KARACHI:
As of 2017, Pakistan ranked as the 4th most popular country for freelancing in the Online Labor Index published by Oxford Internet Institute. Since then, the country has consistently ranked among the top destinations for Internet Communications and Technology outsourcing because of the growth of the Information Technology (IT) sector. According to some estimates, Pakistani freelancers attracted export remittances of nearly $400 million in the fiscal year 2022. The country also ranked among the top ten countries globally in the category of Software Development and Technology.
Pakistan has yet to adopt e-commerce properly, which can further increase entrepreneurship and employment opportunities and contribute to the national exchequer. In urban areas, many people have started their home businesses online, but there is a need for more widespread awareness. Similarly, freelancing has allowed many home-bound individuals to work from home. However, a lack of internet services and access to digital gadgets has prevented many from benefitting from the digital world.
Ministry officials and IT professionals believe that the annual revenue from freelancing is higher than the estimated $0.5 billion. These astounding figures reveal the country’s potential to tap into the IT industry on a wider scale and create millions of jobs as well as attract regional and global investment. Many countries have experienced exponential growth by investing in their IT sectors. Therefore, the government must facilitate educational institutes to teach IT courses and train individuals. The government should also work with local IT companies to expand opportunities.
Nimra Shahid
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2022.
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