ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) and Habib Bank Limited (HBL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support freelancers and strengthen Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
The partnership aims to improve banking services for freelancers and expand opportunities across the country’s freelancing ecosystem.
The agreement was signed by Faisal Malik, Head of HBL Konnect, and Dr Imran Batada, President of PAFLA and Global CIO Award winner.
The signing ceremony was attended by Muhammad Nassir Salim, President and CEO of HBL, Aalishaan Zaidi, Head of Retail at HBL, and Ibrahim Amin, Co-founder and Chairman of PAFLA.
Fahad Sheikh, Co-founder of PAFLA, Farheen Fatima, Chief Growth and Strategy at PAFLA, and senior officials from both organizations also attended the event.
Banking Services for Freelancers
Under the agreement, HBL will offer PAFLA members specialized banking products and services.
These will include foreign currency accounts, international payment solutions and digital banking services.
The partnership will also focus on improving freelancers’ access to financial services and supporting their growing participation in the global digital economy.
Focus on Skills and Financial Literacy
PAFLA and HBL will jointly organize financial literacy workshops and educational sessions.
The organizations will also support professional development and upskilling initiatives for freelancers.
The programmes aim to promote sustainable entrepreneurship, increase incomes and strengthen economic opportunities for freelancers across Pakistan.
The two organizations will also organize joint events and community engagement activities.
They plan to develop industry partnerships and awareness initiatives to further strengthen Pakistan’s freelancing ecosystem.
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Freelancers Drive Digital Economy
PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin said freelancers have become an important part of Pakistan’s digital economy.
He said freelancers contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings and help create employment opportunities.
Amin also highlighted the role of banks in supporting freelancers beyond traditional financial services.
He said banking institutions can help promote skills development and financial literacy among freelancers.
Pakistan has nearly 3 million freelancers, making it one of the world’s major freelancing markets, according to industry estimates.
HBL Highlights Future-Ready Skills
HBL President and CEO Muhammad Nassir Salim said freelancers are playing an increasingly important role in Pakistan’s digital economy.
He said freelancers are creating new opportunities and connecting Pakistani talent with international markets.
“At HBL, we are committed to supporting their growth through tailored financial solutions and greater digital inclusion,” Salim said.
He also highlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work.
“As AI reshapes the future of work, investing in freelancer upskilling is no longer optional but imperative,” he said.
Salim said PAFLA could help freelancers develop future-ready skills and navigate changes in the digital economy.
He added that the partnership aims to empower freelancers and contribute to the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.
