Pakistan’s freelancers earned more than $950 million in foreign exchange during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), export receipts from computer and information services reached $959 million during July–April, compared to $642 million in the same period last year, reflecting a 49 percent year-on-year increase, or $317 million growth.
Dr. Imran Batada, President and CEO of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), said the increase is driven by greater participation of Pakistani freelancers on global platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and other digital marketplaces.
He said awareness of freelancing has grown significantly in recent years, with more individuals acquiring skills through online learning, private institutes, government training programs, and NGO-led initiatives.
Pakistan’s freelance workforce is estimated at around 3 million people. He emphasized the need for structured growth through collaboration between government bodies, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders.
Dr. Batada also noted that he has helped train and develop more than 25,000 freelancers.
He stressed the importance of continuous skill upgrading, particularly in artificial intelligence and soft skills, to remain competitive in global markets.
PAFLA, he added, is developing nationwide online and on-ground training programs focused on freelancing skills, business development, and digital payment systems.
Pakistan is now approaching the $1 billion milestone in freelance-related export earnings, supported by efforts from the Ministry of IT and Telecom, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), State Bank of Pakistan, and the Special Investment Facilitation Council.
