Pakistani freelancers outearn regional rivals

KARACHI: Pakistani freelancers have earned more than $950 million in foreign exchange during 10MFY26, up 49 per cent year on year (YoY), according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Dr Imran Batada, the newly appointed President and CEO of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PFA), said Pakistani freelancers had outperformed those in India, China, the UAE, and several other countries despite multiple global and domestic challenges.

In a statement, he said the growth in freelancers’ income was driven by the increasing participation of Pakistani freelancers on various platforms, including Upwork, Fiverr, and social media.

He noted that awareness of freelancing has increased significantly among Pakistanis over the past few years, encouraging many individuals to acquire skills through online learning, private institutions, government-led training programmes, and initiatives by various NGOs.

Pakistan’s freelancing community is estimated at around three million people, and this number should continue to grow in a structured manner through collaboration among the government, banking companies, and other stakeholders, he said in a statement.

He also urged students and young professionals to focus on developing advanced AI and soft skills.

PAFLA, he said, has developed a strategy to organise various on-site and online sessions across the country to enhance freelancers’ knowledge of emerging trends in freelancing, business development, and payment processes.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2026