Pakistan has nearly 3 million full-time and part-time freelancers who generated more than $1.76 billion through digital services during the last financial year, Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said.
Addressing the first National Recognition Ceremony organised by the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), Hashmi described freelancers as an increasingly important part of Pakistan’s digital workforce and a growing source of foreign exchange for the country.
Pakistan’s freelance economy continues to expand
The governor said Pakistan’s large youth population could play a significant role in the country’s economic development if young people receive access to modern IT skills, entrepreneurship training and market-orientated education.
He said the federal government, in collaboration with the Governor House, was implementing various skill-development initiatives for Sindh’s youth aimed at improving employment prospects and encouraging entrepreneurship.
Hashmi also highlighted the government’s target of increasing Pakistan’s IT exports to $25 billion by 2030, urging young people to acquire skills that match emerging technologies and enable them to compete for international opportunities.
Youth urged to use Digital Youth Hub
The governor encouraged young Pakistanis to use the Digital Youth Hub, launched under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, to access opportunities related to education, skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.
He said digital platforms could help connect young people with international markets and create new avenues for income generation without requiring traditional employment opportunities.
Minister of State and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Fahd Haroon said the government was supporting initiatives designed to expand freelancing and increase youth participation in Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
AI and cybersecurity skills gaining importance
PAFLA President and CEO Dr. Imran Batada said technological developments were rapidly changing the nature of work and creating demand for new digital skills.
He highlighted artificial intelligence, data analytics and cybersecurity among the areas expected to become increasingly important for freelancers and other digital professionals.
According to Batada, developing expertise in emerging technologies can help Pakistani freelancers compete more effectively in international markets as businesses increasingly rely on remote and digitally delivered services.
45 Pakistani freelancers recognised
During the ceremony, Governor Hashmi presented shields to 45 Pakistani freelancers in recognition of their international work and contribution to the country’s digital economy.
The event highlighted the growing role of freelancing in Pakistan, particularly as young professionals use digital platforms to provide services to clients around the world.
With millions of Pakistanis already working as full-time or part-time freelancers, the sector is becoming an increasingly significant component of the country’s technology and services economy.
Government efforts to expand IT skills, digital infrastructure and access to international markets could further increase the sector’s contribution to Pakistan’s IT exports and foreign exchange earnings.
