A recent survey by the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has shown that companies are changing the way they recruit. According to reports, the survey included 256 companies and aimed to identify gaps in skills and help guide training programs.

 

The survey identified that instead of hiring large teams for specific tasks, companies now want people who can handle multiple roles and use technology, especially AI, to work faster and smarter. As per reports, Pakistan’s IT sector is growing, but the number of new hires is slowing. 

 

Data from the PASHA Skill Survey has revealed that in the past year, IT firms hired 32,685 technical staff and 1,969 non-technical employees. The drop in the number of new hires is because many routine tasks that once required several people can now be completed with the help of AI tools. 

 

As such, companies are reportedly leaning toward smaller teams with versatile skills, as these teams can now handle a larger workload because of the AI tools at their disposal. As per reports, professionals who can combine coding, design, and AI-driven problem solving are in high demand and in order to stay relevant and hirable in the software sector, adaptability has emerged as a key factor.

 

The survey has highlighted that mid-level and senior-level professionals in .NET and Python remain top choices, while individuals well-versed in Fullstack JavaScript remain top candidates too. 

 

As per the details, mobile developers with knowledge of hybrid frameworks like React Native and Flutter are especially valued at entry levels. Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications are widely requested for fresh graduates as well, while Microsoft Azure and DevOps skills are needed at all levels.

 

The survey has indicated that software testing roles are stable across experience levels, with tools like ISTQB, Selenium, and Cypress leading the way. For early-career professionals, game development and UI/UX design are growing fields. 

 

Blockchain development is still small but emerging, especially on Ethereum. Relational databases such as Oracle, MySQL, and MS SQL remain essential, showing that traditional IT foundations still matter alongside new technologies.

 

P@SHA Senior Vice Chairman Muhammad Umair Nizam has outlined that people are the IT industry’s most valuable asset. He stressed that investing in skills is crucial if Pakistan wants to grow technology exports. Nizam added that while AI changes the hiring landscape, it is also an opportunity to train young professionals in emerging technologies, helping them build better careers and contribute to the country’s economy.