Freelancers earn $557min 1HFY26

Gig economy gains momentum as freelance exports surge 58%

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD:

Pakistani freelancers earned $557 million in foreign exchange during the first half of the current financial year 2025-26, underscoring their growing role in strengthening the country's services exports and external accounts, according to official data released on Monday.

Figures issued by the State Bank of Pakistan show that export receipts from computer and information services provided by freelancers rose sharply during July to December 2026, compared with $352 million earned in the same period of the previous financial year. The increase represents a 58% year-on-year growth.

The data reflects expanding global demand for Pakistan's freelance workforce across areas such as software development, digital marketing, graphic design, content creation and e-commerce. Officials say both public and private sector initiatives aimed at facilitation and training have contributed to a more supportive environment for freelancers and the wider gig economy.

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government was implementing multiple measures to enhance the contribution of freelancers to the economy. She said efforts were under way to improve digital infrastructure, expand affordable broadband access, simplify digital payment mechanisms and introduce targeted capacity-building programmes.

She added that policy reforms and partnerships with the private sector were being aligned to help freelancers integrate into the formal economy and contribute more effectively to national exports. Under existing arrangements, freelancers are allowed to maintain foreign exchange accounts and retain up to 50% of their income in dollars. Those registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board pay a reduced tax rate of 0.25%.

According to an Asian Development Bank report, Pakistan's freelancer community comprises an estimated 2.37 million full-time and part-time workers, with Pakistan ranking among the top three or four countries on several global freelancing platforms.

Pakistan Freelancers Association Chairman Ibrahim Amin said freelancers had emerged as a key source of foreign exchange and employment generation, particularly for young people. He said their earnings helped reduce unemployment while promoting entrepreneurship across the country.

Amin stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government, academia and industry to sustain growth in the sector. He said institutions and non-governmental organisations should expand structured training programmes, skill certification and industry-relevant curricula to equip youth with in-demand digital skills.