Pakistan freelancers’ earnings surge past $3bn in three years

Freelancers in Pakistan earned more than $3.2 billion in foreign exchange over the past three fiscal years, underscoring the sector’s growing role in the economy despite persistent challenges such as slow internet connectivity and power outages.

According to official data, freelance export earnings rose sharply from $505 million in FY24 to $984 million in FY25 and a record $1.76 billion in FY26, reflecting expansion of Pakistan’s digital workforce as more professionals choose to work online and earn in foreign currency.

The freelancing ecosystem has also benefited from government support through policies allowing freelancers to maintain foreign currency bank accounts, preferential tax treatment, and access to free online training programmes aimed at enhancing digital skills.

Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) chairman Ibrahim Amin said freelancers were making a significant contribution to the country’s economy by strengthening key macroeconomic indicators, particularly through foreign exchange earnings and tax contributions.

He said Pakistan’s freelancing community had emerged as a key driver of economic growth, with its export earnings surpassing those of several traditional sectors within just a few years.

“Pakistani freelancers are not only improving their own livelihoods through talent and hard work, but are also contributing to the development of a more productive, skilled and digitally empowered workforce.”

According to industry estimates, Pakistan is home to nearly three million full-time and part-time freelancers, making it the world’s fourth-largest freelancing workforce.

PAFLA president Dr Imran Batada stressed the need to expand digital skills training programmes to equip young people with the expertise required to work on global freelancing and digital platforms, saying this would help reduce unemployment, alleviate poverty and increase export earnings.

He said Pakistan’s skilled workforce was one of the country’s greatest strengths and urged freelancers to scale up their businesses by transforming into startups or registered companies while continuously upgrading their expertise in emerging and high-demand technologies.

Dr Batada also appreciated the government’s continued support for the freelancing sector through tax policies and various skills development initiatives, which he said would further accelerate the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.

According to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data, Pakistani freelancers earned a record $1.76 billion in foreign exchange during FY26, representing a 78% increase over the $984 million recorded in FY25.

The data showed that IT freelancers generated more than $1.16 billion in export earnings during FY26, compared with $779 million in the previous fiscal year, registering a 49% increase, or $385 million.

Meanwhile, export earnings generated by non-IT freelancers surged to $592 million in FY26 from $205 million in FY25, recording an increase of 188% or $387 million.