online commerce and independent professionals in the country’s export economy.
With nominations open until November 15, eligible businesses and individuals have an opportunity to submit their entries for consideration.
