According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Pakistani freelancers have generated more than $950 million in foreign exchange during the first 10 months of the fiscal year 2025-26 (10MFY26).

This represents a strong year-on-year (YoY) growth of around 49 per cent, highlighting the rapid expansion of the country’s digital and freelance economy.

Dr Imran Batada, newly appointed President and CEO of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PFA), stated that Pakistani freelancers have managed to outperform their counterparts in India, China, the UAE, and several other regional markets, despite facing multiple global and domestic economic challenges.

He attributed this growth to the increasing participation of Pakistani freelancers on global platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and various social media channels where digital services are marketed internationally.He further explained that awareness of freelancing as a viable career option has significantly increased in Pakistan over recent years.

This shift has encouraged many young individuals to acquire in-demand digital skills through online learning platforms, private training institutes, government-led programmes, and initiatives supported by non-governmental organisations.

The freelancing community in Pakistan is now estimated at around three million people, and stakeholders believe this number can continue to grow if supported through structured policies and collaboration between the government, banking sector, and private institutions.

Dr Batada also stressed the importance of developing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) skills and soft skills among freelancers to remain competitive in the global digital economy.The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) has also developed a strategy to conduct both online and on-site training sessions across the country.

These sessions aim to improve freelancers’ understanding of emerging trends, business development strategies, and international payment systems, further strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global freelancing market.