Pakistan's freelancers brought in $549 million in foreign exchange during the first quarter of FY27, a 45% jump from the $377.3 million recorded in the same period a year earlier, State Bank of Pakistan data shows.
The industry added roughly $172 million in extra export earnings between July and September. IT-related freelancers earned $333 million, compared with $272 million a year before, while non-IT freelancers saw their earnings double to $215 million from $104 million.
Ibrahim Amin, chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association, said the rise reflects a growing freelance workforce and its role in the country's digital economy. He warned that freelancers still need stronger technical, communication and business development skills to capture more overseas work.
Amin called on the government and private sector to launch training programmes targeting in-demand technologies and professional abilities. He also stressed freelancing's importance for young Pakistanis facing few jobs in the formal industrial sector.
Freelancing coach and Si Global chief executive Dr. Noman Ahmed Said emphasized ongoing skills development as technology reshapes global markets. He urged technology-focused education from school age to build digital literacy, technical know-how and entrepreneurship.
With an estimated three million freelancers in Pakistan, Dr. Said believes the figure could climb to four million within a year if the government creates a national roadmap and partners with the private sector to promote digital skills and freelancing opportunities.
