Freelancers earn over $950 million in 10 months despite economic and global challenges
KARACHI — Pakistan’s freelancing industry has achieved another major milestone, with freelancers generating more than $950 million in foreign exchange earnings during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan.
Official data shows that export receipts from computer and information services reached $959 million during July-April, compared to $642 million in the same period last year, marking a sharp 49% year-on-year increase.
Pakistan Freelancers Outperform Regional Competitors
The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) said Pakistani freelancers have continued to outperform professionals from several regional countries, including India, China, and the UAE, despite facing multiple domestic and international challenges.
Dr. Imran Batada, President and CEO of PAFLA, credited the growth to the rising number of Pakistanis joining global freelancing platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr.
Freelancing Awareness Expanding Across Pakistan
Dr. Batada said awareness regarding freelancing opportunities has increased significantly in recent years, encouraging youth to develop digital skills through online courses, government initiatives, private institutes, and NGO-led training programs.
He estimated Pakistan’s freelancing community at nearly 3 million individuals and stressed the importance of structured collaboration between the government, banks, and technology stakeholders to further strengthen the sector.
AI and Advanced Skills Key to Future Growth
The PAFLA chief urged freelancers and students to continuously upgrade their expertise, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital tools, and soft skills, to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
He also announced that PAFLA plans to organize nationwide online and onsite workshops focused on freelancing trends, business development, and payment solutions.
Pakistan Close to Historic Export Milestone
Pakistan is now approaching the landmark figure of $1 billion in freelancing export earnings — a development made possible through joint efforts by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Pakistan Software Export Board, State Bank of Pakistan, and the Special Investment Facilitation Council.
The rapid growth highlights Pakistan’s increasing role in the global digital services economy and the rising contribution of freelancers to national exports.
Main Point
Pakistan’s freelancing sector earned over $950 million in 10 months with 49% annual growth, putting the country close to crossing the historic $1 billion export milestone while strengthening its position in the global digital economy.
