Freelancers in Pakistan have earned more than $950 million in foreign exchange during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, outperforming freelancers from India, China, the U.A.E., and several other countries despite multiple global and domestic challenges.
According to data issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), export receipts generated through freelancing in computer and information services surged to $959 million in July-April, against $642 million recorded during the same period in the previous fiscal year, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 49%, or $317 million.
Imran Batada, the newly appointed president and CEO of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), attributed the growth in freelancers’ income to increasing participation of Pakistani freelancers on various freelancing platforms, including Upwork, Fiverr, and social media platforms. He noted that awareness about freelancing had increased among Pakistanis over the past few years, encouraging many individuals to acquire skills through online learning, private institutions, government-led training programs, and initiatives by various NGOs.
Pakistan’s freelancing community is estimated at around 3 million people, he said, adding this number should continue to grow in a structured manner through collaboration among the government, banking companies, and other stakeholders. He further emphasized that Pakistani freelancers should continuously upgrade their skills to maintain their competitiveness on global freelancing platforms. He also urged students and young professionals to focus on acquiring advanced AI and soft skills.
According to Batada, PAFLA has developed a strategy to organize various onsite and online sessions across the country to enhance freelancers’ knowledge of emerging freelancing trends, business development, and payment processes.
Pakistan is close to surpassing the $1 billion milestone in export receipts generated through freelancers. This landmark achievement has been made possible through the collective efforts of the Ministry of I.T. and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Software Export Board, the State Bank of Pakistan, and the Special Investment Facilitation Council, the PAFLA added.