Pakistan freelancers’ earnings surge 45% YoY in July

Export receipts generated through freelance services rose to $175.439 million in July 2026, compared with $120.556 million in the same month of 2025, registering an increase of $54.883 million, or around 45.5%, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Freelancers’ earnings from IT services increased to $106.778 million in July 2026, while non-IT services generated $68.661 million. In July 2025, freelance earnings from IT services stood at $89.872 million, while non-IT services accounted for $30.684 million.

Chairman and Founder of Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Ibrahim Amin said freelancers had played a significant role in supporting Pakistan’s economy and helping strengthen the macroeconomic indicators, adding that their contribution deserved recognition at the national level.

“The contribution of freelancers to Pakistan’s economy has grown significantly over the years. Their dedication, skills and resilience have enabled them to generate substantial foreign exchange for the country despite multiple issues and challenges,” he said.

Amin said around three million Pakistani freelancers generated $1.7 billion in foreign exchange during the financial year 2025-26, describing the achievement as a reflection of their talent, commitment and growing contribution to the country’s digital economy.

According to an estimate, there are nearly 3 million full-time and part-time freelancers in Pakistan, making the country the fourth largest freelancer community across the world.

PAFLA to hold national recognition ceremony for freelancers

PAFLA will organise the country’s first-ever freelancers’ awards ceremony on August 29 at Governor House Sindh to recognise the contributions and achievements of Pakistani freelancers and their role in generating valuable foreign exchange for the country.

Governor Sindh Nehal Hashmi will attend the ceremony as the chief guest, while Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima will be the guest of honour.

According to the organisers, freelancers from various categories will be recognised for their performance, professional achievements and contribution to Pakistan’s economy through the generation of foreign exchange. A separate category has also been introduced to recognise the achievements of female freelancers.

President and CEO of PAFLA Dr Imran Batada said freelancers were the “unsung heroes” of Pakistan who had made a valuable contribution to the national economy through their consistent efforts, hard work and resilience.

He said the PAFLA Freelancers Awards represented an important step towards bringing Pakistan’s rapidly growing digital workforce together on a national platform and highlighting the opportunities available in the global gig economy.

“The recognition of freelancers will not only honour their achievements but will also inspire students and young professionals to acquire skills in high-demand fields and explore freelancing as a sustainable career,” Dr Batada said.