Freelance export earnings set to hit USD1bn mark: SBP
Pakistan's freelance export earnings are nearing $1 billion, reaching $959 million in 10 months, a 49% growth driven by increased participation and skill development, outperforming regional competitors.
- Pakistan's nearing $1 billion freelance export earnings.
- Factors driving the significant growth in freelance income.
- The 3 million strong and growing Pakistani freelancing community.
KARACHI: With over USD950 million in export receipts during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, Pakistan is nearing the landmark USD1 billion milestone in freelance export earnings, as the country’s digital workforce continues to outperform regional competitors despite global and domestic economic challenges.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), export receipts generated through freelancing in computer and information services surged to USD959 million during July-April, compared to USD642 million recorded during the same period of the previous fiscal year, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 49 percent, or an increase of USD317 million.
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The growth and performance of freelancers is much better than India, China, the UAE and several other countries.
The strong inflow highlights the increasing contribution of Pakistan’s freelance industry to the national economy and the growing global demand for Pakistani digital services.
Industry sources said that one billion dollar earning landmark is likely to achieve in the first eleven months of this fiscal year and this achievement is possible through the collective efforts of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Software Export Board, the State Bank and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
Dr Imran Batada, the newly appointed President and CEO of Pakistan Freelancers Association, said the growth in freelancers’ income was driven by the increasing participation of Pakistani freelancers on various freelancing platforms, including Upwork, Fiverr, and social media platforms.
He noted that awareness about freelancing has increased immensely among Pakistanis over the past few years, encouraging many individuals to acquire skills through online learning, private institutions, government-led training programs, and initiatives by various NGOs.
Pakistan’s freelancing community is estimated at around 3 million people, and this number should continue to grow in a structured manner through collaboration among the government, banking companies, and other stakeholders, said Dr Imran Batada, a CIO who has received the Global CIO Award five times and has produced over 25,000 freelancers.
He further emphasised that Pakistani freelancers should continuously upgrade their skills to maintain their competitiveness on global freelancing platforms. He also urged students and young professionals to focus on acquiring advanced AI and soft skills.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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