Pakistani freelancers earned more than $3.2 billion in foreign exchange during the past three fiscal years, highlighting their growing economic role. The sector continued to expand despite slow internet speeds, power outages and payment barriers.
Official data showed earnings rising from $505 million in FY24 to $984 million in FY25. They then climbed to a record $1.76 billion in FY26. The latest annual figure marked a 78 percent increase from the previous year.
Finance ministry adviser Khurram Schehzad said freelancers earned $164 million in June alone, up 69 percent from a year earlier. He described the sector as an important source of foreign exchange, high-value jobs, innovation and export diversification.
IT and Non-IT Workers Post Sharp Growth
State Bank of Pakistan data showed strong gains across both major freelance categories. IT freelancers generated more than $1.16 billion in FY26, compared with $779 million in FY25. That represented an increase of 49 percent, or $385 million.
Non-IT freelancers recorded even faster growth. Their export earnings jumped to $592 million from $205 million a year earlier. The increase reached 188 percent, or $387 million.
Read More: Pakistan’s Freelancers Shine Globally as Earnings Hit $856 Million With 50% Surge
Industry estimates place Pakistan’s full-time and part-time freelance population at nearly three million. That would make it the world’s fourth-largest freelancing workforce. Separate estimates cited by the finance ministry put the total at between 2.5 million and three million.
Pakistan Freelancers Association chairman Ibrahim Amin said the community supports key economic indicators through foreign exchange receipts and tax payments. He said freelance exports had overtaken several traditional sectors within only 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.”
Skills and Banking Reforms Remain Crucial
PAFLA President Dr Imran Batada called for wider digital training to prepare young Pakistanis for international freelancing platforms. He said stronger skills could reduce unemployment, ease poverty and raise export earnings.
Batada urged experienced freelancers to build startups or registered companies. He also asked them to keep learning emerging technologies and other high-demand skills. He praised government tax measures and training programmes that support Pakistan’s digital economy.
Read More: SBP Eases Forex Rules, Lets Freelancers Retain Up to $5,000 Monthly to Boost IT Exports
The government has allowed eligible freelancers to hold foreign currency accounts and receive preferential tax treatment. State Bank rules also allow IT exporters and freelancers to retain up to 50 percent of export proceeds in special foreign currency accounts. The central bank simplified export documentation further in April 2026. Officials expect these measures to bring more earnings through formal banking channels.
The Ministry of IT says its DigiSkills programme has delivered more than 3.36 million trainings. The programme offers free online courses to students, professionals and freelancers. PAFLA says Pakistan must expand such programmes while improving connectivity, electricity reliability and international payment access.
