The collaboration will support capacity building
business enablement, and digital inclusion
for over 50,000 freelancers annually
Staff Reporter
Karachi: The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) and Innovista, a national initiative under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), have announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership aimed at transforming Pakistan’s freelance ecosystem. The collaboration will support capacity building, business enablement, and digital inclusion for over 50,000 freelancers annually.
This partnership marks a major milestone in reshaping the freelance and gig economy through enhanced digital infrastructure, training programs, policy advocacy, and access to global opportunities. The goal is to empower Pakistan’s growing freelance community and drive sustainable economic growth.
MOA Signed to Boost Freelance Economy
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was officially signed in Islamabad by PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin and Innovista CEO Hisham Sarwar. Together, they will launch national-level events, training programs, and awareness campaigns to promote digital skills and freelancing—particularly among youth and women in underserved regions.
“Freelancers are no longer a side segment—they’re central to Pakistan’s digital economy, contributing over $500 million in foreign exchange annually,” said Ibrahim Amin. “This partnership aligns with PAFLA’s mission to advocate for policy reforms, digital infrastructure, and recognition of freelancers as essential contributors to the economy.”
He further added that Pakistan ranks among the top five countries contributing to the global gig economy, with over 2.37 million freelancers. PAFLA has already registered more than 100,000 members and has conducted 35 seminars and 25 training sessions, including collaborations with global tech leaders like Google Inc.
Training, Tech Access, and Global Connectivity
Highlighting the impact of this collaboration, Hisham Sarwar, CEO of Innovista, said:
“Our focus is on training, technology access, financial literacy, and global client connectivity. We’re building a robust support system where freelancers—especially women and youth—can thrive and become powerful agents of economic change.”
Innovista will offer access to its digital tools, learning modules, co-working and co-learning spaces, and community engagement resources to build an inclusive freelance ecosystem.
Key Initiatives Under PAFLA–Innovista Partnership:
- Nationwide training bootcamps to upskill freelancers
- Access to co-working and digital learning spaces through Innovista
- Awareness campaigns on freelancer rights, taxation, and global opportunities
- Onboarding freelancers on Innovista’s digital platforms for international exposure
This partnership aims to bridge the digital divide, increase foreign exchange earnings, and place Pakistani freelancers on the global map—positioning them as vital contributors to the country’s economic future.
