Freelancers earn over USD500m in 1HFY26: SBP

KARACHI: Pakistan freelancers earned over USD500 million foreign exchange earnings during the first half of the current fiscal year (FY26), reflecting the growing strength of the country’s digital economy and the expanding global demand for Pakistan’s skilled workforce.

According to statistics released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the export receipts earned by freelancers of computer and information services surged to USD557 million during the July-December of FY26 as compared to USD352 million foreign exchange earned by freelancers’ community during a similar period of the last financial year (FY25), showing a staggering 58 percent year-on-year growth.

Analysts said that the milestone underscores Pakistan’s emergence as a competitive global hub for freelancing services, particularly in software development, digital marketing, graphic design, content creation, and e-commerce.

Also, the increasing initiatives of the government and the private sector toward facilitations and training programs are developing a favorable ecosystem for freelancing and the Gig economy across the country, they added.

According to a report issued by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Pakistan’s freelancer community is estimated to consist of 2.37 million full-time and part-time individuals. Pakistani freelancers are ranked among the top three or four on different global freelancing marketplaces.

READ MORE: Pakistan freelancers hold over $1bn yearly earning potential: experts

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), Shaza Fatima Khawaja, said the government is taking multiple initiatives to facilitate freelancers and further enhance their contribution to the economy.

“The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication is actively working to create an enabling environment for freelancers through improved digital infrastructure, affordable broadband, simplified digital payment mechanisms, and targeted capacity-building programs. Our goal is to ensure that Pakistani freelancers can seamlessly access global markets and maximize their earning potential,” she said.

The government has facilitated freelancers to maintain foreign exchange accounts and retain up to 50 percent of their income in dollars in their bank accounts. Furthermore, freelancers registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) are paying a minimal tax of 0.25 percent.

Chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), Ibrahim Amin, said freelancers are playing a critical role in strengthening Pakistan’s external account and creating employment opportunities for youth.

Freelancers are now among the leading contributors to Pakistan’s services exports. Their earnings not only bring valuable foreign exchange into the country but also help reduce unemployment and promote entrepreneurship, he said.

The contribution of these freelancers was also supported by different institutions and NGOs working in the country. These institutions must step forward with structured training programs, skill certification, and industry-relevant curricula to equip young people with in-demand digital skills, he noted.

He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between government, academia, and industry to further support the freelancing ecosystem. “PAFLA is committed to working with universities and training centers to build a future-ready freelance workforce,” the PAFLA Chairman added. Stakeholders believe that with sustained policy support, improved ease of doing business, and investment in digital skills, Pakistan’s freelance earnings could cross the billion-dollar mark by the end of the current financial year, positioning the country as a leading player in the global gig economy.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026