Pakistan has announced major relief measures for the call center industry, offering a much-needed boost amid ongoing austerity policies.
The federal government of Pakistan has granted a complete exemption to call centers from operating hour restrictions imposed during the ongoing energy crisis, offering major relief to the country’s IT and outsourcing industry.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Khawaja announced that call centers and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies can now operate 24/7 without any time limitations.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content
The decision comes as part of broader energy conservation measures across the country, where markets and commercial centers have been required to close early to reduce electricity consumption.
However, the government has excluded call centers to ensure uninterrupted services for international clients.
Officials said the move aims to support Pakistan’s growing IT exports and maintain service continuity, especially for businesses dealing with overseas customers in different time zones.
Trump suspends US attacks, Tehran agrees to 2-week ceasefire
The government also clarified that recent local holidays announced in Islamabad and Rawalpindi due to the arrival of foreign delegations will not apply to call centers, allowing them to remain fully operational.
Minister Shaza Khawaja acknowledged that there were initial delays in communicating the exemption, which caused confusion among some businesses. She assured that the government is now working to address these concerns and streamline implementation.
Follow the Times of Karachi channel on WhatsApp
To further facilitate the industry, companies have been directed to contact the Pakistan Software Export Board for support regarding operational or security issues. A dedicated complaint resolution system has been established, with a commitment to resolve issues within 24 hours.
Authorities emphasized that the BPO sector is a key pillar of Pakistan’s digital economy and plays a crucial role in generating foreign exchange. The exemption is expected to help companies maintain productivity and avoid disruptions during the energy crisis.
Both registered and non-registered members of PSEB will be able to benefit from this support mechanism, ensuring broader industry coverage.
