Pakistan’s freelancers earned $352 million from exports during July-August 2026, a 44% increase over the same period last year.
The figures mark a strong start to financial year 2026-27. Freelancers brought in $244 million during July-August 2025, according to State Bank of Pakistan data cited by The News.
The increase translates into an additional $108 million in export receipts within two months. It comes as Pakistani freelancers expand their international client base and offer services across IT and non-IT fields.
IT services lead export earnings
Freelancers providing IT-related services earned $212 million during the period, while non-IT service providers generated $139 million, the report said.
IT services therefore accounted for around three-fifths of the reported total. Non-IT work also contributed substantially, highlighting the breadth of Pakistan’s freelance export activity.
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The reported sector figures add up to $351 million, slightly below the headline total of $352 million. The report did not explain the $1 million difference.
Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Chairperson Ibrahim Amin said Pakistani freelancers continued to strengthen their presence on international freelancing platforms. He said rising export receipts reflected that growing footprint.
AI skills and agency work gain ground
“Our freelancers are fast learners and quick to acquire in-demand skills, particularly in AI tools and applications,” Amin said.
His comments point to how freelancers are adapting their services as overseas clients seek new technical capabilities.
Amin said many freelancers now work in teams rather than operating individually. These teams provide multiple services through agencies registered on international platforms.
That approach allows groups of freelancers to combine different skills within a single service offering. However, the report did not specify how much export income came from agencies or AI-related work.
Amin also praised the government, private sector and non-governmental organisations for organising IT and skills-development courses across different cities.
He said these initiatives equipped young people with market-oriented skills alongside their academic qualifications. His remarks highlighted practical training as an important part of preparing Pakistanis for international freelance work.
Banking measures support freelance exports
Pakistan has also introduced banking measures to help freelancers receive and manage overseas earnings through formal channels.
In October 2023, the SBP issued a framework allowing freelancers to open a rupee account alongside an Exporters’ Special Foreign Currency Account. The framework provided for account opening either in person or remotely through digital channels.
In a separate circular that month, the central bank increased foreign-currency retention limits for eligible exporters from 35% to 50%.
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The measure covered software, IT, IT-enabled services and freelance exports. It also permitted current-account payments abroad from retained funds without prior SBP approval.
Those measures aimed to encourage exporters to bring additional foreign exchange into Pakistan. The latest reported earnings show a substantial year-on-year increase, although the data cited does not isolate the contribution of individual policy measures.
