Karachi: Pakistan’s freelancing sector is fast becoming a major pillar of the country’s economy, with local freelancers achieving a new milestone by earning over $950 million in foreign exchange in the first ten months of the fiscal year 2025-26.
According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan, freelancers’ income recorded a significant increase of 49 percent compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing importance of the digital economy in the country.
Dr. Imran Batada, President and CEO of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PFA), attributed this development to the hard work of Pakistani youth, digital experts and online service providers. He said that despite the global economic uncertainty and local challenges, Pakistani freelancers have proven their mettle in the international market.
He said that awareness about freelancing is continuously increasing in Pakistan, due to which the youth are offering their services on various online platforms. Online education, government training programs, skills provided by private institutions and NGOs have also played an important role in the growth of this sector.
According to experts, freelancing is not only providing new employment opportunities to the youth but is also bringing in valuable foreign exchange for the country. This is why the government is paying special attention to promoting the digital economy and the IT sector.
The number of freelancers in Pakistan is estimated to be around 3 million. Industry circles say that if proper policymaking, financial facilities and international payment systems are further improved, this sector has the potential to earn several billion dollars annually in the next few years.
According to Dr. Imran Batada, close cooperation between the government, banking sector and private sector is indispensable to further strengthen the future of freelancing. He said that the youth should focus on artificial intelligence, digital marketing, soft skills and business skills to keep pace with the changing needs of the global market.
He said that the Pakistan Freelancers Association will organize online and physical training sessions across the country to educate freelancers on the latest trends, business development and payment methods.
Economic experts say that the current performance of the freelancing sector is proof that Pakistan’s young workforce has the potential to occupy a prominent position in the global digital economy. If the conducive environment continues, the sector can play a more important role in the country’s exports and foreign exchange reserves in the future.
