Pakistani freelancers are significantly increasing their contribution to the global freelancing market, recording more than 50 percent growth in foreign exchange earnings from services provided to international clients.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), freelancers in computer and IT services earned $856 million by the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2025–26, compared to $567 million during the same period last year. This represents an increase of $289 million.
Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Chairman Ibrahim Amin said hundreds of thousands of individuals trained through public-sector programs and non-governmental initiatives are entering the freelancing market every month, strengthening the country’s foreign exchange inflows.
He noted that institutions such as the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Software Export Board, and the Special Investment Facilitation Council are playing a critical role in building a supportive ecosystem for freelancers.
However, Amin warned that persistent internet slowdowns are negatively impacting the productivity of freelancers and online workers, despite their growing contribution to the economy through foreign exchange earnings and employment generation.
He urged the government and internet service providers to ensure uninterrupted, high-speed internet connectivity nationwide to support Pakistan’s expanding digital economy, including freelancers and gig workers.
Amin highlighted that slow and unstable internet services, combined with frequent electricity outages, have worsened working conditions for freelancers. Many professionals struggle to meet project deadlines, which can harm their platform rankings and professional credibility.
According to the Asian Development Bank, Pakistan is home to more than 2.37 million freelancers, placing the country among the leading nations globally in terms of freelance workforce size.
He added that gig economy workers are also facing income losses due to poor internet connectivity, affecting revenue streams across multiple digital sectors.
It is worth noting that a major internet service provider recently carried out maintenance work on a submarine cable for nearly a week, impacting internet speeds and service quality nationwide.
To address recurring connectivity issues, Amin suggested introducing satellite-based internet solutions to ensure reliable access and reduce disruptions caused by submarine cable faults.
The PAFLA chairman expressed optimism that the future rollout of 5G technology will significantly improve internet speeds, boosting productivity for freelancers, content creators, and other online professionals across Pakistan.